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Essex Attractions

Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre

Nature reserve, 125 acres of mixed habitat on Colne Estuary. 3 nature trails, wheelchair access. 7 bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre, friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children. Light refreshments available

South Green Road,   Fingringhoe  Colchester  CO5 7DN  Tel: 01206 729678

Barleylands Craft Village

Probably the largest collection of working crafts in East Anglia. Take a stroll around the Craft Village and visit 25 impressive individual specialist workshops demonstrating their crafts including blacksmiths and glassblowing

Barleylands Farm, Barleylands Road, Billericay  CM11 2UD  Tel: 01268 290229  Email

Battlesbridge Antiques Centre

Five interesting old buildings housing over 70 dealers in antiques and crafts. On the banks of the River Crouch in a picturesque hamlet, with tea-rooms and 18th century pub. Visits to the Classic Motor Cycle Museum on Sundays or by appointment only.

Battlesbridge  SS11 7RE   Tel 01268 734005

Belhus Woods Country Park

Woodland, open grassland and lakes suitable for walking, picnics and fishing. Visitor Centre with refreshments on site. Guided tours by arrangement

Romford Lodge, Romford Road, Aveley, RM15 4XJ  Tel:  01708 865628

Boydells Dairy Farm

A family run dairy farm specialising in milking sheep, also goats and cows. Many other farm animals. Everything explained; fun and education for all. Donkey cart rides.

Wethersfield,   Braintree  CM7 4AQ   Tel: 01376 850481   Email

Carter’s Vineyards

Seven acres of vines, including an organic vineyard. Winery powered by wind and sun generated energy. Forty acre nature reserve.

Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester  CO4 5TS  Tel: 01206 271136   Email

Colchester Zoo

Award winning Zoo -one of Europe’s finest. Interact with the animals in daily displays. Feed elephants and giraffes, touch a snake or fly a bird of prey. Don’t miss the new Playa Patagonia - the underwater sealion experience.

Malden Road, Stanway, Colchester  CO3 0SL  Tel:  01206 331292

Essex Horse & Pony Protection Society

240 acre site, which is home to some 90, rescued animals. The society runs a 24 hour emergency call out service 365 days of the year. No charge is made for this service but donations are always welcome.

Pitsea, Basildon  SS16 4UH   Tel: 01268 584603   Email

Lee Valley Park Farms

Two farms on one site-Hayes Hill Farm, where you can meet the animals, picnic and play, and Holyfield Hall Farm where you can see milking (ask for time on arrival) and learn about modern farming.

Stubbins Hall Lane,  Waltham Abbey  EN9 2EG  Tel:  01992 892781

Marsh Farm Country Park

Farm trail with pigs, sheep, cattle, chickhens, ponies and pets. Daily milking demonstrations, gift shop, tea rooms, play area. Please book in advance for group bookings and birthday parties

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers  CM3 5WP  Tel: 01245 324191  Email

Mersea Island Vineyard

Established vineyard on a 10 acre site overlooking Blackwater and Colne Estuaries. Free admission, tasting and vineyard walk. Conducted group tours (min 15 people) of winery and vineyard with supper by appointment only from £3.50 per person.

Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea,  Mersea Island  CO5 8SX  Tel:  01206 385900   Email

Moulsham Mill

Early 18th century water mill housing a variety of crafts and small businesses. Crafts include jewellery, pottery, hat hire, lace, decoupage, bears, window art, painting, cards, World of Dance, photographic restoration and more.

Parkway, Chelmsford CM2 7PX  Tel: 01277 211250   Email

Mole Hall Wildlife Park

Park with otters, chimps, guanaco, lemurs, wallabies, deer, owls and waterfowl, a butterfly pavilion, attractive gardens picnic and play areas and a pet's corner. The park is in gardens and fields adjoining the fully-moated manor. The house of Mole Hall has records dating back to 1287

Widington, Safron Walden CB11 3SS  01799 540400

New Hall Vineyards

92 acre vineyard open daily. Includes farm trail, vineyard walk and wine tasting in the cellar shop. Annual wine festival first full weekend in September. Guided tours by appointment from May to September.

Chelmsford Road, Purleigh,   Maldon  CM3 6PN  Tel:  01621 828343   Email

Old MacDonald’s Educational Farm Park

Specialising in native rare breed pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry. Plus shire horses, owls, deer, red squirrels, otters, goats, ferrets and lots more. Informative breed labelling system and excellent facilities.

Weald Road, South Weald,  Brentwood  CM14 5AY  Tel:  01277 220892

Sealife Adventure

Stunning displays employing the most advanced technology to bring you incredibly close to the wonders of marine life. Various talks throughout the day, please check times on arrival. “Little Tykes” indoor play activity centre.

Eastern Esplanade  Southend-on-Sea  SS1 2ER  Tel : 01702 601834   Email

Tropical Wings

Indoor tropical gardens with free flying butterflies and birds. Reptiles, mini-beast, outdoor bird gardens, butterfly garden, superb parrot collection, farmyard experience, children’s play area and farm/gift shop

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers  CM3 5QZ  Tel: 01245 425394   Email

Thorrington Tide Mill

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