Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is a large zoological garden in Essex offering outdoor themed animal habitats with rare and endangered species, interactive exhibits, conservation efforts, and family-friendly facilities.

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3 miles from Finchingfield Guildhall

Finchingfield Guildhall is a Grade I listed historic building from the 15th and 17th centuries, beautifully restored and serving as a community hub with guided tours, an interactive museum, and a library. Visitors can explore both the interior and exterior, set within the grounds of a Norman church, and enjoy the surrounding village of Finchingfield.

Near Belchamp Hall

Belchamp Hall is a Queen Anne country house in Suffolk housing an eclectic collection illustrating the Raymond family history, featuring Gainsborough portraits, a medieval church, formal gardens, and a Victorian summer house. It offers both indoor historic tours and outdoor landscaped grounds.

3 miles from Paycocke's House and Garden

Paycocke's House and Gardens is a Tudor merchant's house with intricate woodwork, paired with restored historic gardens in an Arts and Crafts style. It offers visitors a blend of indoor historic architecture and outdoor garden exploration under National Trust care in Coggeshall, Essex.

Curlew

This is a spacious holiday house located directly on the beach overlooking the Colne Estuary, ideal for larger families or two-family groups seeking a seaside retreat with natural coastal and wildlife surroundings.

The Great Escape

This large detached six-bedroom house in the quiet village of Barham, Suffolk, comfortably accommodates families or groups with various bedrooms, a games room, and a private hot tub in the garden, offering a peaceful and cosy retreat for togetherness and relaxation.

Rose Cottage

Rose Cottage is a unique upside-down house nestled in serene countryside, offering two bedrooms and panoramic views from its upstairs living area with access to a balcony and outdoor spaces, located near Mersea Island with nearby pubs, restaurants, and coastal walks.

3 miles from Bourne Mill

Bourne Mill is a historic Grade I listed former fishing lodge and mill located in Colchester, Essex, managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the restored mill machinery and the mill's surrounding pond, experiencing both indoor historic architecture and outdoor picturesque grounds.

Silver Birch

This accommodation is a peaceful rural lodge on the Essex/Suffolk border with countryside surroundings, located close to a village with local shops, a brewery, and a dog-friendly pub, suitable for up to 4 guests with outdoor amenities and a private hot tub.

3 miles from Hedingham Castle

Hedingham Castle is a historic Norman keep and Georgian mansion set in beautiful gardens and woodlands. Visitors can explore the castle interiors via steep stairs, enjoy accessible grounds with picnic and cafe facilities, and attend various events including outdoor theatre. The Georgian House is available for private tours and weddings.

2 miles from Ray Island

Ray Island is a 40.5-hectare nature reserve in Essex featuring saltmarsh, rough grassland, and a shingle foreshore, known for its wildlife and multiple environmental designations. Visitors access the island by boat, exploring its unique natural habitats and birdlife in an outdoor setting.

Located in West Mersea

West Mersea is a historic seaside town on Mersea Island in Essex with Roman roots, a lively maritime heritage, and a range of local cultural and leisure amenities including sailing, regattas, and a museum.

3 miles from Markshall Estate

Markshall Estate in Essex is a 200-acre arboretum and garden estate featuring global tree collections, formal gardens, and family-friendly facilities including play areas and refreshments. It offers free access to RHS members on selected days.

Near Copt Hall Marshes

Copt Hall Marshes is a wildlife-rich working farm on the Blackwater Estuary, offering visitors outdoor experiences including walking trails, bird watching, and nature conservation in an important breeding area for farmland and coastal birds.

2 miles from Wolves Wood

Wolves Wood is an ancient woodland nature reserve in Suffolk offering a flat, circular 1-mile trail through diverse habitats managed by traditional coppicing. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and insects in a natural wet woodland setting, but facilities are limited and dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs.

Located in Hadleigh

Hadleigh is an ancient market town in Suffolk known for its rich medieval and Georgian heritage, historic wool and cloth industry, and notable cultural and artistic connections.

Birds Farm Holidays - Robin

This accommodation is a one-bedroom barn conversion in the village of Elmstead Market offering a peaceful and homely setting with a shared outdoor swimming pool and shared games room in scenic surroundings ideal for a quiet retreat or family stay.

Near Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

The Beth Chatto Gardens in Elmstead Market is a renowned outdoor garden featuring drought-tolerant gravel gardens, a lush water garden, and mature woodland with century-old oaks. The garden offers an accessible and peaceful experience with facilities including refreshments, plant sales, and parking. Access is free for RHS members on selected days.

3 miles from ‘Introduction to Garden Design’ Course

14 Oct (next Wednesday)

An intensive course covering the stages of designing a garden, from site surveying and drawing plans to landscaping and planting design. It is aimed at people planning their own garden and those considering a career in garden design.

Lavender Cottage

Lavender Cottage is a cosy two-bedroom cottage in the village of Kirby le Soken, Essex, offering a peaceful and homely retreat with easy access to both the coast and countryside.

English Oak

This is a secluded woodland lodge on the Essex/Suffolk border designed for couples seeking peace and privacy, featuring a private garden and hot tub, an open-plan living space with countryside views, and shared on-site amenities including a sauna, games room, and tennis court.

Aylesbury Lodge

A ground-floor lodge suitable for 4 guests with 2 ensuite bedrooms, private hot tub, enclosed garden, and on-site parking, located near a market town with various local attractions and outdoor activities.

3 miles from Sailmakers Shopping Centre

Sailmakers is a multi-story shopping centre in Ipswich, England, that opened in 1986 and was transformed and rebranded in 2015. It provides an indoor shopping experience with various retail options.

Located in Ipswich

Ipswich is a historic port town and county town of Suffolk, England, known for its medieval heritage, cultural institutions, arts scene, and scenic waterfront with marina.

3 miles from Ray Island

Ray Island is a protected wildlife haven in Essex known for its rare saltmarsh plants and breeding water birds, with no public footpaths or visitor access on foot to preserve the natural habitat.

Spring Vale Bungalow

The Bungalow is a charming single-storey home in the village of Ardleigh, Essex, set within picturesque grounds near lakes and countryside, offering a peaceful rural retreat with natural surroundings.

2 miles from Green Island Gardens

Green Island Gardens is a wildlife-friendly garden featuring National Plant Collections, diverse themed gardens, and seasonal highlights. Visitors can enjoy autumn colours, rare plants, and an educational wildlife centre.

3 miles from Constable 250: Flatford Guided Tour

8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.

Linley Farm Cottages - Willow Tree Cottage

Willow Tree Cottage is a ground-floor family cottage in a rural Essex park, surrounded by countryside and wildlife with privacy and wheelchair access.

Linley Farm Cottages - Meadow View Cottage

A ground-floor bungalow cottage set within 3 acres of grounds near a lake, offering wheelchair access, private parking, and peaceful countryside views with opportunities for fishing, boating, and walking.

White Hart Cottages - Fallow Cottage

Fallow Cottage is a cosy holiday cottage constructed in 2021 located in the heart of Hadleigh, featuring a wood burner, private courtyard garden, and proximity to Suffolk countryside and historic villages.

3 miles from St James' Chapel, Lindsey

St James' Chapel in Lindsey, Suffolk is a 13th-century medieval chapel originally serving Lindsey Castle, featuring historic architecture and original stonework, now preserved as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument open to the public.

Cherry Cottage

Cherry Cottage is a spacious two-bedroom cottage set in the countryside with beautiful river views, offering a tranquil and scenic retreat for up to 4 guests with pet-friendly accommodation and a private garden patio.

2 miles from Pin Mill

Pin Mill is a scenic outdoor destination on the Suffolk Coast featuring woodland and heathland restoration, panoramic river views, a peaceful nature walk, and nearby village amenities including shops and a pub. The terrain is uneven and steep, limiting wheelchair accessibility.

Birds Farm Holidays - Plover

This accommodation is a charming two-bedroom barn conversion located in the village of Elmstead Market, set in a peaceful and scenic countryside environment with a shared outdoor swimming pool and communal outdoor space.

2 miles from Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is a large zoological garden in Essex offering outdoor themed animal habitats with rare and endangered species, interactive exhibits, conservation efforts, and family-friendly facilities.

Humperdink

This charming coastal retreat is nestled within a 750-acre bird reserve offering a peaceful rural setting close to a shingle-sand beach and tidal creeks, ideal for families and nature lovers.

Linley Farm Cottages - Apple Tree Cottage

This accommodation is a ground-floor holiday cottage set within 3 acres of countryside grounds, offering scenic views and abundant wildlife, with a focus on walkers and nature lovers.

Toppesfield Hall

Toppesfield Hall is a historic holiday retreat in the Essex countryside with five guest capacity across two bedrooms set in tranquil surroundings with garden views from bedrooms, renovated recently with a private hot tub and shared sauna on site.

Birds Farm Holidays - Partridge

This accommodation is a charming two-bedroom barn conversion in the village of Elmstead Market, set in a peaceful and scenic countryside location with access to a shared heated outdoor swimming pool and communal gardens.

3 miles from Landguard Fort

Landguard Fort is a historic artillery fort located at the mouth of the River Orwell in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Dating back to 1540 with major rebuilds in the 18th century, it played key roles in coastal defence including repelling a Dutch attack in 1667 and serving as a World War II military base. Now managed by English Heritage, it features preserved fortifications and offers both indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration.

Located in Harwich

Harwich is a historic port town in Essex, England, known for its maritime heritage, historic architecture, and cultural festivals, including an annual sea shanty festival.

Woodland Cottages - Copper Beech

Copper Beech is a large two-bedroom lodge located in the countryside of Toppesfield, offering a peaceful, cosy, and stylish retreat with a private hot tub, outdoor games room, and access to shared facilities including a sauna and tennis courts.

3 miles from Danbury Common

Danbury Common is a large biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex featuring heathland, woodland, ponds, and uncommon species, with areas managed by the National Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust.

1 Lamb Barn

This offering is a beautiful timber frame barn conversion on one level suitable for couples and small families, located in a peaceful countryside setting near the coast and local towns with sandy beaches and a variety of nearby attractions.

3 miles from Thorington Street

Thorington Hall is a historic Grade-II* listed manor house in Suffolk, known for its timber-framed architecture and unique superstitious marks. Managed by the National Trust, it is primarily an indoor heritage site with occasional public access during special events.

Lavenham Coconut Mill

Coconut Mill is a tastefully decorated three-bedroom house converted from a Victorian mill located close to the historic town centre of Lavenham, offering a homely and peaceful setting with easy access to local amenities and scenic countryside surroundings.

Near The Crooked House

The Crooked House in Lavenham is a 600-year-old tilted historic house famous as the inspiration for the nursery rhyme 'There was a Crooked Man'. Visitors can enjoy immersive theatrical guided tours inside the house featuring storytelling, ghost tales, and a tea experience with the hosts. The venue is not wheelchair accessible due to steep steps and requires pre-booked tickets.

Near Exhibition: Lavenham Guildhall 75 Years

7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…

A locally curated exhibition marking 75 years since Lavenham Guildhall passed into National Trust care. It explores the Guildhall’s history, the local community’s role in shaping its development, and its appearances in cinema and television.

Chandler's Cottage

A large, tastefully decorated cottage on Mersea Island with a south-facing garden, located within walking distance of the beach and local amenities on a peaceful island that experiences unique tidal changes.

Near Stour Estuary

Stour Estuary is a nature reserve featuring ancient woodland and estuary habitats where visitors can explore varied nature trails, observe diverse birdlife, and enjoy seasonal flora displays. The reserve offers peaceful outdoor experiences with picnic areas and bird hides overlooking the estuary.

Located in Rochford

Rochford is a historic market town in Essex, England, characterized by its historic buildings, churches, and leisure trails, with convenient train and bus access.

Willow Loft

This one-bedroom annexe in the countryside of Bulmer offers a peaceful and stylish retreat with rustic charm and scenic views, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking relaxation in a rural setting.

3 miles from Gainsborough’s House

Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury is the childhood home of the artist Thomas Gainsborough, now a museum featuring extensive indoor galleries with exhibitions and collections alongside outdoor gardens and panoramic views. The venue offers a café, shop, and workshops, making it a cultural and educational destination.

3 miles from Grange Barn

Grange Barn is a historic 13th-century timber-framed barn in Coggeshall, Essex, preserved by the National Trust and open to the public with exhibits on its history and woodworking heritage.

Chestnut Lodge

Chestnut Lodge is a newly built, two-bedroom holiday lodge set in the tranquil countryside of Toppesfield, offering a cosy and stylish atmosphere with outdoor activities and scenic surroundings.

North Farm Lodge

A ground floor detached coastal property with open plan living, two bedrooms, and a private garden, located on Britain’s most easterly inhabited island providing peaceful, scenic surroundings with opportunities for walking, bird watching, and enjoying local seafood.

Liston Hall Barn

Liston Hall Barn is a spacious converted 5-bedroom barn located in the countryside of Gosfield, Essex, offering a peaceful and stylish rural retreat with ample outdoor space and modern comforts.

Pond View Loft

A charming one-bedroom first-floor annexe in the peaceful countryside of Bulmer, Suffolk, offering scenic views, a balcony, and a private parking space, ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking relaxation and rural exploration.

3 miles from Melford Hall

Melford Hall is a historic Grade I listed stately home in Suffolk with 16th-century origins and Tudor architecture. Owned by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally, it offers a blend of both indoor historic house tours and extensive outdoor grounds hosting events.

3 miles from Walk for Wellness

8 Oct, 15 Oct…

A gentle guided walk around the park, offering time to move, enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature at your own pace.

Located in Sudbury

Sudbury is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, known for its rich Anglo-Saxon heritage, 18th-century art connections, and cultural venues including museums and a revived market centre. It offers diverse activities from river rowing to music festivals.

Sycamore Farm

Sycamore Farmhouse is a 15th-century farmhouse situated on a working farm near Bramford, Ipswich, offering a rustic and cosy countryside retreat with abundant beams and views of highland cattle. It caters for groups and families, including pet-friendly facilities, and provides a peaceful setting surrounded by nature and rural landscapes.

The Orchards Holiday Village

Orchards Holiday Village is located on the tip of Point Clear near Clacton-on-Sea, offering beach access, pools, fishing lakes, and various family-oriented activities in a seaside setting with nearby town exploration.

Linley Farm Cottages - Orchard Cottage

A wheelchair accessible ground-floor cottage set within rural Essex surrounded by peaceful countryside and wildlife, offering a homely atmosphere with private outdoor space and parking onsite, suitable for families and pets with good nearby walking and nature immersion possibilities.

Near Northey Island

Northey Island is a remote coastal island in the Blackwater Estuary, Essex, accessible only by a tidal causeway at low tide. It is known for its historical significance as the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain and as a peaceful wildlife haven with saltmarsh habitat and a waymarked walking trail. Visitors should check tide times before visiting due to causeway accessibility restrictions.

Located in Maldon

Maldon is a historic market town in Essex known for its maritime heritage, annual festivals, and scenic riverside location on the Blackwater Estuary.

Linley Farm Cottages - Pear Tree Cottage

A ground-floor holiday cottage set within 3 acres of grounds in Essex offering wheelchair access, private parking, shared laundry facilities, and a patio with garden furniture, surrounded by countryside and near coastal paths.

Highfield Grange

Highfield Grange in Clacton-on-Sea offers a traditional seaside holiday setting with a range of on-park activities including indoor and outdoor heated pools, adventure playgrounds, and multi-sports courts, alongside eateries like The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant and takeaway options.

West Mersea Park

This lodge-style accommodation is set on West Mersea Holiday Park near the beach featuring a ground-floor open plan living space with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering a relaxed coastal stay with nearby on-site amenities including a café, bar, and shops.

Doggetts Farm - Woodland House

Woodland House is a recently renovated and extended character cottage set in a quiet rural location near Rochford, offering a peaceful and homely private retreat with scenic countryside surroundings and access to outdoor activities like fishing.

Steeple Bay

Steeple Bay is a family-friendly leisure park located on the Blackwater Estuary in the South East of England, offering waterside views and a variety of activities including fishing, children's clubs, and outdoor heated pools.

3 miles from Northey Island

Northey Island is a tidal island in Essex's Blackwater Estuary, accessible by causeway at low tide. It is a nature-rich site managed by the National Trust and known for its historical significance in the Battle of Maldon.

Linley Farm Cottages - Dairy Cottage

This ground-floor cottage is set within 3 acres of grounds with wildlife and rolling countryside views, offering a tranquil rural retreat with easy wheelchair access and private parking for 2-3 cars.

Doggetts Farm - The Cartlodge

The Cart Lodge is a restored four-bedroom barn style lodge in rural Rochford, offering a peaceful, multi-generational retreat with countryside surroundings and spacious private gardens.

2 miles from Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood is a large natural reserve featuring ancient woodland, heathland, and historical military sites. Visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife, scenic walking trails, and explore the rich heritage of this Essex ridge-top location.

The Stables

This stylish and comfortable apartment offers a romantic rural retreat surrounded by Suffolk countryside near Great Bealings, with panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and proximity to Woodbridge and local natural attractions.

Old Alton Hall Farmhouse

A detached former farmhouse in the Suffolk countryside offering accommodation for up to 10 guests, with extensive outdoor space, pet-friendly policies, family-friendly features, and nearby countryside and wildlife exploration opportunities.

3 miles from Bridge Cottage

Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.

Near Hylands Estate

Hylands Estate is a large Grade II* public park featuring a Neo-Classical house, formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and an accessible children's playground. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities including house tours, art workshops, adventure courses, and seasonal events, with food and drink available on site.

Located in Haverhill

Haverhill is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, featuring a walkable town centre with historic buildings, cultural venues, and a vibrant market scene, served by local public transport but without a current train station.