Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Park Hall Country Cottages

Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB, Tel: 01206 822007, Email, www.bethchatto.co.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (3 miles, 4kms)

East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE, Tel: 01206 383868, www.visitparks.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

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, (6 miles, 9kms)

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.

Barlon Road, Little Bromley, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2PP, Tel: 01634 845944, (8 miles, 12kms)

This delightful country church is surrounded on all sides by flat Essex farmland. The nave is Norman, the chancel of about 1300, and the timber-framed porch 16th century.

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).

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, (3 miles, 4kms)

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 : Brightlingsea, Essex, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (2 miles, 4kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (2 miles, 4kms)

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 : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (2 miles, 4kms)

Little Clacton Parish Fields

In or near : Brightlingsea, Essex, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

Pavilion Gallery (Holland Art Society)

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

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, (3 miles, 4kms)

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (2 miles, 4kms)

The Flicks Cinema

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

Art gallery and picture framers located in the historic riverside village of Wivenhoe.