| the rustic-chic pub and restaurant has oak beams, an exposed-brick fireplace, and a blend of antique and contemporary furnishings. the 5 cosy rooms have free wi-fi, flat-screen tvs, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. there's also a walled garden with shaded seating. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. set in ferring village, this quaint 16th-century coaching inn is less than a mile from kelvedon train station and 8 miles from colchester zoo
Heathrow Airport 1 hr 29
Cudmore Grove Country Park (30 min)
Park & beach with walking trails through meadows, a playground & the ruins of a 16th-century fort. East Anglian Railway Museum (15 min)
Original Victorian buildings housing railway memorabilia, plus a functioning restoration workshop. Cressing Temple Barns (14 min)
Timber-framed barns, orchards and a Tudor walled garden on a medieval Knights Templar estate. Firstsite (17 min)
Eclectic contemporary art from new and emerging creatives among free galleries, plus films and cafe. Osea Island (33 min)
Estuary and beach St Botolph's Priory (19 min)
Striking 1100s Augustinian monastery known for its Norman-style architecture, columns & arches. Abberton Reservoir (19 min)
A 1,770-acre reservoir created in 1939 & nature reserve teeming with birdlife plus a visitor center. Colchester Zoo (13 min)
Zoo in 60 acres of parkland with lots of animals plus interactive feeding times, plus play areas. Hedingham Castle (31 min)
Vast country estate with a well-preserved Norman fortress, picnic areas, a cafe and a gift shop. Colchester Castle Park (17 min)
Lush, expansive park and gardens hosting varied programme of shows, music concerts and festivals. Great Notley Country Park (21 min)
Public parkland with horse riding, cycling paths and a large wooden climbing area, plus a bistro. Layer Marney Tower (11 min)
Historic gatehouse with tea rooms in former stables, flower gardens open for picnicking and a farm. Marks Hall Estate (11 min)
Geographically themed landscaped gardens with an arboretum and lakes, plus wood walks and play area. Promenade Park (22 min)
Victorian riverfront park with ornamental lake, woodland walk and kids' adventure play areas. Colchester Castle (17 min)
Stately castle completed in 1100, featuring interactive exhibits, a jail & landscaped gardens. | 
