Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Little Easton Manor

Aythorpe Roding, Essex, CM6 1PP, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA, Tel: 01376 344123, Email, www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

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

Chickney, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2BY, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

This atmospheric and remote pre-Conquest church has a 14th century tower and Saxon nave and chancel

Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NR, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

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, (2 miles, 3kms)

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.

The National Trust, Hatfield Forest Estate Office, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6NE, Tel: 01279 870678, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest, (4 miles, 6kms)

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.

Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8SP, Tel: 01279 813237, Email, www.mountfitchetcastle.com, (6 miles, 9kms)

Mountfitchet Castle Experience is a multi attraction incorporating Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, House on the Hill Toy Museum and Dinosaur Encounters.

Widdington, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3ZB, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/priors-hall-barn/, (7 miles, 11kms)

One of the finest surviving medieval barns in south east England and representative of the aisled barns found in north west Essex.

Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, (6 miles, 9kms)

The large Norman church of St Mary the Virgin stands away from the village, in a peaceful setting.

St Mary the Virgin's church, Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, Tel: 01634 845944, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

Large Norman church with superb monuments. Great sense of peace yet on the edge of Stansted airport.

Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Essex, CM6 2BB, Tel: 01371 876979, Email, www.eastonlodge.co.uk, (0.8 miles, 1kms)

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.

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

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

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

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, (6 miles, 10kms)

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 : Saffron Walden, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

A beautiful 17th century barn filled with antiques & for the home and garden. The Courtyard Caffe is a popular meeting place serving snacks & light lunches.

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

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, (8 miles, 12kms)

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, (8 miles, 12kms)

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, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (6 miles, 10kms)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, (0.1 miles, 0.1kms)

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.

In or near : Great Dunmow, Essex, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

Extensive gardens, topiary, lakes and fountains. The Barn Theatre and Turkey Barn are available to hire for conferences, civil ceremonies, wedding receptions, dinners, etc. Day ticket angling. Church adjacent.

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

Twelve acre garden, including walled garden dated 1698. Ponds, water garden, many rare trees, temple. Open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme.