Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of The Belvedere

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk, (0.8 miles, 1kms)

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, (0.8 miles, 1kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

15 Shenfield Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8AG, Tel: 01277 200305, Email, www.brentwood-theatre.org, (7 miles, 11kms)

A community fringe/studio theatre seating up to 176 or 299 standing. There are tours available.

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/hadleigh-castle, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (4 miles, 6kms)

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.

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR, Tel: 01277 353010, Email, www.ingatestonehall.com, (6 miles, 9kms)

Tudor manor house and grounds containing furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated by the resident family over the centuries.

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP, Tel: 01245 321552, Email, www.marshfarm.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

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.

Roman Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0TZ, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

A weatherboarded post mill, restored to working order in 1983. See the huge wood and iron gears, with one pair of stones opened up for viewing. Subject to wind, guided groups may be able to see the sails turning.

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET, Tel: 0845 265 8071, Email, www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH, Tel: 01268 498620, Email, www.rspb.org.uk/southessexmarshes, (4 miles, 6kms)

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.

Mill Lane, Stock, Essex, CM4 9RY, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

A 19thC towermill, recently restored to working order and typical of the latest in millwright's techniques just before windmills became obsolete.

The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ, Tel: 01277 211250, Email, www.visitparks.co.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

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

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5QZ, Tel: 01245 425394, Email, www.tropicalwings.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Tropical Wings Zoo is home to exotic animals, birds of prey and free flying butterflies in our Tropical House making it a great day out for everyone!

Chruch Road, Bowers Gifford, Essex, SS7 5BN, Tel: 01268 559158, www.RSPB.org.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

Pitsea, Essex, SS13 3JX, Tel: 01268 559158, (3 miles, 5kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 0PS, Tel: 01268 559158, (6 miles, 9kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

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

A gallery selling exhibitions of work by major British artists and prints by European masters at affordable prices.

In or near : Brentwood, Essex, (5 miles, 7kms)

The new (1991) Roman Catholic classical cathedral church of St Mary and St Helen incorporates part of the original Victorian church. Designed by distinguished Classical architect Quinlan Terry with roundels by Raphael Maklouf.

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

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 : Brentwood, Essex, (7 miles, 11kms)

Classical building re-opened 15 years ago.

In or near : Southend-on-Sea, Essex, (8 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 : Canvey Island, Essex, (8 miles, 12kms)

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, 7kms)

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 : Southend-on-Sea, Essex, (3 miles, 5kms)

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