Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Lifehouse Spa and Hotel

Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB, Tel: 01206 822007, Email, www.bethchatto.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

2.5 hectares (6 acres) of gravel, water and woodland gardens, a large modern tea room and plant nursery.

Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 4TL, Tel: 01255 479595, Email, www.clactonfactoryoutlet.com, (2 miles, 4kms)

Clacton Factory Outlet offers stores with famous named brands in fashion, footwear, home wares, jewellery, books, tents/outdoor equipment and confectionery at up to 60% off High Street prices.

1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1QX, Tel: 01255 421115, Email, www.clacton-pier.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

Six and a half acres of fun and entertainment, including under cover and outside fairground, amusements, side stalls, cafés and take aways, Seaquarium, public house with children's play area and lots more for all the family.

Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SE, Tel: 01255 686633, Email, (4 miles, 7kms)

Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF, Tel: 01255 822783, Email, www.jaywickmartellotower.org, (6 miles, 10kms)

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community & visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks & events.

Barlon Road, Little Bromley, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2PP, Tel: 01634 845944, (7 miles, 11kms)

This delightful country church is surrounded on all sides by flat Essex farmland. The nave is Norman, the chancel of about 1300, and the timber-framed porch 16th century.

The Walls, Essex, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

The remains of a church designed by Robert Adam and built in 1776, unusual in having towers at both the east and west ends.

The Naze, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8LE, Tel: 01255 852519, Email, www.nazetower.co.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

Sited at the beautiful coastal location of the Naze, this historic 86ft navigational tower houses over eight floors, an art gallery, museum, tea rooms and a roof viewing platform with spectacular panoramic views.

The Walls, Manningtree, Colchester, Essex, CO11 1AS, Tel: 01206 392717, Email, www.northhousegallery.co.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

Riverside gallery with monthly selling exhibitions of work by modern and contemporary artists of East Anglian, national and international fame.

Harwich Road, Wrabness, Essex, CO12 5ND, Tel: 01473 328006, Email, www.rspb.org.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

Estuarine nature reserve, with adjacent woodland & views over the Stour. Famed for large numbers of waterfowl in winter & a range of breeding woodland birds in summer, including the nightingale. Easy walking distance from Wrabness Station.

Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington, Essex, CO7 8JJ, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

Early 19th century tide mill with its machinery, which has been fully restored. Wheel can be run for guided groups (subject to tide).

East Terrace, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8PY, Tel: 01255 678259, Email, www.fwheritage.co.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

The museum features the history and geology of the Naze, development of the town from prehistoric times to the present day & the history of the local lifeboat service including the oldest motorised lifeboat in the world.

Tower Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 1LE, Tel: 01255 474000, Email, www.westcliffclacton.org, (5 miles, 7kms)

A traditional 600-seat seaside theatre used all year for a whole range of entertainment, including traditional summer season variety show. Foyer art gallery.

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

A representative collection of objects, photographs and pictures illustrative of the social and economic history of the town and its immediate surroundings over the past 700 years.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, Email, www.clactonzoo.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

Childrens zoo, with many animals that the public can interact with baby rabbits, ducklings, guinea pig, alpacas, micro pigs, ect.

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

Dragonflies Gallery specialises in promoting artists of many mediums e.g Tiffany glass Studio, watercolours etc. We sell unique jewellery especially amber. Plus carpet bags, British made leather bags and wall hangings.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

1810 Martello Tower, used by the Navy in WWII, known as H.M.S. Helder. Memorial to Flight Officer Ray King of 479th Fighter Group, pilot of a recovered P51D Mustang on display together with other WWII exhibits.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 6kms)

Situated on the coast between Clacton and Frinton-on-Sea, the County Park offers over 100 acres of unspoilt scenic coastline-ideal for bird watching.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

Little Clacton Parish Fields

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

Meander along footpaths exploring the diverse variety of trees, plants and wildlife. Visit the pond area or just sit, relax, listen and observe all around you.

In or near : Manningtree, Essex, (8 miles, 13kms)

A local history museum with displays of old photographs, artefacts, books, local maps and plans. Some permanent displays with 2 major exhibitions of local interest yearly.

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

Children can play among a menagerie of rescued animals and birds which roam freely in 25 acres of countryside overlooking the Stour Valley.

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

Arts and Crafts workshop with exhibitions. Cafe with home cooked food, cakes, coffee and licensed for alcohol.

In or near : Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

Free entry onto the 2nd longest Pier in England at 3/4 mile long. Arcade, Bingo, Pirate Pete's soft play area, TenPin Bowling centre, Cafe/Take Away, Rides for all ages, Food Kiosk, Day fishing and train rides to the end of Pier. Toilets.

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

Pavilion Gallery (Holland Art Society)

In or near : Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, (3 miles, 4kms)

Indoor soft play centre with seating for 100 in the restaurant area. Great for children 0-12. Open all year.