Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Blue House Farm

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.

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.

1 High Street, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AG, Tel: 01621 784962, (6 miles, 10kms)

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ES, Tel: 01702 434449, Email, www.southendmuseums.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (7 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, (6 miles, 10kms)

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/, (8 miles, 13kms)

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (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.

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 470834, www.leighsociety.co.uk/leighheritagecentre.htm, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (6 miles, 10kms)

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, (6 miles, 10kms)

Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8QG, Tel: 01621 784898, Email, www.mangapps.co.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

Extensive working railway museum including locomotives, carriages, wagons, historic buildings, memorabilia and major collection of signalling equipment. Much of collection under cover. Train rides every open day.

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.

Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Essex, CM9 6QA, Tel: 01621 843183, Email, www.museumofpower.org.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

A former steam pumping station, with power related exhibits, tea room, picnic area and miniature railway. Set in attractive riverside grounds.

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

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/, (6 miles, 9kms)

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, 11kms)

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, (6 miles, 10kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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

Creeksea Ferry Road, Essex, SS4 2HD, Tel: 01268 559158, www.rspb.org.uk/wallaseaisland, (6 miles, 9kms)

Wallasea Island Wild Coast project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.

Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE, Tel: 01702 467671, (8 miles, 12kms)

Southchurch Hall museum is housed in the half-timbered medieval manor house, which dates to the early 14th century.

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE, Tel: 01702 618747, Email, www.southendpier.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

If you walk along Southend-on-Sea's High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world.

1 High Street, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7AA, Tel: 01621 774239, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 352919, Email, www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/maxims/casino/19/southend.html, (7 miles, 12kms)

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