Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Maymeads Marsh Nature Reserve

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

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

Town Centre, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1, www.visitcolchester.com

Bold, energetic and contrasting - Colchester is more than Britain's oldest recorded town.

Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF, Tel: 01206 500900, Email, www.colchesterartscentre.com

The home of live music, comedy, theatre, poetry, dance, children's shows, clubs, farmer's markets, gigs and more.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ, Tel: 01206 282939, Email, www.cimuseums.org.uk

Colchester Castle is temporarily closed for 2013 for an exciting redevelopment. We will be creating new museum displays and improved visitor facilities. The Castle will re-open for Easter 2014. Visit our website for further details

Hedingham Station, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DZ, Tel: 01787 461174, Email, www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk

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.

Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ, Tel: 01621 841826, Email, www.cmsm.co.uk

An amazing collection of British military artefacts dating from the English Civil War to present day, including an espionage collection belonging to the British Secret Agents.

Little Wigborough, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/copt-hall-marshes

Situated on the remote and attractive Blackwater Estuary, they are part of the Blackwater site of Special Scientific Interest. The salt marshes are rich in overwintering wildfowl and wading birds.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, www.cressingtemple.org.uk

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.

East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE, Tel: 01206 383868, www.visitparks.co.uk

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.

Off Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2, Tel: 01376 562226, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/danbury-commons-and-blakes-wood/

Owned by the National Trust, Danbury Commons and Blakes wood encompass a large expanse of heathland, gorse and coppice, in addition to woodland.

Woodhill Road, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AN, Tel: 01245 222350, Email, www.visitparks.co.uk

Danbury Country Park offers quiet recreation amongst the walled gardens, lakes and woodland of Danbury Palace.

Village Centre, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DE, www.visitcolchester.com

Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country.

High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6AD, Tel: 01206 322666, Email, www.dedhamartandcraftcentre.co.uk

This beautifully converted church showcases the work of over 40/50 creative artisans and the buying skills of specialist retailers on its top two floors while the ground floor houses a Lifestyle Living showroom and a tearoom.

Chappel Station, Wakes Colne, Essex, CO6 2DS, Tel: 01206 242524, Email, www.earm.co.uk

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.

King's Quay Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ER, Tel: 01255 553333, Email, www.electricpalace.com

One of the oldest (1911) least altered, purpose-built cinemas in Britain. Write for programme of films (enclose SAE) to Electric Palace Cinema, Kings Quay St, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ER.

Paul's Nursery Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AE, Tel: 0208 5296681, Email, www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping

39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL, Tel: 01992 716882, Email, www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum

Located in a Tudor house dating back to 1520, this vibrant family friendly museum offers an exciting temporary exhibitions programme and free events and activities for children and families.

Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN, Tel: 01277 365200, Email, www.eorailway.co.uk

Epping Ongar Railway is Essex's LONGEST heritage railway and the CLOSEST TO LONDON, running from Ongar to North Weald and into Epping Forest.

Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NR, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk

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.

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN, Tel: 01206 729678, Email, www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/fingringhoe_wick

Nature reserve-125 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitors centre. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children. Hot and cold drinks available.

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH, Tel: 01206 577067, Email, www.firstsite.uk.net

firstsite is Colchester's contemporary visual arts organisation.

Flatford, East Bergholt, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk, CO7 6UL, Tel: 01206 298260, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford

A delightful 16th century cottage just minutes from Flatford Mill. Why not visit our Constable exhibition then sit by the river and enjoy a freshly baked cake at the National Trust tea room and find a gift in our shop.

Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1BD, Tel: 01799 513779, www.fryartgallery.org

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

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.

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

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.

Park Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7SP, Tel: 01206 230455, Email, www.greenislandgardens.co.uk

20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 hurricane. Now a plantsman's paradise full of unusual plants for all year round colour.