Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Timbers Restaurant

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA, Tel: 01376 344123, Email, www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk, (0.0 miles, 0.1kms)

Blake House is one of the prettiest craft centres in Essex, home to twenty exclusive shops, Minigolf and maize maze.

Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW, Tel: 01376 325266, Email, www.braintree.gov.uk/info/200283/leisure_and_culture/262/braintree_museum, (4 miles, 6kms)

This award winning museum is based in the converted Courtauld School and has displays from Crittall steel windows to Warners royal silks, Castle Hedingham pottery to Edward Bawden prints.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, www.cressingtemple.org.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

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.

Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NR, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

A small 18th century Post Mill having one pair of stones and tailpole winding and has been extensively restored. Visitors may climb up to the first two floors.

Mill Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1BG, Tel: 01371 873109, Email, www.greatdunmowmaltings.co.uk, (5 miles, 7kms)

A unique surviving C16th Grade 2* listed timber framed building, fully restored retaining the original floor maltings infrastructure used between c1565 & 1948. Incorporates the Town Museum & modern conference facilities for 70 people.

Great Notley Country Park (A131),, Braintree, Essex, CM77 7FS, Tel: 01376 347134, www.visitparks.co.uk, (2 miles, 4kms)

The Discovery Centre is set in a 100 acre country park providing beautiful walks around lakes, meadows & woods. Full educational package for schools. Conference facilities, café & giftshop. New adventure play trails for toddlers to teens.

Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Essex, CM6 2BB, Tel: 01371 876979, Email, www.eastonlodge.co.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Designed by Harold Peto in 1902 for 'Daisy' Countess of Warwick. Abandoned in 1950, restoration commenced in 1993. Visit the Italian garden, glade, 'Peto' Pavilion, courtyard with fountain and be inspired.

Warners Mill, Silks Way, Essex, CM7 3GB, Tel: 01376 557803, Email, www.warnertextilearchive.co.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

A unique record of the history of textile design. The gallery is a celebration of the fabrics and designs produced by Warner and Sons from the mid 19th century.

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

A 19th century lock-up with resident 'Prisoner', clear information and audio. Combine with visit to nearby Cottage Museum.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (4 miles, 6kms)

Small vineyard which forms part of an arable farm in North Essex, just down the road from Finchingfield and Thaxted. Offering wine tasting and tours of the vineyard, barn and garden.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

A fine example of a large Essex post mill dating from 1721. Contains original machinery and farming bygones.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

A family run dairy farm specialising in milking sheep, also goats and cows. Many other farm animals. Everything explained; fun and educational for all. Donkey cart rides.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (3 miles, 6kms)

A 5.5 acre Victorian garden with many original features including bandstand, tennis courts, pond and ornamental flower beds.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (4 miles, 6kms)

Braintree Arts Theatre offers a range of professional touring acts as well as local community shows and events.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (4 miles, 7kms)

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

A 16thC charity cottage with a collection of 19th and 20thC domestic and agricultural artefacts and some rural crafts, mainly straw plaiting and corn dollies.

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

Oldest vineyard in East Anglia with Real ale brewery set in 12 acre site. See how wine is made and beer is brewed – tasting. Wine, beer for sale-food by prior arrangement.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (6 miles, 10kms)

An ever changing selection of antiques. Period oak to Art Deco. Antique clock specialist. Long cases, brackets, dials. Picnic area and public toilets in village.

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (6 miles, 10kms)

Local heritage centre housed in 15th century guildhall. Exhibitions of artwork, paintings, pottery, sewing and weaving. Historic paintings, maps and photographs.

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

Glendale Forge produce a comprehensive range of hand-wrought Blacksmith-made ornamental ironwork with items for sale in the showroom.

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

Attractive refurbished museum in a 16th century thatched cottage telling the story of 'Life in an English Village'.

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

Built in 1843-44 by Sir George Gilbert Scott to serve Halstead's community west of the River Colne, Holy Trinity is one of the first examples of a Gothic Revival church in the Early English style.

In or near : Chelmsford, Essex, (5 miles, 7kms)

High Barn is spectacular Grade II* listed medieval venue based in Great Bardfield.

In or near : Great Dunmow, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

Brick tower mill built 1804 with small museum. In full working order with the original mill machinery intact.

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

An art gallery specialising in paintings, prints, sculptures and greetings cards by local artists. Picture framing. Life drawing sessions.

In or near : Great Dunmow, Essex, (6 miles, 10kms)

Norman church with wall paintings and brasses. Memorial chapel with monuments to the distinguished ancestors of the famous Countess of Warwick (King Edward VII's 'Darling Daisy'). Memorial to the actress Dame Ellen Terry.