Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Braintree District Museum

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3XH, Tel: 01787 469719, Email, www.alderfordmill.org.uk, (7 miles, 11kms)

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.

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA, Tel: 01376 344123, Email, www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

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, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

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.

The National Trust, Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1RE, Tel: 01376 562226, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coggeshall-grange-barn, (6 miles, 9kms)

Grange Barn stands as a reminder of the once powerful Coggeshall Abbey; with ancient pillars soaring to a cathedral like roof.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, www.cressingtemple.org.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

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, (8 miles, 12kms)

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.

Great Notley Country Park (A131),, Braintree, Essex, CM77 7FS, Tel: 01376 347134, www.visitparks.co.uk, (2 miles, 3kms)

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.

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG, Tel: 01376 563796, Email, www.markshall.org.uk, (5 miles, 8kms)

A tree collection from all the temperate areas of the world set in more than 200 acres of historic landscape provides interest and enjoyment throughout the year at Marks Hall.

Paycockes, 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1NS, Tel: 01376 561305, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes, (5 miles, 9kms)

Built in the 16th century, this attractive half-timbered house is a grand example of wealth generated by the cloth trade.

Church Road, Rivenhall, Essex, CM8 3PQ, Tel: 01376 512781, www.essexchurches.info/church.asp?p=Rivenhall, (5 miles, 9kms)

This Saxon church is on the site of a Roman villa. The Victorians gave the church its present appearance and its greatest treasure: French stained glass from the 12th century.

Warners Mill, Silks Way, Essex, CM7 3GB, Tel: 01376 557803, Email, www.warnertextilearchive.co.uk, (0.2 miles, 0.2kms)

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.

Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE, Tel: 01376 502674, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

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

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (6 miles, 9kms)

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, (2 miles, 3kms)

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

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

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, (0.2 miles, 0.3kms)

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

In or near : Braintree, Essex, (0.9 miles, 2kms)

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