Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Mersea Island Vineyard

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3XH, Tel: 01787 469719, Email, www.alderfordmill.org.uk

One of the most complete historic watermills in Essex with most of the original machinery. Restored working water wheel. Open weekends in spring and summer.

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF, Tel: 01799 522842, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend

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.

Aythorpe Roding, Essex, CM6 1PP, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk

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.

Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7JW, Tel: 01245 476159, Email, www.baddowantiques.co.uk

One of the leading antiques centres in Essex. 20 dealers offer a wide selection of quality antiques and collectables. 300 Victorian brass and iron bedsteads on show. Restoration services available.

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk

Visit Barleylands where the whole family can Play, Shop, Eat and Learn all in one place.

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, www.barleylands.co.uk

Get ready for free range family fun at Barleylands Farm Park. Say hello to cuddly farmyard friends, run wild in the indoor play or jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride.

The Old Granary, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7RE, Tel: 01268 769000, Email, www.battlesbridge.com

5 interesting old buildings housing over 70 dealers in antiques & crafts. On the banks of the River Crouch in a picturesque hamlet, with tea rooms and 18th century pub. Visits to the Classic Motor Cycle Museum on Sundays or by appointment.

Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 347418, www.southendmuseums.co.uk

The gallery houses some 2,000 works, including works by Constable, Molenaer, Lear and Seago. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions and is the home of the Essex artists open exhibition.

Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 4XJ, Tel: 01708 865628, Email, www.visitparks.co.uk

Woodland, open grassland and lakes suitable for walking, picnics and fishing. Visitor Centre with refreshments on site. Guided tours by arrangement.

Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB, Tel: 01206 822007, Email, www.bethchatto.co.uk

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

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA, Tel: 01376 344123, Email, www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

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

Bourne Mill, Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RT, Tel: 01206 572422, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bourne-mill

National Trust property, the mill was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1591 and features stepped "Dutch" gables. There is a millpond and some of the machinery, including the waterwheel which is intact and working.

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

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.

15 Shenfield Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8AG, Tel: 01277 200305, Email, www.brentwood-theatre.org

A community fringe/studio theatre seating up to 176 or 299 standing. There are tours available.

Bridge End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1HR, Tel: 01799 524002, Email, www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

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.

1 High Street, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AG, Tel: 01621 784962

Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5TS, Tel: 01206 271136, Email, www.cartersvineyards.co.uk

Forty acre site including seven acres of vines and a variety of trails through woodland, around lakes and wildflower meadows. Self guided tours and tastings of our wines. Winery powered by wind and sun generated energy.

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ES, Tel: 01702 434449, Email, www.southendmuseums.co.uk

An Edwardian building housing displays of archaeology, natural history, social and local history. Hands-on discovery centre and Planetarium.

Paper Mill Lock, North Hill, Little Baddow, Essex, CM3 4BS, Tel: 07813 014325, Email, www.papermilllock.co.uk

Public trips and charters aboard traditional 48-seat barge "Victoria" with bar and catering options. Cruiser and dinghy hire, lock-side tea-room, island picnic area, walks and fishing. Coaches welcome by appointment.

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ, Tel: 01245 605700, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museum

Local and social history from prehistory to present day; fine and decorative arts (ceramics, glass); coins; natural history (geology, animals, live beehive). Exhibitions and events. Set in park with children's play area.

Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW, Tel: 01702 318111, Email, www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure_culture_and_tourism/woodlands_parks_and_open_spaces/cherry_orchard_country_park

Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley, the 200 acre country park makes the most of it's setting with a mix of open grassland, woodland, a lake, and a network of paths & bridleways.

Chickney, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2BY, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk

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

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

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

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

Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA, Tel: 01702 351135, www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Southend's premier entertainment complex, the Cliffs Pavilion is a great place to experience live performances. The region's leading theatre and concert hall, programmes include touring West End musicals, ballet, concerts and comedy.