Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7JW, Tel: 01245 476159, Email, www.baddowantiques.co.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

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, (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, (4 miles, 6kms)

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.

Paper Mill Lock, North Hill, Little Baddow, Essex, CM3 4BS, Tel: 07813 014325, Email, www.papermilllock.co.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

Public trips and charters aboard traditional 48-seat barge "Victoria" with bar and catering options. Cruiser and dinghy hire, lock-side tea-room, island picnic area, walks and fishing. Coaches welcome by appointment.

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ, Tel: 01245 605700, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museum, (6 miles, 9kms)

Local and social history from prehistory to present day; fine and decorative arts (ceramics, glass); coins; natural history (geology, animals, live beehive). Exhibitions and events. Set in park with children's play area.

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, (5 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, (8 miles, 13kms)

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, (8 miles, 13kms)

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, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

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.

Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ, Tel: 01245 605500, Email, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands, (5 miles, 8kms)

Rescued from ruin & steeped in history, Hylands House is a fascinating & beautifully restored country house, dating from 1730. Hylands House is now open to the public every Sunday throughout the year, & on Mondays during the summer months.

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR, Tel: 01277 353010, Email, www.ingatestonehall.com, (4 miles, 7kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

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.

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET, Tel: 0845 265 8071, Email, www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall, (4 miles, 6kms)

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (2 miles, 3kms)

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

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5QZ, Tel: 01245 425394, Email, www.tropicalwings.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

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!

Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG, Tel: 01245 606505, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres, (6 miles, 10kms)

The city of Chelmsford's biggest theatre the Civic and smaller studio the Cramphorn, hold host to some of the regions's top drama, music, comedy, dance and children's entertainment.

Chruch Road, Bowers Gifford, Essex, SS7 5BN, Tel: 01268 559158, www.RSPB.org.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

Pitsea, Essex, SS13 3JX, Tel: 01268 559158, (6 miles, 10kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

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

Admirals Park

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

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 : Chelmsford, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

This 15th century building, with perpendicular architecture, is light, spacious and colourful. Of special interest are "The Tree of Life" painting, a woven altar frontal and other contemporary works of art.