Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH, Tel: 01268 498620, (7 miles, 11kms)

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.

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01223 582700, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

The impressive remains of a mighty fortress constructed over seven centuries ago; overlooking the Essex Marshes, the barbican and two towers remain standing today.

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET, Tel: 0845 265 8071, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

A garden of inspiration beauty with an eclectic range of horticultural styles from traditional to modern providing year round interest.

Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HQ, Tel: 01376 562226, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

The former site of the Doomsday castle erected by Sweyn of Essex.

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP, Tel: 01245 321552, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

Farm trail with pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens, ponies and pets. Daily milking demonstrations, gift shop, tea room, play areas. Please book in advance for group bookings and birthday parties.

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5QZ, Tel: 01245 425394, Email, (4 miles, 7kms)

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!

Chruch Road, Bowers Gifford, Essex, SS7 5BN, Tel: 01268 559158, (7 miles, 11kms)

Nature reserve in the Thames Gateway area.

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ, Tel: 01245 605700, (6 miles, 9kms)

Local and social history from prehistory to present day; fine and decorative arts (ceramics, glass); coins; natural history (geology, animals, live beehive). Exhibitions and events. Set in park with children's play area.

74 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9BS, Tel: 01277 622023, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

Housed in an 18th century home, the museum offers a view of Billericay's history. Included are three room settings, a mid Victorian bedroom and parlour and Edwardian kitchen. The museum offers the 'Billericay at War' Exhibition.

Off Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2, Tel: 01376 562226, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4BS, Tel: 01245 225520, (8 miles, 13kms)

Canal cruises along the unspoilt Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation aboard Victoria. Fully catered with licensed bar.

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR, Tel: 01277 353010, Email, (4 miles, 7kms)

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

Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ, Tel: 01245 605500, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, (4 miles, 6kms)

Visit Barleylands where the whole family can Play, Shop, Eat and Learn all in one place.

Crown Hill, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HQ, Tel: 01702 318144, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

The tiny octagonal cottage based on the design of the 17th century Dutch settlers must be one of the smallest and certainly most unusual 'council houses' in Britain.

Langdon Hills, Essex, SS16 6HP, (7 miles, 11kms)

Westley Heights Country Park

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD, Tel: 01268 290213, (4 miles, 6kms)

Get ready for free range family fun at Barleylands Farm Park. Say hello to cuddly farmyard friends, run wild in the indoor play or jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride.

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP, Tel: 01702 551072, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

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.