Heathrow Airport 1 hr 56
Promenade Park (37 min)
Victorian riverfront park with ornamental lake, woodland walk and kids' adventure play areas. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (30 min)
Renowned gardener's creative, themed gardens with woodland and water areas, plant shop and tearoom. Cudmore Grove Country Park (11 min)
Park & beach with walking trails through meadows, a playground & the ruins of a 16th-century fort. Colchester Castle (26 min)
Stately castle completed in 1100, featuring interactive exhibits, a jail & landscaped gardens. West Mersea Beach (9 min) Abberton Reservoir (20 min)
A 1,770-acre reservoir created in 1939 & nature reserve teeming with birdlife plus a visitor center. Layer Marney Tower (26 min)
Historic gatehouse with tea rooms in former stables, flower gardens open for picnicking and a farm. Colchester Zoo (23 min)
Zoo in 60 acres of parkland with lots of animals plus interactive feeding times, plus play areas. Firstsite (25 min)
Eclectic contemporary art from new and emerging creatives among free galleries, plus films and cafe. Blackwater Estuary National Nature Reserve (35 min)
Estuary and marsh Clacton Pier (49 min)
Restored Victorian pier with a funfair, amusement arcade, eateries, aquarium and tenpin bowling. Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick (23 min)
Nature reserve, wildlife, and nature Brightlingsea Beach (41 min) Colchester Castle Park (26 min)
Lush, expansive park and gardens hosting varied programme of shows, music concerts and festivals. Osea Island (43 min)
Estuary and beach | 
