Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Paradise Wildlife Park

Rye Meads Visitor Centre, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS, Tel: 01992 708383, (4 miles, 6kms)

A fantastic day out. See some fantastic wildlife. Explore this lovely nature reserve, just 8 miles north of the M25/J25.

Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1XQ, Tel: 08456 770 600, (5 miles, 8kms)

Set in the grounds of the Abbey, you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Rose Gardens and Orchard, explore hundreds of years of history, enjoy a picnic or take a stroll along Cornmill Stream.

Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HG, Tel: 08456 770 600, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF, Tel: 01992 892781, (3 miles, 5kms)

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.

Lee Valley Park Information Service, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF, Tel: 08456 770600, (3 miles, 4kms)

Enjoy and invigorating walk, run or cycle ride along miles of surfaced pathways, explore the River Lee by boat, watch the wildlife go by or simply relax and unwind with a picnic.

Bulls Cross, Enfield, Hertfordshire, EN2 9HG, Tel: 08456 770600, (5 miles, 8kms)

Delve into the beautiful eight acres of Myddelton House Gardens and discover the compelling story of Edward Augustus Bowles, one of Britain’s most famous self-taught gardeners, artists and expert botanists.

10 Market Place, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1DF, Tel: 01992 584322, (4 miles, 6kms)

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY, Tel: 01992 707370, Email, (4 miles, 7kms)

A spectacular 170-acre location for a day of family fun. Experience Prof. Nitrate's Mad Lab, the Test Range and Rocket Vault! Plus, guided land train tours, interactive exhibitions, wildlife walks and an extensive special events programme.

Old Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 6LX, Tel: 01992 462085, Email, (2 miles, 3kms)

Lee Valley Boat Centre operates two passenger vessels on the River Lee for hire for private functions. Also public cruises - plus day boats, hourly boats and holiday hire boats.

2-4 Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1DG, Tel: 01992 660336, Email, (5 miles, 7kms)

Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5NQ, Tel: 01707 287010, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

Splendid Jacobean House and Garden in a spectacular countryside setting. Childhood home of Elizabeth I.

Port Vale, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 3AA, Tel: 01992 509596, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

Contemporary gallery, art, clay and craft workshop, outreach programme. Gifts, refreshments, children's parties and studio space. Tues - Sat 10-4pm, Fri 10-5pm. Admission free.

Between Nos.28 and 34 Scotts Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9JQ, Tel: 01920 464131, (4 miles, 7kms)

Scott's Grotto is a fascinating series of underground chambers decorated with shells, flints and fossils. Built in the 1760s.

Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3GP, Tel: 08456 770 600, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

Open since 2004, Gunpowder has been reclaimed and regenerated from its former use as a Royal Ordnance munitions testing facility.

39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL, Tel: 01992 716882, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

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.

Epping Upland, Epping, Essex, CM16 5HS, Tel: 0207 267 1679, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

Copped Hall was the burnt-out shell of a fine Georgian mansion but now being restored. Superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion and gardens are situated on a site of ancient human habitation.

Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2HP, Tel: 01279 426042, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

The Gallery at Parndon Mill presents a series of exhibitions of fine art and crafts by distinguished artists including those who have studios at Parndon Mill.

Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1DG, Tel: 01992 767897, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

A Norman church, the reputed site of King Harold's tomb. There is a lady chapel with a crypt which houses a visitors' centre and a shop.