Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Marsh Farm

Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7JW, Tel: 01245 476159, Email, www.baddowantiques.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

One of the leading antiques centres in Essex. 20 dealers offer a wide selection of quality antiques and collectables. 300 Victorian brass and iron bedsteads on show. Restoration services available.

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

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, (8 miles, 12kms)

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, (2 miles, 3kms)

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.

Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 347418, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

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.

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ES, Tel: 01702 434449, Email, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

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

Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 351135, www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

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.

Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ, Tel: 01621 841826, Email, www.cmsm.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

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.

Off Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/danbury-commons-and-blakes-wood/, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Woodhill Road, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AN, Tel: 01245 222350, Email, www.visitparks.co.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

Danbury Country Park offers quiet recreation amongst the walled gardens, lakes and woodland of Danbury Palace.

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/hadleigh-castle, (6 miles, 9kms)

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, 9kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 470834, www.leighsociety.co.uk/leighheritagecentre.htm, (6 miles, 10kms)

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.

47 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HX, Tel: 01621 853699, Email, www.maldonmuseum.org.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

Social history museum of Maldon and District situated on the edge of the award winning Promenade Park.

Wenlock Way, High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5AD, Tel: 01621 856503, Email, (7 miles, 12kms)

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP, Tel: 01245 321552, Email, www.marshfarm.co.uk, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

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.

Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN, Tel: 01621 828343, Email, www.newhallwines.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

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.

Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northey-island/, (8 miles, 12kms)

Small Island in the Blackwater Estuary with a large area of undisturbed salt marsh. Site of special scientific interest. Site of the Battle of the Maldon in AD991. Guided tours by prior arrangement.

430 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 9LA, Tel: 01702 351135, www.palacetheatresouthend.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

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

Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6NB, Tel: 01702 342878, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET, Tel: 0845 265 8071, Email, www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall, (3 miles, 4kms)

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, (8 miles, 12kms)

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 352919, Email, www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/maxims/casino/19/southend.html, (8 miles, 12kms)

For one of the ultimate nights out in Southend visit The Genting Club. Offering all of your favourite casino games.

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF, Tel: 01621 857373, www.themoothall.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

15th Century brick building with spiral staircase includes a Georgian court room and Victorian Council Chamber.