Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of YHA Stour Valley Bunkhouse

Paper Mill Lock, North Hill, Little Baddow, Essex, CM3 4BS, Tel: 07813 014325, Email, www.papermilllock.co.uk

Public trips and charters aboard traditional 48-seat barge "Victoria" with bar and catering options. Cruiser and dinghy hire, lock-side tea-room, island picnic area, walks and fishing. Coaches welcome by appointment.

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ, Tel: 01245 605700, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museum

Local and social history from prehistory to present day; fine and decorative arts (ceramics, glass); coins; natural history (geology, animals, live beehive). Exhibitions and events. Set in park with children's play area.

Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW, Tel: 01702 318111, Email, www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure_culture_and_tourism/woodlands_parks_and_open_spaces/cherry_orchard_country_park

Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley, the 200 acre country park makes the most of it's setting with a mix of open grassland, woodland, a lake, and a network of paths & bridleways.

Chickney, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2BY, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk

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

Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 4TL, Tel: 01255 479595, Email, www.clactonfactoryoutlet.com

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

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

Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 351135, www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Southend's premier entertainment complex, the Cliffs Pavilion is a great place to experience live performances. The region's leading theatre and concert hall, programmes include touring West End musicals, ballet, concerts and comedy.

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

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

Town Centre, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1, www.visitcolchester.com

Bold, energetic and contrasting - Colchester is more than Britain's oldest recorded town.

Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF, Tel: 01206 500900, Email, www.colchesterartscentre.com

The home of live music, comedy, theatre, poetry, dance, children's shows, clubs, farmer's markets, gigs and more.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ, Tel: 01206 282939, Email, www.cimuseums.org.uk

Colchester Castle is temporarily closed for 2013 for an exciting redevelopment. We will be creating new museum displays and improved visitor facilities. The Castle will re-open for Easter 2014. Visit our website for further details

Hedingham Station, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DZ, Tel: 01787 461174, Email, www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk

One mile length of line with re-located buildings, large collection of heritage rolling stock, steam and diesel locomotives and miniature and model railways. Special events including Thomas and Santa specials.

Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ, Tel: 01621 841826, Email, www.cmsm.co.uk

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

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.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, www.cressingtemple.org.uk

Two magnificent 13th century barns, once owned by the mysterious Knights Templar; Tudor walled garden; rural buildings from seventeenth century onwards. Well-stocked gift shop and tea-room. Audio tour guide available.

East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE, Tel: 01206 383868, www.visitparks.co.uk

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.

Off Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/danbury-commons-and-blakes-wood/

Owned by the National Trust, Danbury Commons and Blakes wood encompass a large expanse of heathland, gorse and coppice, in addition to woodland.