Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Langdon Hills Country Park

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Visit Barleylands where the whole family can Play, Shop, Eat and Learn all in one place.

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Get ready for free range family fun at Barleylands Farm Park. Say hello to cuddly farmyard friends, run wild in the indoor play or jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride.

The Old Granary, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7RE, Tel: 01268 769000, Email, www.battlesbridge.com, (8 miles, 12kms)

5 interesting old buildings housing over 70 dealers in antiques & crafts. On the banks of the River Crouch in a picturesque hamlet, with tea rooms and 18th century pub. Visits to the Classic Motor Cycle Museum on Sundays or by appointment.

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/hadleigh-castle, (6 miles, 10kms)

The impressive remains of a mighty fortress constructed over seven centuries ago; overlooking the Essex Marshes, the barbican and two towers remain standing today.

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01702 551072, Email, www.hadleighcountrypark.co.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

Fields and woodland overlooking the Thames estuary. Remains of castle close by, accessible by footpath. Access via Chapel Lane. Guided Events Programme running throughout the year and site leaflet available.

Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT, Tel: 01268 711001, Email, www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/hanningfield_reservoir, (7 miles, 12kms)

A warm welcome will always greet you at Hanningfield reservoir visitor centre.The visitor centre is set in mature woodland and offers superb views over the 870 acre Hanningfield Reservoir.

Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH, Tel: 01268 498620, Email, www.rspb.org.uk/southessexmarshes, (2 miles, 4kms)

Come and see us in our new RSPB visitor centre, which includes state-of-the-art CCTV putting the secrets of the natural world right in front of your eyes. Open daily, all year round, 10 am – 5 pm.

The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ, Tel: 01277 211250, Email, www.visitparks.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Old parkland, lakes and woods. Countryside centre has refreshments, exhibition and gift shop. Pavilion includes gallery, seating area and refreshments. Fishing is also available.

The Fort, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NR, Tel: 0870 333 1181, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/tilbury-fort/, (7 miles, 12kms)

Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.

Chruch Road, Bowers Gifford, Essex, SS7 5BN, Tel: 01268 559158, www.RSPB.org.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

Pitsea, Essex, SS13 3JX, Tel: 01268 559158, (3 miles, 4kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 0PS, Tel: 01268 559158, (4 miles, 6kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

In or near : Brentwood, Essex, (8 miles, 13kms)

Small, picturesque, cottage museum, set in disused cemetery, concentrating on local and social interests during the first half of the 20th century, including relics from two world wars.

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

Houses a collection of Eastern National buses and coaches and various other commercial vehicles from the period 1944-1981. Vehicles can be seen undergoing restoration and in restored condition.

In or near : Southend-on-Sea, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

A park with beautiful ornamental gardens, colourful bedding displays, an environmental garden, a courtyard style sun garden and a rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society.

In or near : Tilbury, Essex, (5 miles, 8kms)

Coalhouse Fort, in its attractive riverside park setting, has links with centuries of coastal defence. A fine example of Victorian military architecture, the fort was operational throughout two World Wars.

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

17th century cottage with annexe, built by one of Vermuyden's marshland drainage workmen and now housing a small museum of local history. Farm implements and Victorian artefacts.

In or near : Brentwood, Essex, (5 miles, 8kms)

This fascinating church is built of mellow Tudor brick and stands in magnificent isolation above the Southend road with wide views to the Thames.

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

Collection of artefacts, fire appliances, equipment, photographs and memorabilia.

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

Essex Horse & Pony Protection Society, receive calls day after day, reporting cases which require our investigation and/or action by us.

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

Welcome to the web site of the Salvation Army-Hadleigh Farm including The Rare Breeds Centre. Open to the public to help make conservation and learning fun.

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

Pottery painting, for all ages, potter's wheel; day time & weekend classes or just drop in. Mini mosaics, glass. Painting home of the award winning 'a nation of shopkeepers' collectable ceramic wall plaques. Call for more information.

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

Folk museum housed in a redundant church. Displays relating to local history. Some weekends exhibitions of art, crafts, needlework, costumes, etc.

In or near : Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

Hilly landscape of wood and farm land. Wide variety of wildlife. Panoramic views over south Essex and the Thames Estuary. Ranger guided events programme running throughout the year.

In or near : Basildon, Essex, (3 miles, 4kms)

Meadows, woodland, lake, picnic area, visitor centre, toilets, shop, refreshments, activity leaflets and self guide walks always available. Haven Plotlands 1930's Museum - step back in time. Opening times vary to centre.

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

Traditionally coppiced ancient woodland steeped in history. Easy access trail. Information/education centre. Guided tours and craft displays. Site of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Owned by Basildon Council.