Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of St Mary's Church

Aythorpe Roding, Essex, CM6 1PP, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

A large post mill on 4 floors, restored to working order. Fascinating wooden and iron machinery and fantail. Subject to wind, guided groups may be able to see sails turning. Cream teas available at the village hall next door.

Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN, Tel: 01277 365200, Email, www.eorailway.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Epping Ongar Railway is Essex's LONGEST heritage railway and the CLOSEST TO LONDON, running from Ongar to North Weald and into Epping Forest.

The National Trust, Hatfield Forest Estate Office, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6NE, Tel: 01279 870678, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest, (8 miles, 12kms)

Hatfield Forest is a rare surviving example of a Medieval Royal Hunting Forest. It has wonderful ancient trees which are like magnificent living sculptures. Visit the shore of the lake & find all the facilities you need.

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF, Tel: 01992 892781, Email, www.visitleevalley.org.uk/go/farms/, (7 miles, 11kms)

Go wild at Lee Valley Park Farms! Meet all the animals from cuddly sheep to the loveable meerkat family. Explore the fantastic indoor and outdoor adventure play areas where the kids can go whooshing down the slopes on our toboggan run.

Broadlands, Broadley Common, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2DH, Tel: 01508 481000, Email, www.redwings.org.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Meet rescued horses and ponies in beautiful surroundings. Gift shop and cafe and information centre on site. Plus guided tours and re-homing demonstrations.

Lee Valley Park Information Service, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF, Tel: 08456 770600, Email, www.visitleevalley.org.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

Enjoy and invigorating walk, run or cycle ride along miles of surfaced pathways, explore the River Lee by boat, watch the wildlife go by or simply relax and unwind with a picnic.

Marsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA, Tel: 01279 442112, Email, www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk, (1 miles, 2kms)

An ideal venue for small conferences, away days and client meetings and that special occasion. The Barn has an extensive garden with sculptures, and seats 40+ people. Kitchen facilities or catering facilities are also available.

Zinc Arts Centre,, High Street, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 0AD, Tel: 01277 365626, Email, www.zincarts.org.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

An accessible residential arts & education centre with accommodation for up to 48 guests, a studio performance/presenting space, cafe, dining hall & meeting/teaching rooms.

Church Lane, Greensted Road, Greensted, Essex, CM5 9LA, Tel: 01992 564273, (7 miles, 12kms)

The oldest wooden church in the world. The oldest wooden building in Europe.

In or near : Epping, Essex, (6 miles, 9kms)

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

Copped Hall was the burnt-out shell of a fine Georgian mansion but now being restored. Superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion and gardens are situated on a site of ancient human habitation.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, Email, (2 miles, 3kms)

A permanent collection of 20th century British watercolours and drawings as well as a changing exhibition programme featuring the work of both local artists and artists of the world-renown.

In or near : Chipping Ongar, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

The oldest wooden church in the world, dating from the 11th century. Picturesque building in a quiet location, with Tudor chancel and Crusaders grave. A supposed resting place for St Edmund’s body.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (2 miles, 3kms)

With Theatre, comedy, live music, dance, children's shows and film, Harlow Playhouse is the area's number 1 live entertainment venue.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (2 miles, 3kms)

Set in a mediæval tithe barn and 13th century church, the Harlow Study Centre is a living testament to the heritage of Harlow New Town.

In or near : Epping, Essex, (8 miles, 12kms)

Hill Hall.

In or near : Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, (7 miles, 11kms)

Lee Valley Boat Centre operates two passenger vessels on the River Lee for hire for private functions. Also public cruises - plus day boats, hourly boats and holiday hire boats.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (2 miles, 2kms)

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

A ‘House of Memories’ and a striking memorial telling the story of this historic airfield and its people from 1916 to 1964. Full educational programme available for schools.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (3 miles, 5kms)

Ancient woodland with a fine variety of birds, mammals and insects. Facilities include two nature trails with hides for observing wildlife and a study centre. School visits welcome by appt.

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

Based in a converted Victorian church, the ARC, tucked away in a secluded corner of Old Harlow, has been a lively community arts centre since the mid-1980s. It offers visitors a varied programme of activities and events for all ages.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (2 miles, 4kms)

The Gallery at Parndon Mill presents a series of exhibitions of fine art and crafts by distinguished artists including those who have studios at Parndon Mill.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

The story of Harlow told through objects, pictures, text and interactive exhibits. Collections include local archaeology and history, a local history library / archive and historic bicycles.

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

Classic and historic active private aircraft collection housed in nostalgic period building and dedicated to those RAF Squadrons which flew from North Weald 1916-1960.

In or near : Harlow, Essex, (0.3 miles, 0.5kms)

Victoria Hall offers a variety of events from traditional theatre through adaptations of fiction to musicals. The majority of performances available are put together by talented members of the community in Harlow and surrounding areas.