Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
This splendid French-style restaurant specialises in delicious fish dishes, although carnivores are not completely overlooked and the menu carries a section rather grimly entitled 'Butcher's Corner'.
Aims to serve the freshest, finest food at the most affordable prices possible, ensuring that your dining experience is a good one.
The Griffin - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)
Set on Danbury Mount, The Griffin not only offers good food, wine and real ale but also has the added bonus of stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the lounge and gardens. The warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Fun Days Out
A visit to the races is perfect for the whole family. Newmarket racecourse is packed with things to do including Newmarket's Summer Saturdays to keep the children fully entertained and concerts showing big name acts. There are also two restaurants onsite serving delicious foods.
Trace the story of racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern heroes. Marvel at the head of Persimmon, Royal Derby winner in 1896, and a special display about Victorian jockey Fred Archer, featuring the pistol he used to take his life.
Go Ape at Thetford gives the ultimate in outdoor fun and adventure up amongst the trees. It is located off the beaten track, in the heart of a pine forest that covers 50,000 acres offering ample space and thirty miles of bike and cycle trails, for your use, so don't forget to explore the forest whilst here. There is so much on offer, with a Segway experience, Tarzan Swing, Alpine Zip, Treetop Adventures, there is one to suit both little and bigger adventurers. Safety is paramount and a briefing and run down on the equipment is given before you start your activity, as well as a practise sessions before you head off. They provide all equipment and it is in excellent order and well maintained. The staff are great, so friendly, professional, patient and enthusiastic. There are activities to cater to all age groups making it an ideal family day out, if you take the children here, they will love you. It is well organised and run so your day will go smoothly. Go Ape at Thetford offers a unique experience, complete with fun, laughs and excitement and plenty of challenges and obstacles to overcome but the result is a sense of achievement and satisfaction as well as a memorable experience for all who take part. You will certainly want to return again to maybe try some other activity, highly recommended.
Rope Runners offers a fun, thrilling and energetic outdoor adventure up amongst the trees. It covers a large area and offers a variety of obstacles with high ropes, zip wires and high jump all form part of the course. There is also a rock climbing wall, archery, air rifles, assault course and water zorbing. There are different range levels from easy to difficult so the ropes offer a challenge to everyone. They are well organised and the activity is well run. Safety is paramount and you are given a full safety briefing and the equipment is explained before you start. Staff are always close by if you encounter any problems, you will find them to be friendly, helpful and professional. They are also encouraging if heights aren't your forte. Prices are very reasonable and offer great value for money. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, and booking in advance is recommended, each session will last about an hour. Make sure to wear suitable footwear and clothing that you can easily move in. There is the Bunker or Canteen where you can get beverages and hot and cold snacks at reasonable prices. Rope Runners offers a fun and challenging activity that all the family can get involved in, the minimum age is six, you will be very popular if you take the children here on a day out.
Walking trails, fishing, quiet corners for relaxation or bird watching, picnic areas - all this plus 41 acres of woodland, lakes and grassland. Danbury Country Park has all the ingredients for a great family day out.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
Now owned by the National Trust, Danbury Commons, one of the largest remaining areas of shrublands in Essex, is a haven for insects, nesting birds and a wide variety of flowers.
Golf & Sports
Redwings is a registered charity which cares for the well being of rescued horses. Visit the centre and see first hand the extraordinary work they do.
Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre prides itself on being a family friendly golf centre. This 18 hole parkland course is comprised of two nine hole courses, the Oaks course and Acorns course. Both courses offer a variety of challenges to all standard of golfer, the Oaks course has bunkers, lakes and trees lining the fairway and greens, the Acorns course caters to beginners with mainly par 3 and 4 holes but, will allow more experienced players to enhance their short game skills. Regardless of the course you play you will find the greens and fairways in excellent condition, the courses are well maintained overall. The staff are friendly, attentive and professional and will ensure you have a pleasant experience here. The facilities are very good, the driving range offers the ideal place to practice and the pro shop is well stocked. The clubhouse is welcoming and comfortable, they serve an excellent selection of hot and cold dishes that are really tasty, well presented and real value for money. The green fees offer excellent value for money and with the breakfast deal it is fantastic value. Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre is a friendly club that extends a warm welcome to all with great facilities and fantastic green fees, highly recommended.
Witham Bowls Club is a long established club dating back to 1904 when the club was first founded, and the sport was a popular pastime. In 1921 it moved to its present location amongst the pretty and peaceful surroundings in Collingwood Road. The club has both lady and gentlemen members and is welcoming to new members and guests. Don't worry if you can't play or have little experience there are coaches on hand to provide instruction and lessons. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming and provides a nice retreat to relax in or take part in the social events they organise throughout the year.
Benton Hall Golf and Country Club is an award winning club and one of the premier golf clubs in Essex, with a superior choice of facilities. On site is an 18 hole Championship Golf Club, 9 Hole Short Course, Gym, Swimming Pool, Bars and much more. This mature parkland course is set amongst the glorious countryside of the Blackwater Valley with the Blackwater River meandering through the course. It is a pretty level course and has a good variety of holes with a number of hazards including, ditches, ponds and deep bunkers. The course is fantastic, excellently maintained, the fairways are tight and the greens are true and quick and with good tee positions. The course is challenging to all level of golfer. The clubhouse is stylish and comfortable and has a lively and friendly ambience and offers the ideal retreat after a round of golf. It has a lovely terrace that overlooks the lakes. They have an impressive menu that is diverse and interesting, the food is delicious, well cooked and presented and offers excellent value for money. The staff within the club are friendly, helpful and very professional and add to the overall experience here. Benton Hall Golf and Country Club is a friendly club that offers great golf at a fair price and a course that will test all level of golfer, highly recommended.
Witham Cricket Club is a long established club dating back to 1847 when it was initially founded. The grounds are conveniently located close to the town centre and extend to 10.5 acres, they are enclosed by trees and parkland. It is a friendly and welcoming club and is continually striving to improve its amenities and make for a more comfortable experience for members and visitors. What could be nicer on a sunny day than watching a cricket match unfolding as you relax in the peaceful surroundings whilst enjoying a cold drink.
Bentley Golf Club is quite a new course but has already established itself as a premier club here in Essex. It is an 18 hole parkland course designed by Alex Swan and is located in lovely surroundings, with a good variety of holes. This rolling course is tricky in some places and therefore offers challenges to all level of player, it also has a number of obstacles including water features, deep bunkers, ditches and trees. The course is well maintained, the greens are fast and smooth. The most memorable hole on the course is the sixteenth. The club is very welcoming to non members and the staff throughout are very friendly, helpful and professional. The facilities here are very good and the clubhouse is comfortable and welcoming and they have a good menu, the food is very good, well cooked and presented and represents real value for money. There is also a putting green and practice green here. Bentley Golf Club is a great club to play, friendly staff, beautiful course and really reasonable green fees, it ticks all the boxes, highly recommended.
Nature Reserves
Whetmead Nature Reserve is located in an old landfill site that has developed into an important habitat for wildlife. This twenty five acre site is isolated as it is enclosed by the River Brain and Blackwater and by a main road. The area is predominantly rough meadow, grassland and lagoons, with a small waterfall. The meadow maintains plenty of plant and animal species and is bordered by scrub. The three linked lagoons permits nesting and aquatic birds to breed, there is a bird hide where you can observe the birds from, it also attracts a good variety of butterflies and dragonflies. Once you get away from the main road you enter a place of peace and calm where you can enjoy the picturesque walks and wildlife that has made their home here. Whetmead Nature Reserve is a pleasant sanctuary that allows you to enjoy the tranquilly and beauty of this area and the wildlife and plants that reside here.
Gardens & Woodlands
Visitors are returning time and time again to these fabulous and tranquil gardens. It's the ideal location to leave behind the hustle and bustle of busy lives and just enjoy the views, peace and quiet.
Located nearby the lovely, historic town of Clare, this stunning park offers a peaceful and tranquil environment in which to relax and unwind. Soak up some of the fascinating local history and admire the 13th century castle with it superb views. Spend some time at the old goods yard which served the old Clare railway, and follow the 'history trail' to unravel the mystery of this gorgeous park.
Wrest Park - 25.5 Miles (40.8 KM)
Journey through history in these intriguing and beautiful gardens. Planted and landscaped over 150 years, a key inspiration in their design were the magnificent gardens of Versailles. Home to the De Grey family from the 1200s until 1917, the gardens demonstrate a somewhat rare, formal 18th century layout and feature some architectural delights in and amongst. Spot the Bath House and the Chinese Pavilion.
Hyde Hall - 29.4 Miles (47 KM)
Hyde Hall has always been a dynamic garden, constantly changing to meet the various challenges the site and soil have produced. Impressive at any time of year, this 360 acre Royal Horticultural Society garden also hold events throughout the year.
Local Attractions
This is a delightful 1.5 mile ride on Lord Braybrooke's private 10 1/4" gauge railway through Estate woodland — a great place for a family day out.
A labour of love, the restoration of this delightful theatre was largely achieved by the efforts of the members of Nomads (Newmarket Operatic, Musical and Dramatic Society). See website for details of events.
Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges, all lovingly restored and rebuilt.
Venue Stevenage is a premier entertainment spot in Stevenage. Having recently undergone some major improvements it is now one of the finest clubs around and attracts a vibrant and cordial crowd. This modern venue has a chic and fashionable interior, with secluded seating areas and a stylish outdoor seating area. They have a number of special guests who feature at the club. It is a bustling and colourful venue and has an energetic and friendly vibe. They operate a rigid dress code, have strong security and will challenge those who look underage. If you are looking for a great night out get a few friends together and head to Venue Stevenage, you will have a fun and entertaining night.
Gordon Craig Theatre has been a major part of the entertainment in Stevenage since 1975 when it first opened its doors. Today it remains a popular choice and hosts a varied and interesting programme of events, you will get to see opera, dance and orchestral concerts, comedy and live music, variety shows, drama productions and pantomimes, there really is something to appeal to all tastes and preferences. For a pre-theatre dinner you can dine at Pi Bistro, which, is set within the gallery, the restaurant has a varied and interesting menu and the food is delicious, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed and you can enjoy the changing artwork on display, it alters every six weeks. The Coffee House is open daily from 9.00am and offers a welcoming environment to meet and relax with a beverage in a cosy environment. The Foyer Bar is vibrant and bustling and this friendly bar is perfect for catching up at before or after a performance. The theatre is intimate and comfortable with excellent views regardless of where you sit, the acoustics are very good and you will find the staff to be friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a fun and entertaining night that is not expensive then head to the Gordon Craig Theatre, you are assured a fantastic night out.
With 33 names, both high street and local independent retailers, this is a great shopping centre with a fresh and modern look in the traditional market town.
Witham Public Hall has been an integral part of the local community for in excess of one hundred years, and continues to play an important role as an entertainment venue. This multi purpose venue is located in a charming historic building that has undergone many upgrades to become a premier venue for a night out. The theatre is comfortable and cosy, the seating is not tiered but you are still able to see the stage and it is very comfortable, the lighting and acoustics are very good. The staff are very friendly and helpful and further enhance the experience here. There is a full bar with waitress service during productions, drinks are reasonably priced. The hall is used for a number of purposes such as fetes, Xmas bazaars, music nights, comedy nights, craft fairs and much more. Prices for performances are very reasonable and you are assured a great night out. Witham Public Hall is a brilliant community venue and something that all towns should have.
River Walk - 28 Miles (44.8 KM)
River Walk is a linear park that was founded more than forty years ago, it is a space that extends through the middle of Witham. The area comprises of wetlands, amenity grassland, meadow areas, tree and copse areas and a pond. With the great variety of wild areas it makes for a great home for birds, insects, flora and fauna. There are also more formal areas where you can stop and have a picnic or watch the ducks. The walk can be reached along most of the river and it mostly level with wide paths, making it accessible to all. The area is well maintained, clean and tidy and provides lovely walks. River Walk is pleasant and peaceful and a real benefit to the town.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066 is the only motte and bailey castle in the world that has been faithfully reconstructed on its original site. Stroll through a Norman village, smell the smells and see what life would have been like for the people of the age. A living history museum, which is entirely interactive and fun for all the family.
Stevenage Museum unfolds the development of Stevenage from its inception in the Stone Age, through to its evolution into the first new town and through to current day. The museum is located beneath St. Andrew and St. George's church and is clearly sign posted. There is no charge for entry to the museum but for certain events there will be a nominal charge. It is an intimate museum and all exhibits are all found on one level making it accessible for all visitors. Housed in the museum is a large collection of items with more than 18,0000 photographs and 10,000 objects, that are well displayed and have lots of information. You will be amazed by all the history there is for such a new town, it also has interactive attractions to appeal to the children. The exhibits do change frequently. They operate a number of events as well as readings so it is worth checking their website to see what is taking place that might be of interest. The staff are friendly and helpful and will enhance your visit to the museum. If you are in the region and have a few hours to spare go along to the Stevenage Museum you will be surprised by all there is to know about the town, an informative and friendly museum.
One of the more eccentric of stately homes and topped by a massive rotunda, Ickworth was built for the 4th Earl of Bristol in 1795 to house all his art treasures. Paintings by Titian, Gainsborough and Velazquez are on display. (Dogs on leads allowed)
A superlative moated Tudor manor, Kentwell's restored interior includes a working Tudor kitchen and Hall with minstrels' gallery, while the gardens feature a Tudor Rose pavement maze and a Camera Obscura. Kentwell hosts historical Tudor and 1940s re-creations throughout the year.
A most important Templar site, Cressing Temple has a calendar packed with great events to suit everyone, from jousting knights to history brought alive with re-enactments from down the ages and activity days for children.
Take a glimpse into the past at this unique reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village built on the original settlement site, which was occupied from 420?650 AD. Archaeological finds from the site are on display in a specially built Anglo-Saxon Centre.
St Edmundsbury became a cathedral in 1914. However, there has been a structure of worship on the site for over 1000 years. A site of pilgrimage, it was only after the death of Edmund, King of the East Angles in 869 that an abbey was built. This new building contained Edmund's remains and St. James Church was built within the precincts at a later date. This beautiful cathedral which is so steeped in history is well worth a visit.
Glastonbury Abbey, located in Somerset, is a beautiful attraction with a lot to offer. Enjoy tranquil wooded settings with a stroll across 36 acres of lush parkland complete with ponds, wildlife and an orchard. Learn about the area's history by hearing it from knowledgeable guides in period costumes. Discover 2000 years of history as well as the legend of King Arthur's burial.
ST Nicholas Church is located in the town of Witham, it is a warm and welcoming congregation that you will encounter here. The current church dates to the 14th century and continues to be a place of worship, solace and reflection for those that enter through its doors. It still has regular services on a Sunday and Thursday. Many of the features in the church are thought to be the original including the porch, door and oak pews. The interior is decorative with stone quoins and columns, and the nave roof is pretty with its exposed rafters and beams. The bell tower extends to sixty five feet and is home to a peal of eight bells that hang from a cast iron frame, it is an impressive structure with large buttresses at the corners and gargoyles below the roof parapet. St Nicholas Church is a lovely historic church that offers a place of tranquillity and worship, very friendly and welcoming parishioners.
Witham Town Hall is located on Newland Street. You will find the Information Centre at the front of the Town Hall Building and offers all the information that you require on Witham and the surrounding area. There are leaflets and a number of visitor guides providing all the information needed with regard to places to visit and accommodations. You can also book tickets to shows here. The centre is open Monday to Friday. The staff here are very friendly and helpful, with lots of knowledge on the local area. Also on offer here are a choice of gifts, including souvenirs, local books, cards and postcards.
Witness the two lives of the this "secret" nuclear bunker starting with its role as an RAF ROTOR station, then a brief period as a civil defence centre through to its most recent role as a regional government HQ.
