Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Crowne Plaza Colchester- Five Lakes

Bourne Mill, Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RT, Tel: 01206 572422, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bourne-mill, (8 miles, 12kms)

National Trust property, the mill was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1591 and features stepped "Dutch" gables. There is a millpond and some of the machinery, including the waterwheel which is intact and working.

The National Trust, Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1RE, Tel: 01376 562226, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coggeshall-grange-barn, (8 miles, 12kms)

Grange Barn stands as a reminder of the once powerful Coggeshall Abbey; with ancient pillars soaring to a cathedral like roof.

Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ, Tel: 01621 841826, Email, www.cmsm.co.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

An amazing collection of British military artefacts dating from the English Civil War to present day, including an espionage collection belonging to the British Secret Agents.

Little Wigborough, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/copt-hall-marshes, (3 miles, 5kms)

Situated on the remote and attractive Blackwater Estuary, they are part of the Blackwater site of Special Scientific Interest. The salt marshes are rich in overwintering wildfowl and wading birds.

East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE, Tel: 01206 383868, www.visitparks.co.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN, Tel: 01206 729678, Email, www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/fingringhoe_wick, (8 miles, 13kms)

Nature reserve-125 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitors centre. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children. Hot and cold drinks available.

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US, Tel: 01206 330784, Email, www.layermarneytower.co.uk, (2 miles, 4kms)

Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower, visit the gardens, outbuildings dolls house, church and farm animals. Cafe and shop.

47 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HX, Tel: 01621 853699, Email, www.maldonmuseum.org.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

Social history museum of Maldon and District situated on the edge of the award winning Promenade Park.

Wenlock Way, High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5AD, Tel: 01621 856503, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

Mersea Island Museum, High Street, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8QD, Tel: 01206 385191, Email, www.merseamuseum.org.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

Exhibits of Mersea's social history, natural history, archaeology and fishing industry, including a fisherman's cottage display. Special exhibitions and gift shop.

Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8SX, Tel: 01206 385900, www.merseawine.com, (6 miles, 10kms)

Producers of fine wines and real ale (cask and conditioned).

Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Essex, CM9 6QA, Tel: 01621 843183, Email, www.museumofpower.org.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

A former steam pumping station, with power related exhibits, tea room, picnic area and miniature railway. Set in attractive riverside grounds.

Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northey-island/, (6 miles, 9kms)

Small Island in the Blackwater Estuary with a large area of undisturbed salt marsh. Site of special scientific interest. Site of the Battle of the Maldon in AD991. Guided tours by prior arrangement.

Paycockes, 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1NS, Tel: 01376 561305, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes, (8 miles, 13kms)

Built in the 16th century, this attractive half-timbered house is a grand example of wealth generated by the cloth trade.

Church Road, Rivenhall, Essex, CM8 3PQ, Tel: 01376 512781, www.essexchurches.info/church.asp?p=Rivenhall, (7 miles, 12kms)

This Saxon church is on the site of a Roman villa. The Victorians gave the church its present appearance and its greatest treasure: French stained glass from the 12th century.

Off Aldcar Road, Copford Green, CO6 1DG, Tel: 01206 210488, (6 miles, 9kms)

Celebrated 12th century apsidal church with magnificent colour medieval wall paintings, showing a strong Byzantine influence in content and design as well as technical excellence and lavishness of execution.

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF, Tel: 01621 857373, www.themoothall.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

15th Century brick building with spiral staircase includes a Georgian court room and Victorian Council Chamber.

Wilkin's Jam Factory, Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex, CO5 0RF, Tel: 01621 814524, Email, www.tiptree.com, (3 miles, 4kms)

Tiptree is the home of the Wilkin family - where from 1885 the first Tiptree jam was made. Delightful museum, tea room and gift shop.

Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE, Tel: 01376 502674, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ, Tel: 01621 856503, Email, www.maldon.gov.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

100 year old Edwardian park with ornamental lake, magnificent river views and walks. Large free water Splash Park, sandpits, galleon play ship and aerial zip-wire, picnic areas and numerous events held throughout the year.

1 Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TP, Tel: 01621 869015, Email, (1 miles, 2kms)

An opportunity to see an abundance of coastal wetland bird species in their natural environment.

In or near : Colchester, Essex, (4 miles, 6kms)

Conservation centre run by the Essex Wildlife Trust, at a site of international importance for winter wildfowl. Nesting cormorants, common terns and nightingales. Nature trails and bird hides. Shop selling gifts, optics and wildlife books.

In or near : Colchester, Essex, (8 miles, 12kms)

Church of England parish church in Aldham near Colchester.

In or near : Maldon, Essex, (7 miles, 11kms)

All Saints

In or near : Maldon, Essex, (7 miles, 11kms)

Our doors are open to everybody of all faiths – all are welcome in this house. Come along to one (or more) of our services or any of the many events held in this beautiful old building. We guarantee you a warm and friendly reception.

In or near : Maldon, Essex, (6 miles, 9kms)

Daily. 1 hour boat trips. 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm. £5 adults, £3.50 child/concs. 2 hour sunset picnic trips to Beeleigh (booking essential). £12.50 adults, £10.00 concessions. Self-drive motor boat for hire by the hour.