| 7 miles from university of essex colchester campus and 3 miles from alresford train station. the airy, cottage-style apartments feature private bathrooms, dining tables and free wifi, plus flat-screen tvs and ipod docks. set in a 17th-century farmhouse, this adults-only lodging is 2. some also offer kitchenettes, air-conditioning and private gardens. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. complimentary full english breakfast is provided, and guest parking is available on-site
Heathrow Airport 1 hr 47
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (4 min)
Renowned gardener's creative, themed gardens with woodland and water areas, plant shop and tearoom. Cudmore Grove Country Park (27 min)
Park & beach with walking trails through meadows, a playground & the ruins of a 16th-century fort. East Anglian Railway Museum (24 min)
Original Victorian buildings housing railway memorabilia, plus a functioning restoration workshop. Dedham Vale (23 min)
Scenic rural area of farms, woodland & quaint villages, with walking & cycling paths. Colchester Zoo (19 min)
Zoo in 60 acres of parkland with lots of animals plus interactive feeding times, plus play areas. Clacton Pier (24 min)
Restored Victorian pier with a funfair, amusement arcade, eateries, aquarium and tenpin bowling. Flatford Mill (24 min)
Early-1700s riverside mill once owned by family of artist John Constable & used in his paintings. Highwoods Country Park (15 min)
Meadow & forest country park with a lake, play areas, Nordic walking trail & a community garden. Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park (29 min) Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick (20 min)
Nature reserve, wildlife, and nature Colchester Castle Park (12 min)
Lush, expansive park and gardens hosting varied programme of shows, music concerts and festivals. Layer Marney Tower (26 min)
Historic gatehouse with tea rooms in former stables, flower gardens open for picnicking and a farm. St Botolph's Priory (11 min)
Striking 1100s Augustinian monastery known for its Norman-style architecture, columns & arches. Firstsite (10 min)
Eclectic contemporary art from new and emerging creatives among free galleries, plus films and cafe. Colchester Castle (14 min)
Stately castle completed in 1100, featuring interactive exhibits, a jail & landscaped gardens. | 
