Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Lee Wick Farm Holiday Cottages

Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB, Tel: 01206 822007, Email, www.bethchatto.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

2.5 hectares (6 acres) of gravel, water and woodland gardens, a large modern tea room and plant nursery.

Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 4TL, Tel: 01255 479595, Email, www.clactonfactoryoutlet.com, (5 miles, 8kms)

Clacton Factory Outlet offers stores with famous named brands in fashion, footwear, home wares, jewellery, books, tents/outdoor equipment and confectionery at up to 60% off High Street prices.

1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1QX, Tel: 01255 421115, Email, www.clacton-pier.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

Six and a half acres of fun and entertainment, including under cover and outside fairground, amusements, side stalls, cafés and take aways, Seaquarium, public house with children's play area and lots more for all the family.

Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SE, Tel: 01255 686633, Email, (4 miles, 7kms)

Little Wigborough, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/copt-hall-marshes, (8 miles, 13kms)

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, (3 miles, 4kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF, Tel: 01255 822783, Email, www.jaywickmartellotower.org, (2 miles, 3kms)

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community & visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks & events.

Mersea Island Museum, High Street, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8QD, Tel: 01206 385191, Email, www.merseamuseum.org.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

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, (4 miles, 7kms)

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

Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington, Essex, CO7 8JJ, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Early 19th century tide mill with its machinery, which has been fully restored. Wheel can be run for guided groups (subject to tide).

Tower Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 1LE, Tel: 01255 474000, Email, www.westcliffclacton.org, (4 miles, 6kms)

A traditional 600-seat seaside theatre used all year for a whole range of entertainment, including traditional summer season variety show. Foyer art gallery.

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

Contemporary art gallery showing temporary exhibitions and associated events. Parkland with lakes and sculptures.

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

Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank together with extensive saltmarsh. The spit has been built up by tidal currents and is mainly cockle and oyster shells.

In or near : Brightlingsea, Essex, (2 miles, 3kms)

A representative collection of objects, photographs and pictures illustrative of the social and economic history of the town and its immediate surroundings over the past 700 years.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, Email, www.clactonzoo.co.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Childrens zoo, with many animals that the public can interact with baby rabbits, ducklings, guinea pig, alpacas, micro pigs, ect.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (2 miles, 3kms)

1810 Martello Tower, used by the Navy in WWII, known as H.M.S. Helder. Memorial to Flight Officer Ray King of 479th Fighter Group, pilot of a recovered P51D Mustang on display together with other WWII exhibits.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

Situated on the coast between Clacton and Frinton-on-Sea, the County Park offers over 100 acres of unspoilt scenic coastline-ideal for bird watching.

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

Lakeside Theatre is a hidden gem. We present great performances, original theatre, children's shows, contemporary music, comedy nights and local groups. Set in parkland with café, lakes, sculptures and ducks. Twitter @lakesidetheatre

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 6kms)

Little Clacton Parish Fields

In or near : Brightlingsea, Essex, (2 miles, 3kms)

Meander along footpaths exploring the diverse variety of trees, plants and wildlife. Visit the pond area or just sit, relax, listen and observe all around you.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

Pavilion Gallery (Holland Art Society)

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (6 miles, 9kms)

Indoor soft play centre with seating for 100 in the restaurant area. Great for children 0-12. Open all year.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

The theatre offers a multitude of attractions throughout the year: top name stars, dances, band concerts, ballet, wrestling, exhibitions etc.

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

Day trips aboard historic, traditional Thames sailing bawley. Active hands-on sailing. Max 8 guests. Booking essential.

In or near : Colchester, Essex, (6 miles, 10kms)