Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of The Dutch Cottage

Barleylands Craft Village

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Craft Centre

Barleylands Farm Park

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

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.

Activity Farm

Battlesbridge Antiques Centre

The Old Granary, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7RE, Tel: 01268 769000, Email, www.battlesbridge.com, (3 miles, 5kms)

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.

Craft Centre

Beecroft Art Gallery

Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 347418, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (5 miles, 9kms)

The gallery houses some 2,000 works, including works by Constable, Molenaer, Lear and Seago. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions and is the home of the Essex artists open exhibition.

Central Museum and Planetarium

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ES, Tel: 01702 434449, Email, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

An Edwardian building housing displays of archaeology, natural history, social and local history. Hands-on discovery centre and Planetarium.

Cliffs Pavilion

Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 351135, www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk, (5 miles, 9kms)

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.

Hadleigh Castle

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/hadleigh-castle, (2 miles, 4kms)

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

Castle

Hadleigh Country Park

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01702 551072, Email, www.hadleighcountrypark.co.uk, (2 miles, 4kms)

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.

Country Park

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT, Tel: 01268 711001, Email, www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/hanningfield_reservoir, (6 miles, 10kms)

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.

Reservoir

Leigh Heritage Centre

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 470834, www.leighsociety.co.uk/leighheritagecentre.htm, (4 miles, 6kms)

Museum with photographic display of the history of Leigh-on-Sea, and fully restored fisherman's cottage, circa l850, situated in the waterside High Street of the Old Town.

Heritage Centre

Marsh Farm

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP, Tel: 01245 321552, Email, www.marshfarm.co.uk, (3 miles, 5kms)

Farm trail with pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens, ponies and pets. Daily milking demonstrations, gift shop, tea room, play areas. Please book in advance for group bookings and birthday parties.

Wildlife Park

New Hall Vineyards

Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN, Tel: 01621 828343, Email, www.newhallwines.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

92 acre vineyard open daily. Includes farm trail, vineyard walk and wine tasting in the cellar shop. Annual wine festival first full weekend in September. Guided tours by appointment from May to September.

Palace Theatre

430 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 9LA, Tel: 01702 351135, www.palacetheatresouthend.co.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

A truly unique building, the Palace always offers a vibrant mix of comedy, music, drama and shows.

Prittlewell Priory Museum

Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6NB, Tel: 01702 342878, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

Well preserved 12th Century Priory housing a museum of the Priory's history.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET, Tel: 0845 265 8071, Email, www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall, (6 miles, 9kms)

A garden of inspiration beauty with an eclectic range of horticultural styles from traditional to modern providing year round interest.

RSPB South Essex Marshes

Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH, Tel: 01268 498620, Email, www.rspb.org.uk/southessexmarshes, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.