Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of South Lodge Hotel

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01702 551072, Email, www.hadleighcountrypark.co.uk

Fields and woodland overlooking the Thames estuary. Remains of castle close by, accessible by footpath. Access via Chapel Lane. Guided Events Programme running throughout the year and site leaflet available.

Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT, Tel: 01268 711001, Email, www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/hanningfield_reservoir

A warm welcome will always greet you at Hanningfield reservoir visitor centre.The visitor centre is set in mature woodland and offers superb views over the 870 acre Hanningfield Reservoir.

c/o Harwich Town Council, Church Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DS, Tel: 01255 507211, Email, www.harwichtowncouncil.co.uk

Ancient guildhall rebuilt 1769. The Council Chamber & other rooms may be viewed. The old jail contains unique graffiti of ships. Interesting documents showing the connection of Harwich with Pepys and the Pilgrim Fathers.

Timberfields, Off Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJ, Tel: 01255 503429, Email, www.harwich-society.co.uk

Museum contains the last Clacton off-shore. Oakley Class Lifeboat 34ft and a history of the lifeboat service in Harwich.

Low Lighthouse, Harbour Crescent, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NJ, Tel: 01255 503429, Email, www.harwich-society.co.uk

Housed in a disused lighthouse, the museum has specialised displays on the Royal Navy and commercial shipping. History of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy in Harwich.

Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT, Tel: 01255 503429, Email, www.harwich-society.co.uk

Circular Fort 1808 ten guns. Largest AM being restored by a voluntary group.

The National Trust, Hatfield Forest Estate Office, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6NE, Tel: 01279 870678, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest

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.

Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ, Tel: 01787 460261, Email, www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

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.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG, Tel: 01206 282940, www.cimuseums.org.uk

Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume & arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718. Parkland children's play area, shop, sensory garden. Free entry.

Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ, Tel: 01245 605500, Email, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands

Rescued from ruin & steeped in history, Hylands House is a fascinating & beautifully restored country house, dating from 1730. Hylands House is now open to the public every Sunday throughout the year, & on Mondays during the summer months.

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR, Tel: 01277 353010, Email, www.ingatestonehall.com

Tudor manor house and grounds containing furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated by the resident family over the centuries.

West Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP, Tel: 01708 869933, www.lakeside.uk.com

Lakeside has over 250 shops, cafes and restaurants within the shopping centre - and together with the retail park, it forms one of the largest shopping destinations in the UK.

Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF, Tel: 01255 822783, Email, www.jaywickmartellotower.org

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community & visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks & events.

Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA, Tel: 01277 364883, Email, www.secretnuclearbunker.com

Ex-government HQ nuclear bunker buried 80ft underground. Complete with kitchen, dormitories, power and filtration plant, plotting floor, government administration room, 120 yard long entrance tunnel, communication and scientists room.

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US, Tel: 01206 330784, Email, www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower, visit the gardens, outbuildings dolls house, church and farm animals. Cafe and shop.

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF, Tel: 01992 892781, Email, www.visitleevalley.org.uk/go/farms/

Go wild at Lee Valley Park Farms! Meet all the animals from cuddly sheep to the loveable meerkat family. Explore the fantastic indoor and outdoor adventure play areas where the kids can go whooshing down the slopes on our toboggan run.

Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HG, Tel: 08456 770 600, Email, www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Enjoy a picnic, hop on a bike, explore the countryside, take a boat trip along the River Lee, discover wondrous wildlife or enjoy one of the many family events throughout the year.

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 470834, www.leighsociety.co.uk/leighheritagecentre.htm

Museum with photographic display of the history of Leigh-on-Sea, and fully restored fisherman's cottage, circa l850, situated in the waterside High Street of the Old Town.