Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Colchester

St John's Abbey Gate, Essex, CO2 7EZ, Tel: 01206 282931, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

This elaborate pinnacled 15thcentury gatehouse, in East Anglian flushwork, is the sole survivor of the Benedictine abbey of St John. It was stormed by Parliamentarian soldiers during the Civil War siege of 1648.

Chappel Station, Wakes Colne, Essex, CO6 2DS, Tel: 01206 242524, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

We are a living museum situated at the edge of Constable Country. Our heritage site is an interactive display of the region's industrial and social history of railways since the 19th century.

High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6AD, Tel: 01206 322666, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

This beautifully converted church showcases the work of over 40/50 creative artisans and the buying skills of specialist retailers on its top two floors while the ground floor houses a Lifestyle Living showroom and a tearoom.

School Road, Messing, Essex, CO5 9TH, Tel: 01621 815219, Email, (8 miles, 12kms)

Relax by walking through artists and wildlife gardens. A junior farm and children's play area will ensure everybody will have a memorable day. Café, pottery and crafts for sale.

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, Tel: 01206 873261, (2 miles, 3kms)

Lakeside Theatre is a hidden gem. We present great performances, original theatre, children's shows, contemporary music, comedy nights and local groups. Set in parkland with café, lakes, sculptures and ducks. Twitter @lakesidetheatre

High Street, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6DE, Tel: 01206 322552, (6 miles, 10kms)

Tenpin, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1YH, Tel: 0871 221 0000, (0.3 miles, 0.5kms)

Tenpin Bowling Alley with licensed, late night bar, games machines and Beach Road Café. Cosmic bowling from 8pm Wed-Sun.

Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF, Tel: 01206 500900, Email, (0.3 miles, 0.5kms)

The home of live music, comedy, theatre, poetry, dance, children's shows, clubs, farmer's markets, gigs and more.

Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR, Tel: 01206 853588, Email, (1 miles, 2kms)

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.

Mistley, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1HB, Tel: 01206 393884, Email, (8 miles, 12kms)

Arts and Crafts workshop with exhibitions. Cafe with home cooked food, cakes, coffee and licensed for alcohol.

Bures, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO8 5BN, Tel: 01473 890089, Email, (7 miles, 12kms)

The reserves are both Sites of Special Scientific Interest and fall within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

74 High Street, East Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE, Tel: 01206 712437, Email, (0.2 miles, 0.3kms)

The Minories Art Gallery is a professional contemporary art gallery managed by Colchester School of Art.

12 St John's Street, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7AN, Email, (0.4 miles, 0.6kms)

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ, Tel: 01206 282962, Email, (0.2 miles, 0.3kms)

The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, putting green and boating lake.

East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE, Tel: 01206 383868, (8 miles, 13kms)

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.

Town Hall Galleries, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1DH, Tel: 01473 433554, Email, (0.1 miles, 0.1kms)

An enchanting and FREE day out not to be missed! You can enjoy a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB, Tel: 01206 822007, Email, (4 miles, 7kms)

2.5 hectares (6 acres) of gravel, water and woodland gardens, a large modern tea room and plant nursery.

Lower Park Road, Brightlingsea, Essex, CO7 0LG, Tel: 01206 303535, Email, (8 miles, 12kms)

Meander along footpaths exploring the diverse variety of trees, plants and wildlife. Visit the pond area or just sit, relax, listen and observe all around you.