Heathrow Airport 1 hr 17
Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village (19 min)
Reconstructed medieval castle and Norman settlement, plus a toy museum, closed during winter. Cressing Temple Barns (15 min)
Timber-framed barns, orchards and a Tudor walled garden on a medieval Knights Templar estate. Marks Hall Estate (23 min)
Geographically themed landscaped gardens with an arboretum and lakes, plus wood walks and play area. The Gardens Of Easton Lodge (12 min)
Lush ornamental gardens dating from the Tudor era with guided tours, kids' crafts and tea pavilion. Chelmsford Museum (26 min)
Free-admission museum in a Victorian house & modern extension, dedicated to local history & culture. Beaulieu Park (18 min) Hedingham Castle (29 min)
Vast country estate with a well-preserved Norman fortress, picnic areas, a cafe and a gift shop. Riverside Leisure Centre (23 min)
Ice skating Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens (13 min) Chelmsford Cathedral (23 min)
Small, free to enter Anglican cathedral with an 11th-century heritage and lunchtime music recitals. Mountfichet Castle (19 min)
Castle & Norman village replicas on a historical site with rescued animals, a tea room & gift shop. Hylands House (33 min)
Council-run stately home and grounds hosting music festivals and family activities year-round. Great Notley Country Park (13 min)
Public parkland with horse riding, cycling paths and a large wooden climbing area, plus a bistro. National Trust - Hatfield Forest (18 min)
Tranquil, ancient royal hunting grounds with grass paths, a forest walk and 1200-year-old trees. Essex Police Museum (23 min)
Archival and educational space displaying documents, artefacts, objects and photos on local history. | 
