Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Thaxted

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF, Tel: 01799 522842, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend, (7 miles, 11kms)

Step back in time and see Victorian life come to life before your eyes at Audley End House and Gardens. You can experience what life was like at one of England’s grandest stately homes.

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA, Tel: 01376 344123, Email, www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

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

Bridge End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1HR, Tel: 01799 524002, Email, www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

Bridge End Garden was laid out by the Gibson family in the nineteenth century and is open to the public each day free of charge. Recently restored back to its former glory.

Chickney, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2BY, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk, (3 miles, 5kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1BD, Tel: 01799 513779, www.fryartgallery.org, (7 miles, 11kms)

Unique collection of work by 20th century artists who have lived in and around Great Bardfield & Saffron Walden, e.g. Edward Bawden, Michael Rothenstein, Eric Ravilious and others. Facebook: The Fry Art Gallery, Twitter: @FryArtGallery

Mill Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1BG, Tel: 01371 873109, Email, www.greatdunmowmaltings.co.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

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, (7 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.

Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8SP, Tel: 01279 813237, Email, www.mountfitchetcastle.com, (7 miles, 11kms)

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/, (5 miles, 8kms)

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

1 Market Place, Market Square, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1HR, Tel: 01799 524002, Email, www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk, (6 miles, 10kms)

Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, (7 miles, 12kms)

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (4 miles, 7kms)

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 : Saffron Walden, Essex, (7 miles, 11kms)

Museum of village life through the ages. Domestic & agricultural. Local shops & craftsmen. Fashion & entertainment. Crime and punishment, including the farm labourers strike of 1913.

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

Lord Braybrooke's private 1.5 mile railway through mature woodland adjacent to Audley End House. Steam hauled on Sundays and occasional Saturdays. A wonderful addition to your day at Audley End.

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

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

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

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, (7 miles, 11kms)

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, (4 miles, 6kms)

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, (4 miles, 6kms)

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 : Braintree, Essex, (5 miles, 7kms)

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, (5 miles, 8kms)

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, (1 miles, 2kms)

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, (4 miles, 6kms)

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

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

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