Days Out

There are circular countryside walks from the door, but if you are up for exploring a little further, just look what’s on offer within a 50-minute drive. Do check the website before setting off, as the majority require you to pre-book your time slot due to Covid-19.

Boydells Dairy Farm, Wethersfield (2 minute drive) Most of the usual farm animals are to be found here, but here the farmer gives you a guided tour which includes trying your hand at milking a cow, feeding hens, cuddling a goat kid or outstaring a llama. http://www.boydellsdairy.co.uk/Public.html

Colne Valley Railway (13-minute drive) A heritage railway based at Castle Hedingham Station. It consists of a 1-mile long line with a fully reconstructed station, signal box and railway yard. https://www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk/

Great Notley Discovery Park (20-minute drive) A Country Park covering 100 acres with sky ropes, a play trail, lakes for fishing, plenty of room for a picnic, walking and cycling. https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/great-notley-country-park

Saffron Walden (25-minute drive) A delightful medieval market town with interesting shops and places to eat.

Audley End (28-minute drive) A spectacular stately home with colourful gardens created by Capability Brown and a summer outdoor concert programme. Explore life below stairs in the service wing and meet the horses in the stable yard. Dogs on leads are welcome. English Heritage members go free. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens/

Also don’t miss Audley End Miniature Railway. https://www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/

Melford Hall (32-minute drive) From Medieval monks to the Hyde Parker family who still live here, this National Trust property is full of stories, from Beatrix Potter sketches to the collection of naval paintings and Chinese porcelain. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall

Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve (33-minute drive) Miles of paths, café and shop and dogs are welcome. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest

Lavenham (35-minute drive) Considered to be Britain’s best-preserved medieval village. Timber framed houses line the narrow streets and there is a hub of independent shops, galleries, and fantastic restaurants. https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk/

Kentwell Hall (36 minute drive) 30 acres of Gardens, with romantic moats, extensive lawns, walled gardens, massive clipped yews and plenty of tranquil breathing space https://www.kentwell.co.uk/. Also a bit of antique shopping in Long Melford.

Colchester Zoo (37-minute drive) 11th best zoo in the world according to Trip Advisor. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates, and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species. https://www.colchester-zoo.com/

Imperial War Museum, Duxford (40 minute drive) Europe’s largest air museum. Walk through the same hangers as those who served at RAF Duxford. See aircraft take to the skies from the airfield where the Spitfires first flew. https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford

Dedham Vale (41 minute drive) This AONB and Stour Valley embraces one of our most cherished landscapes; made world famous by the paintings of Constable and Gainsborough. Cycle hire and trails, plus waymark walks taking in Flatford Mills. http://www.visitessex.com/discover/rural/constable-country.aspx
http://mediafiles.thedms.co.uk/Publication/EE-EssW/cms/pdf/Walking-in-Constable-Country-Page-1.pdf
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford

Hylands Estate, Chelmsford (45 minute drive) A grade 2 listed public park encompassing 574 acres of historic parkland. Within the Park there is a café, artist studios, ancient woodlands, formal Victorian gardens, and an award-winning children’s adventure playground. http://hylandsestate.co.uk/

Newmarket Racecourse (47 minute drive) While racing is very much behind closed doors at the moment, you can still visit The National Horseracing Museum in the Trainers House and Kings Yard galleries and meet some retired greats in the Rothschild yard. https://www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk/

Cambridge (49-minute drive) For Punting, Botanic Gardens, University tours or a walk to nearby Grantchester and relax in deck chairs at The Orchard Tea Rooms. https://www.timeout.com/cambridge/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-cambridge

Bury St Edmunds (50 minutes) Another medieval market town with a weekly market on a Wednesday and Saturday with 80 stalls and a great selection of shops, behind the scene tours of the Greene King Brewery, Abbey Gardens and The Nutshell, one of the smallest pubs in the UK. https://www.visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/