Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Old Wills Farm

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG, Tel: 01376 563796, (4 miles, 6kms)

A tree collection from all the temperate areas of the world set in more than 200 acres of historic landscape provides interest and enjoyment throughout the year at Marks Hall.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ, Tel: 01206 282939, (8 miles, 13kms)

Colchester Castle is temporarily closed for 2013 for an exciting redevelopment. We will be creating new museum displays and improved visitor facilities. The Castle will re-open for Easter 2014. Visit our website for further details

1 Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TP, Tel: 01621 869015, (7 miles, 12kms)

An opportunity to see an abundance of coastal wetland bird species in their natural environment.

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH, Tel: 01206 577067, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

firstsite is Colchester's contemporary visual arts organisation.

Little Wigborough, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, (8 miles, 12kms)

Situated on the remote and attractive Blackwater Estuary, they are part of the Blackwater site of Special Scientific Interest. The salt marshes are rich in overwintering wildfowl and wading birds.

Bourne Mill, Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RT, Tel: 01206 572422, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

National Trust property, the mill was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1591 and features stepped "Dutch" gables. There is a millpond and some of the machinery, including the waterwheel which is intact and working.

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US, Tel: 01206 330784, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

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.

Parkeston, Essex, CO1 2PG, Tel: 01255 242000, (8 miles, 13kms)

Harwich International Port - East Anglia's only passenger port. Daily sailings to key destinations - your gate way to Europe and Scandinavia.

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL, Tel: 01206 331292, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

One of Europe's finest zoos; with over 260 species and 50 daily displays including the chance to feed elephants and giraffes yourself!

Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2FE, Tel: 01376 502674, Email, (6 miles, 9kms)

Paycockes, 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1NS, Tel: 01376 561305, Email, (2 miles, 4kms)

Built in the 16th century, this attractive half-timbered house is a grand example of wealth generated by the cloth trade.

Chapel Street North, Colchester, CO2 7AT, Tel: 01206 366041, Email, (8 miles, 12kms)

Box Office Open 12.30-16.30 Monday to Sunday Telephone 01206 366000

Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW, Tel: 01376 325266, Email, (8 miles, 12kms)

This award winning museum is based in the converted Courtauld School and has displays from Crittall steel windows to Warners royal silks, Castle Hedingham pottery to Edward Bawden prints.

Magdalen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2LD, Tel: 01206 282920, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

The depot was constructed in Magdalen Street to house the tramcar fleet, which consisted of 16 (Nos. 1-16) open-top double-deckers manufactured by the Electric Railway & Tramway Carriage Works of Preston, on Brill 21E trucks.

Butler Road, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1LL, (7 miles, 12kms)

West Street, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1NT, Tel: 01376 561376, (2 miles, 4kms)

Ponyland is home to a select group of special rescued and retired animals. a horse, 5 ponies, a donkey, pygmy goats, kune kune pigs and rare breed chickens, it is open daily and Free.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD, Tel: 01376 584903, Email, (5 miles, 8kms)

Two magnificent 13th century barns, once owned by the mysterious Knights Templar; Tudor walled garden; rural buildings from seventeenth century onwards. Well-stocked gift shop and tea-room. Audio tour guide available.

Station Road, Wickham Bishops, Witham, Essex, CM8 3JB, Tel: 01621 891282, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

14 acres of walled garden, ponds and woodland walks to enjoy. Renowned for the huge Wisterias in May. Lovely garden of roses, shrubs, perennials and bulbs provide year round colour.