Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Friary Walled Garden

Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7JW, Tel: 01245 476159, Email, www.baddowantiques.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

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.

Paper Mill Lock, North Hill, Little Baddow, Essex, CM3 4BS, Tel: 07813 014325, Email, www.papermilllock.co.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ, Tel: 01621 841826, Email, www.cmsm.co.uk, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

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.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, www.cressingtemple.org.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

Two magnificent 13th century barns, once owned by the mysterious Knights Templar; Tudor walled garden; rural buildings from seventeenth century onwards. Well-stocked gift shop and tea-room. Audio tour guide available.

Off Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/danbury-commons-and-blakes-wood/, (5 miles, 8kms)

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, 8kms)

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

47 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HX, Tel: 01621 853699, Email, www.maldonmuseum.org.uk, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

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, (0.2 miles, 0.2kms)

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.

Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Essex, CM9 6QA, Tel: 01621 843183, Email, www.museumofpower.org.uk, (2 miles, 3kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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/, (2 miles, 3kms)

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.

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET, Tel: 0845 265 8071, Email, www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall, (6 miles, 10kms)

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

Church Road, Rivenhall, Essex, CM8 3PQ, Tel: 01376 512781, www.essexchurches.info/church.asp?p=Rivenhall, (7 miles, 11kms)

This Saxon church is on the site of a Roman villa. The Victorians gave the church its present appearance and its greatest treasure: French stained glass from the 12th century.

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF, Tel: 01621 857373, www.themoothall.co.uk, (0.1 miles, 0.1kms)

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

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!

Wilkin's Jam Factory, Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex, CO5 0RF, Tel: 01621 814524, Email, www.tiptree.com, (6 miles, 10kms)

Tiptree is the home of the Wilkin family - where from 1885 the first Tiptree jam was made. Delightful museum, tea room and gift shop.

Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE, Tel: 01376 502674, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ, Tel: 01621 856503, Email, www.maldon.gov.uk, (0.7 miles, 1kms)

100 year old Edwardian park with ornamental lake, magnificent river views and walks. Large free water Splash Park, sandpits, galleon play ship and aerial zip-wire, picnic areas and numerous events held throughout the year.

1 Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TP, Tel: 01621 869015, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

An opportunity to see an abundance of coastal wetland bird species in their natural environment.

In or near : Maldon, Essex, (0.1 miles, 0.2kms)

All Saints

In or near : Maldon, Essex, (0.1 miles, 0.1kms)

Our doors are open to everybody of all faiths – all are welcome in this house. Come along to one (or more) of our services or any of the many events held in this beautiful old building. We guarantee you a warm and friendly reception.

In or near : Maldon, Essex, (1 miles, 2kms)

Daily. 1 hour boat trips. 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm. £5 adults, £3.50 child/concs. 2 hour sunset picnic trips to Beeleigh (booking essential). £12.50 adults, £10.00 concessions. Self-drive motor boat for hire by the hour.

In or near : Maldon, Essex, www.visitmaldon.co.uk/beeleigh-abbey, (0.9 miles, 2kms)

Three Acres of spacious and peaceful gardens in a historic rural setting, beautifully revived and extended in recent years.

In or near : Witham, Essex, (5 miles, 8kms)

A reference collection of books by and about Dorothy L Sayers, novelist, theologian and Dante scholar, who lived in Witham for many years.

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

Manorial history, artefacts from the Roman settlement of Canonium, agricultural tools and bygones.