Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Leisure World Colchester

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ, Tel: 01206 282939, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

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

Park Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7SP, Tel: 01206 230455, (4 miles, 6kms)

20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 hurricane. Now a plantsman's paradise full of unusual plants for all year round colour.

Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk, CO7 6UL, Tel: 01206 391153, (7 miles, 11kms)

RSPB Wildlife Garden with flower borders, wildflower meadow and orchard designed to create wildlife habitats and support biodiversity.

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US, Tel: 01206 330784, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

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.

Bourne Mill, Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RT, Tel: 01206 572422, Email, (1 miles, 2kms)

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.

East Bergholt Place, East Bergholt, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6UP, Tel: 01206 299224, Email, (7 miles, 12kms)

Garden and arboretum. 20 acres of beautiful grounds. Trees, shrubs and rare plants. Victorian walled garden houses specialist plant centre.

Parkeston, Essex, CO1 2PG, Tel: 01255 242000, (0.5 miles, 0.8kms)

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

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH, Tel: 01206 577067, Email, (0.4 miles, 0.7kms)

firstsite is Colchester's contemporary visual arts organisation.

Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6AZ, Tel: 01206 322127, Email, (5 miles, 9kms)

The Home and Studios of Sir Alfred Munnings, PPRA.

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL, Tel: 01206 331292, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

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

Little Wigborough, Essex, UK, Tel: 01376 562226, (7 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.

Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington, Essex, CO7 8JJ, Tel: 01245 437677, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

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

Museum to go, C/O The Museum resource centre, 14 Ryegate Rd, Colchester, CO1 1YG, Tel: 01206 507846, Email, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

The museum on wheels is Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service's van based, community focused mobile museum. It is a fun innovative, exciting resource, with objects, activities, things to touch, see, smell, play, discover and question.

Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT, Tel: 01206 573948, Email, (0.7 miles, 1kms)

Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR, Tel: 01206 853588, Email, (0.8 miles, 1kms)

370 acres of woodland, grassland and wetland with path network, including circular walks and easy access trail. Visitor centre and interactive displays, rangers organise a range of activities throughout the year.

High Street, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6DE, Tel: 01206 322552, (6 miles, 9kms)

Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6HU, Tel: 01206 231390, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

Gnome Magic is an unusual treat. Enjoy the delightful garden which blends into an amazing wood where the growing number of 500 gnomes and their friends live. Guaranteed to bring a little sunshine.

West Stockwell Street, Colchester, CO1 1HN, Tel: 07884 436649, (2 miles, 3kms)

Redundant 14th Century church restored by The Churches Conservation Trust. Features include extensive use of recycled Roman brickwork. Tower was partially destroyed during the seige of Colchester in 1648. Interior is unfurnished.