Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Hollytrees Museum

Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH, Tel: 01268 498620, Email, www.rspb.org.uk/southessexmarshes

Come and see us in our new RSPB visitor centre, which includes state-of-the-art CCTV putting the secrets of the natural world right in front of your eyes. Open daily, all year round, 10 am – 5 pm.

Harwich Road, Wrabness, Essex, CO12 5ND, Tel: 01473 328006, Email, www.rspb.org.uk

Estuarine nature reserve, with adjacent woodland & views over the Stour. Famed for large numbers of waterfowl in winter & a range of breeding woodland birds in summer, including the nightingale. Easy walking distance from Wrabness Station.

Creeksea Ferry Road, Essex, SS4 2HD, Tel: 01268 559158, www.rspb.org.uk/wallaseaisland

Wallasea Island Wild Coast project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.

1 Market Place, Market Square, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1HR, Tel: 01799 524002, Email, www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE, Tel: 01702 467671

Southchurch Hall museum is housed in the half-timbered medieval manor house, which dates to the early 14th century.

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE, Tel: 01702 618747, Email, www.southendpier.co.uk

If you walk along Southend-on-Sea's High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world.

1 High Street, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7AA, Tel: 01621 774239, Email

Church Road, Rivenhall, Essex, CM8 3PQ, Tel: 01376 512781, www.essexchurches.info/church.asp?p=Rivenhall

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.

Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB

The large Norman church of St Mary the Virgin stands away from the village, in a peaceful setting.

Off Aldcar Road, Copford Green, CO6 1DG, Tel: 01206 210488

Celebrated 12th century apsidal church with magnificent colour medieval wall paintings, showing a strong Byzantine influence in content and design as well as technical excellence and lavishness of execution.

St Mary the Virgin's church, Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB, Tel: 01634 845944, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk

Large Norman church with superb monuments. Great sense of peace yet on the edge of Stansted airport.

Mill Lane, Stock, Essex, CM4 9RY, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk

A 19thC towermill, recently restored to working order and typical of the latest in millwright's techniques just before windmills became obsolete.

Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Essex, CM6 2BB, Tel: 01371 876979, Email, www.eastonlodge.co.uk

Designed by Harold Peto in 1902 for 'Daisy' Countess of Warwick. Abandoned in 1950, restoration commenced in 1993. Visit the Italian garden, glade, 'Peto' Pavilion, courtyard with fountain and be inspired.

Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK, Tel: 01702 352919, Email, www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/maxims/casino/19/southend.html

For one of the ultimate nights out in Southend visit The Genting Club. Offering all of your favourite casino games.

Marsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA, Tel: 01279 442112, Email, www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk

An ideal venue for small conferences, away days and client meetings and that special occasion. The Barn has an extensive garden with sculptures, and seats 40+ people. Kitchen facilities or catering facilities are also available.

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF, Tel: 01621 857373, www.themoothall.co.uk

15th Century brick building with spiral staircase includes a Georgian court room and Victorian Council Chamber.

Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2ZG, Tel: 01702 616000, Email, www.rendezvouscasino.com/southend

One stop entertainment venue. Buzzing casino, popular Elements Restaurant and private dining room offering international cuisine, ideal for all occasions from intimate dinners to corporate functions.

Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6AZ, Tel: 01206 322127, Email, www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk

The Home and Studios of Sir Alfred Munnings, PPRA.

The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ, Tel: 01277 211250, Email, www.visitparks.co.uk

Old parkland, lakes and woods. Countryside centre has refreshments, exhibition and gift shop. Pavilion includes gallery, seating area and refreshments. Fishing is also available.

Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington, Essex, CO7 8JJ, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, www.essex.gov.uk

Early 19th century tide mill with its machinery, which has been fully restored. Wheel can be run for guided groups (subject to tide).

The Fort, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NR, Tel: 0870 333 1181, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/tilbury-fort/

Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.

Old Customs House, Key Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1BY, Tel: 01621 857567, Email, www.top-sail.co.uk

Sailing barges "Hydrogen" and "Thistle". Historic sailing barges available for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations. Also public sailing programme for individuals and weekends away.

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5QZ, Tel: 01245 425394, Email, www.tropicalwings.co.uk

Tropical Wings Zoo is home to exotic animals, birds of prey and free flying butterflies in our Tropical House making it a great day out for everyone!

Mill Field, St Mary's Lane, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2QL, Tel: 0300 030 1803, Email, www.upminsterwindmill.co.uk

One of the better preserved Smock Mills in the country, containing all the original wooden machinery. Awaiting restoration. Free guided tours & parking.

Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA, Tel: 020 8708 8100, Email, www.valentinesmansion.com

Valentines Mansion is a truly unique venue in a beautiful setting. With its elegant period rooms, grand staircase and enchanting walled gardens, this Grade II* listed building, is perfect for a whole host of functions.

1 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PG, Tel: 01206 282920, Email, www.visitcolchester.com

Home to lots of information about Colchester & the surrounding area, the knowledgeable & friendly staff are here to help you on what to do, where to go or places to stay. The place to buy gifts and souvenirs, book guided tours & coach trips