Heathrow Airport 1 hr 30
Promenade Park (9 min)
Victorian riverfront park with ornamental lake, woodland walk and kids' adventure play areas. Chelmsford Cathedral (24 min)
Small, free to enter Anglican cathedral with an 11th-century heritage and lunchtime music recitals. Hanningfield Reservoir (28 min)
870-acre reservoir with diverse flora & fauna, seasonal fly fishing & paths, plus on-site cafes. Great Notley Country Park (31 min)
Public parkland with horse riding, cycling paths and a large wooden climbing area, plus a bistro. Combined Military Services Museum (15 min)
Army museum displaying artifacts from medieval times to the present, including arms & spy gadgets. Northey Island (15 min)
Marshy tidal-island nature reserve with trails & migratory birds; permit required for access. Hylands House (26 min)
Council-run stately home and grounds hosting music festivals and family activities year-round. Colchester Zoo (26 min)
Zoo in 60 acres of parkland with lots of animals plus interactive feeding times, plus play areas. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park (19 min)
Working farm with sheep, bunnies and ferrets, plus tractor rides, a bouncy castle and magic shows. Cressing Temple Barns (22 min)
Timber-framed barns, orchards and a Tudor walled garden on a medieval Knights Templar estate. Osea Island (24 min)
Estuary and beach Layer Marney Tower (25 min)
Historic gatehouse with tea rooms in former stables, flower gardens open for picnicking and a farm. The Museum of Power (7 min)
Industrial machinery, equipment and tools, including a working steam pump, plus a miniature railway. RHS Garden Hyde Hall (19 min)
Site run by horticulture charity, including bird hide and Dry Garden with bold architectural plants. Marks Hall Estate (33 min)
Geographically themed landscaped gardens with an arboretum and lakes, plus wood walks and play area. | 
