Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Friars Farm

Aythorpe Roding, Essex, CM6 1PP, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

A large post mill on 4 floors, restored to working order. Fascinating wooden and iron machinery and fantail. Subject to wind, guided groups may be able to see sails turning. Cream teas available at the village hall next door.

Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN, Tel: 01277 365200, Email, www.eorailway.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Epping Ongar Railway is Essex's LONGEST heritage railway and the CLOSEST TO LONDON, running from Ongar to North Weald and into Epping Forest.

Mill Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1BG, Tel: 01371 873109, Email, www.greatdunmowmaltings.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

A unique surviving C16th Grade 2* listed timber framed building, fully restored retaining the original floor maltings infrastructure used between c1565 & 1948. Incorporates the Town Museum & modern conference facilities for 70 people.

The National Trust, Hatfield Forest Estate Office, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6NE, Tel: 01279 870678, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest, (4 miles, 7kms)

Hatfield Forest is a rare surviving example of a Medieval Royal Hunting Forest. It has wonderful ancient trees which are like magnificent living sculptures. Visit the shore of the lake & find all the facilities you need.

Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8SP, Tel: 01279 813237, Email, www.mountfitchetcastle.com, (7 miles, 11kms)

Mountfitchet Castle Experience is a multi attraction incorporating Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, House on the Hill Toy Museum and Dinosaur Encounters.

Broadlands, Broadley Common, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2DH, Tel: 01508 481000, Email, www.redwings.org.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

Meet rescued horses and ponies in beautiful surroundings. Gift shop and cafe and information centre on site. Plus guided tours and re-homing demonstrations.

Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, (7 miles, 11kms)

The large Norman church of St Mary the Virgin stands away from the village, in a peaceful setting.

St Mary the Virgin's church, Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, Tel: 01634 845944, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

Large Norman church with superb monuments. Great sense of peace yet on the edge of Stansted airport.

Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Essex, CM6 2BB, Tel: 01371 876979, Email, www.eastonlodge.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

Designed by Harold Peto in 1902 for 'Daisy' Countess of Warwick. Abandoned in 1950, restoration commenced in 1993. Visit the Italian garden, glade, 'Peto' Pavilion, courtyard with fountain and be inspired.

Marsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA, Tel: 01279 442112, Email, www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk, (3 miles, 5kms)

An ideal venue for small conferences, away days and client meetings and that special occasion. The Barn has an extensive garden with sculptures, and seats 40+ people. Kitchen facilities or catering facilities are also available.

Zinc Arts Centre,, High Street, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 0AD, Tel: 01277 365626, Email, www.zincarts.org.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

An accessible residential arts & education centre with accommodation for up to 48 guests, a studio performance/presenting space, cafe, dining hall & meeting/teaching rooms.

Church Lane, Greensted Road, Greensted, Essex, CM5 9LA, Tel: 01992 564273, (7 miles, 12kms)

The oldest wooden church in the world. The oldest wooden building in Europe.

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

A permanent collection of 20th century British watercolours and drawings as well as a changing exhibition programme featuring the work of both local artists and artists of the world-renown.

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

The oldest wooden church in the world, dating from the 11th century. Picturesque building in a quiet location, with Tudor chancel and Crusaders grave. A supposed resting place for St Edmund’s body.

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

With Theatre, comedy, live music, dance, children's shows and film, Harlow Playhouse is the area's number 1 live entertainment venue.

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

Set in a mediæval tithe barn and 13th century church, the Harlow Study Centre is a living testament to the heritage of Harlow New Town.

In or near : Great Dunmow, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

Norman church with wall paintings and brasses. Memorial chapel with monuments to the distinguished ancestors of the famous Countess of Warwick (King Edward VII's 'Darling Daisy'). Memorial to the actress Dame Ellen Terry.

In or near : Great Dunmow, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

Extensive gardens, topiary, lakes and fountains. The Barn Theatre and Turkey Barn are available to hire for conferences, civil ceremonies, wedding receptions, dinners, etc. Day ticket angling. Church adjacent.

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

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

A ‘House of Memories’ and a striking memorial telling the story of this historic airfield and its people from 1916 to 1964. Full educational programme available for schools.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

Ancient woodland with a fine variety of birds, mammals and insects. Facilities include two nature trails with hides for observing wildlife and a study centre. School visits welcome by appt.

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

The well-preserved churches of the adjoining parishes of Willingale Doe and Willingale Spain stand side by side in the same churchyard at the heart of the village.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

Based in a converted Victorian church, the ARC, tucked away in a secluded corner of Old Harlow, has been a lively community arts centre since the mid-1980s. It offers visitors a varied programme of activities and events for all ages.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

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

Brick tower mill built in 1787. Most of original machinery remains as left when mill ceased working in 1910, including three pairs of stones and bolter (not working). Recent major restoration.

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

The Gallery at Parndon Mill presents a series of exhibitions of fine art and crafts by distinguished artists including those who have studios at Parndon Mill.