| overlooking ardleigh reservoir, this redbrick hotel is 3. check-in time: 2:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. the straightforward rooms feature free wi-fi, flat-screen tvs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities; some have reservoir views. amenities include a relaxed restaurant with water views that serves international dishes, and a casual bar/lounge. 7 miles from colchester castle and 9 miles from colchester zoo
Heathrow Airport 1 hr 41
Colchester Castle Park (13 min)
Lush, expansive park and gardens hosting varied programme of shows, music concerts and festivals. East Anglian Railway Museum (18 min)
Original Victorian buildings housing railway memorabilia, plus a functioning restoration workshop. Flatford Mill (18 min)
Early-1700s riverside mill once owned by family of artist John Constable & used in his paintings. Hollytrees Museum (13 min)
House museum depicting 18th-century life, with manicured grounds & exhibits on local history. Colchester Castle (16 min)
Stately castle completed in 1100, featuring interactive exhibits, a jail & landscaped gardens. Colchester Zoo (14 min)
Zoo in 60 acres of parkland with lots of animals plus interactive feeding times, plus play areas. Layer Marney Tower (20 min)
Historic gatehouse with tea rooms in former stables, flower gardens open for picnicking and a farm. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (14 min)
Renowned gardener's creative, themed gardens with woodland and water areas, plant shop and tearoom. The Munnings Art Museum (11 min)
Museum, art, and art museum Dedham Vale (14 min)
Scenic rural area of farms, woodland & quaint villages, with walking & cycling paths. St Botolph's Priory (12 min)
Striking 1100s Augustinian monastery known for its Norman-style architecture, columns & arches. Firstsite (11 min)
Eclectic contemporary art from new and emerging creatives among free galleries, plus films and cafe. Cudmore Grove Country Park (31 min)
Park & beach with walking trails through meadows, a playground & the ruins of a 16th-century fort. Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park (22 min) Highwoods Country Park (10 min)
Meadow & forest country park with a lake, play areas, Nordic walking trail & a community garden. | 
