Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Bury Farm Cottages

Aythorpe Roding, Essex, CM6 1PP, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (2 miles, 4kms)

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.

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA, Tel: 01376 344123, Email, www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

Blake House is one of the prettiest craft centres in Essex, home to twenty exclusive shops, Minigolf and maize maze.

Chickney, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2BY, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

This atmospheric and remote pre-Conquest church has a 14th century tower and Saxon nave and chancel

Mill Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1BG, Tel: 01371 873109, Email, www.greatdunmowmaltings.co.uk, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (6 miles, 10kms)

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

Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, (6 miles, 10kms)

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, 9kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (8 miles, 13kms)

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.

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

Oldest vineyard in East Anglia with Real ale brewery set in 12 acre site. See how wine is made and beer is brewed – tasting. Wine, beer for sale-food by prior arrangement.

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

Glendale Forge produce a comprehensive range of hand-wrought Blacksmith-made ornamental ironwork with items for sale in the showroom.

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

Brick tower mill built 1804 with small museum. In full working order with the original mill machinery intact.

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

An art gallery specialising in paintings, prints, sculptures and greetings cards by local artists. Picture framing. Life drawing sessions.

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

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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 : Braintree, Essex, (8 miles, 13kms)

Twelve acre garden, including walled garden dated 1698. Ponds, water garden, many rare trees, temple. Open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme.

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

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 : Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, (6 miles, 10kms)

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 : Great Dunmow, Essex, (8 miles, 12kms)

14th century timber framed town hall and trading post built by the cutlery industry. Small art display by Thaxted artists.

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

Small Norman church which shares a churchyard with the chruch of Willingale Doe.