Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Empire theatre

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3XH, Tel: 01787 469719, Email, www.alderfordmill.org.uk, (3 miles, 4kms)

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.

Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW, Tel: 01376 325266, Email, www.braintree.gov.uk/info/200283/leisure_and_culture/262/braintree_museum, (6 miles, 9kms)

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.

Hedingham Station, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DZ, Tel: 01787 461174, Email, www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk, (4 miles, 7kms)

One mile length of line with re-located buildings, large collection of heritage rolling stock, steam and diesel locomotives and miniature and model railways. Special events including Thomas and Santa specials.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, www.cressingtemple.org.uk, (7 miles, 12kms)

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.

Chappel Station, Wakes Colne, Essex, CO6 2DS, Tel: 01206 242524, Email, www.earm.co.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

We are a living museum situated at the edge of Constable Country. Our heritage site is an interactive display of the region's industrial and social history of railways since the 19th century.

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, (7 miles, 12kms)

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.

Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ, Tel: 01787 460261, Email, www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

Visit Hedingham Castle for a great family day out. Bring a picnic and explore the beautiful gardens and lakes then take time to explore the 110ft tall Norman Keep.

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG, Tel: 01376 563796, Email, www.markshall.org.uk, (4 miles, 6kms)

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, (6 miles, 9kms)

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

Warners Mill, Silks Way, Essex, CM7 3GB, Tel: 01376 557803, Email, www.warnertextilearchive.co.uk, (6 miles, 9kms)

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 : Colchester, Essex, (7 miles, 12kms)

Church of England parish church in Aldham near Colchester.

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

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, (6 miles, 9kms)

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, (6 miles, 9kms)

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

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

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 : Colchester, Essex, (5 miles, 9kms)

Exhibitions and photographs of Coggeshall's industrial, agricultural and social history. Coggeshall lace, working loom, archaeology, Coggeshall bricks, video footage and computerised postcard show. Town tours by prior arrangement.

In or near : Colchester, Essex, (3 miles, 5kms)

Heritage museum detailing the history of Earls Colne since Neolithic times. Temporary exhibitions are regularly mounted relating to a particular aspect of the village & its inhabitants. Complementary slide shows run during open hours.

In or near : Halstead, Essex, (0.0 miles, 0.0kms)

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

A beautiful ten acre garden with something of interest at all times of year. Exuberant planting with masses of flowers and interesting plants. New 60 yard rose arbour by Ben Coode-Adams.

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

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, 13kms)

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

In or near : Halstead, Essex, (0.1 miles, 0.2kms)

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.