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'.
Food from the oceans is very popular at this well established restaurant. Dedicated and friendly staff serve a good range of interesting fish dishes as well as a wide selection of meat, poultry and game.
The Lemon Tree is set in the heart of Colchester and with its good food and professional and friendly team offers very pleasant informal dining.
At over 500 years old this is a lovely pub within the beautiful town of Diss. Enjoy delicious food or just a drink and relax within wonderful surroundings. Have a night out and watch the fabulous live events often playing at the Cock Inn.
Mariners - 27.7 Miles (44.3 KM)
Seamanlike precision translates very easily it seems into the all-important area of the galley of this floating French brasserie. Moored in the marina, Mariners takes full advantage of the ready availability of excellent local produce. An absolute must!
Aims to serve the freshest, finest food at the most affordable prices possible, ensuring that your dining experience is a good one.
Fun Days Out
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.
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.
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.
To see over 260 species of animals Colchester Zoo is your place. Winner of the 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year' award you will be certain to enjoy your visit! Say hello to the penguins, Komodo Dragons, tigers and many more and watch over 50 displays. Kids will love the undercover soft play area and 4 outdoor adventure parks.
With over 60 owls and birds of prey and free flight demonstrations as well as red squirrels, a woodland walk and songbird hide, this sanctuary is well worth a visit. Activities for children include a quiz trail, mini maze and play area.
With an impressive collection of working locomotives and a fabulous 20 acres of gardens housing 8,000 species this is a great family day out! Take part in a steam journey and choose from 4 different journeys. Dad's Army fans will be in their element as this is the official home to the 'Dad's Army Appreciation Society' therefore offering many exhibits.
Jimmy?s Farm is a great day out for all the family. There is a nature trail, adventure playground, working farm, shops, butchery, café, garden shop and much more. They also run educational courses for children in the school holidays. (wheelchairs are welcome, but it is a working farm with muddy conditions)
Banham Zoo - 27.8 Miles (44.5 KM)
Innovative enclosures set amongst 35 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens provide sanctuary for almost 1,000 animals from big cats to birds of prey and siamangs to shire horses. Educational animal feeding talks and thrilling Birds of Prey displays also feature.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
Bike-Art - 19.1 Miles (30.6 KM)
Set in the heart of Thetford forest, Bike-Art is in the perfect location surrounded by thousand of acres of dedicated cycle paths. With a variety of trails for differing abilities there will be something to suit everyone.
A fairly hilly route on mainly country roads. It would take an average rider approximately 2 hours to complete it as it is just over 21 miles.
Golf & Sports
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.
This purpose built indoor race track offers all the challenges of a full size racing circuit plus all the comforts of an indoor venue.
Rollerworld - 25.4 Miles (40.6 KM)
This 25 x 50m roller skating rink is claimed to be the finest roller skating surface in Europe. Equipment hire, refreshments and quasar game section also available.
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.
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.
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.
Hall Farm - 27 Miles (43.2 KM)
Hall Farm is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for rescued horses and ponies. You can meet the horses being cared for and enjoy a guided tour around the stables and yard. Activities include paddock walks.
A great place to keep fit on holiday. This centre has a 25 metre swimming pool and gym, along with numerous classes including, Ab?s, Back and Flex and Aqua Aerobics.
Nature Reserves
You'll find a mile of footpaths taking in a variety of habitats at Nunnery Lakes, the British Trust for Ornithology's only reserve, which lies in the valleys of the rivers Thet and Little Ouse.
Dedham Vale - 25.3 Miles (40.5 KM)
Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Countryside Project are enterprises made up of a small team whose primary aims are the conservation and enhancement of the unique characteristics of the area. The beauty and rich heritage of the site is worth protecting and this admirable project has taken huge strides over the last twenty years to encourage respect for the land and its history. Please see the website for more information as to how you can volunteer and contact tourist information centres in Sudbury, Colchester and Newmarket for local information.
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.
This nature reserve has a new eco-friendly visitor centre amongst its other attractions, which include a pond room and heated observatory.
Gardens & Woodlands
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.
The park surrounding the Barn is famous for its magnificent bluebell woodland and magnificent old trees including an avenue of ancient lime trees and a venerable oak, with a 30 foot trunk, said to be over 1,000 years old.
Wyken Hall - 17 Miles (27.2 KM)
A vibrant garden, mostly created at the end of the 20th century as a series of outdoor rooms divided by hornbeam and yew hedges. Of particular delight are the knot garden and formal herb garden designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd and the long pergola smothered with roses.
The Brecks is one of the most picturesque areas of Britain, this ancient lowland covers a large area that spreads across Suffolk and Norfolk here in the centre of the East of England. It is the biggest lowland forest in the UK and also considered to be one of the driest parts of Britain, you will frequently find blue skies here. There are miles of tranquil track ways and paths to explore. It is a unique landscape made up of the heath and the unusual varying Breckland lakes known as meres, that combined make the ideal habitat for a large variety of wildlife and plants and it now serves as a conservation area. The Brecks itself is immersed in human history that dates back to the Stone Age, and was home to a selection of structures including a Neolithic flint mine, Christian buildings, landed estates and rabbit warrens all of which had an effect on the history of the local area have their own story to tell. The sheer beauty and vastness of the area is enough to attract millions of visitors a year, they come to savour the peace and tranquillity and to spot the local wildlife. Children love the wide open spaces which they can explore and run around in. Take a picnic and make the most of your time here. Each season brings its own delights and wonderful colours. The Forest in the Brecks is a beautiful, tranquil spot that allows you to connect with nature and enjoy what it offers, a beautiful spot that should not be missed.
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.
Discover a wonderful collection of fine trees and shrubs including many rarely seen growing in East Anglia. The majority of these unusual plants originated from George Forrest, the renowned plant collector.
Enjoy the special atmosphere of this beautiful park, with its red deer, spectacular moated Hall and famous gardens. The stunning walled kitchen garden features exquisite herbaceous borders and beds of vegetables interspersed by tunnels of sweet peas, runner beans and gourds.
Picturesque moated manor containing many delights and wonders. Dating from the 15th century and containing needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots which you can see with your own eyes! Climb through the secret priests hole and gaze at the stunning views from the gatehouse roof. Take advantage of a garden tour or woodland walk to complete your day.
Local Attractions
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.
Elveden Estate offers a unique gourmet food experience, it has so much on offer with its restaurant, inn and shop, all set around a delightful courtyard. It is ideally located outside of the town, offering you the opportunity to relax in the peaceful and picturesque surroundings, take in the wildlife and savour the fresh air. Elveden Courtyard is home to their restaurant which, is open daily all year round and uses their own home grown seasonal produce in the kitchens, creating a selection of seasonal dishes that are fresh, wholesome and delicious and most importantly reasonably priced, a lovely eatery. Elveden Inn is warm and welcoming, with cosy furnishings, you enjoy also enjoy their high quality traditional fresh dishes here amongst the pleasant surroundings. They run a regular pub quiz as well as a choice of other events during the year. On sale at the farm shop are a range of their products as well as a nice selection of quality and unique gifts and garden items, you will come away with much more than you intended! The staff throughout the estate are lovely, so welcoming, friendly and attentive, they really add to the overall experience and demonstrate what true customer service is. They also run a series of events and activities during the year, that are aimed at families so definitely worth checking to see what is on. They are now operating tours of the estate and the farm they will be about one to two hours in duration and will cover all aspects of the history of the estate, conservation and farming, they can also accommodate tours that cover more specific subjects if required, booking in advance is recommended. Elveden Estate is a truly peaceful place that offers first class dining with superb customer service and a unique and pleasant shopping experience, do not miss if you are in the area.
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.
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 - 26.8 Miles (42.9 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
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)
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.
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.
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.
Euston Hall - 16.8 Miles (26.9 KM)
Discover the splendour of this superb hall, home to the Dukes of Grafton for more than 300 years. Enjoy the beautiful interior and admire all the fabulous painting. Wander through the peaceful grounds and don't forget to see the church and watermill. Finally, relax in the quaint tea rooms with refreshments and delicious homemade cakes.
Dad's Army Museum is located in the Old Fire Station, in the centre of the town, the actual station was used in a number of episodes on this popular and classic television show. The guided tours are very good, the guides pitch the tour at just the right level and have lots of anecdotes that add to the tour experience. Owing to the immense popularity of these tours it was decided that a museum be opened back in 2007. Housed here and on display is a range of memorabilia and artefacts relating to the TV show, including scripts, behind the scene photos and props, the exhibits are well laid out, and the museum also covers local history. It also proudly boasts a life size bronze statue of Captain Manwaring, and on occasions the original Jones's butcher van can be found here. Over the years owing to its continuing popularity they have extended the premises, it now is home to the Marigold Tea Rooms, here you can enjoy a beverage and light snack in the warm and cosy surroundings. The museum is open from end of March through to November on a Tuesday and a Saturday, in July, August and September. Appointments outside of these times can be made by prior arrangement. There is no charge to enter the museum but there is a small charge for the guided tour. The museum is operated by volunteers who you will find to be friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and they will happily answer any questions you might have. There is also a shop that sells a nice selection of merchandise including, gifts, clothes, stationery and other exclusive goods pertaining to Dad' Army, items can also be purchased from their web shop. You don't have to be a Dad's Army fan to enjoy this museum, it is very informative and interesting, worth a visit if you are in the area.
To experience a taste of life in the Tudor era; visit this museum. Situated inside an enchanting crooked house you can view many collections, using a audio guide and learn about Thetford and the Brecks. Admire the period garden an have a go at brass rubbing. Also, take some time to visit the brand new shop.
Discover the history and natural world of East Anglia in this beautiful 75 acre site. Fascinating East Anglian crafts, traditional Gypsy culture, huge Suffolk Punch horses and rare breed sheep and pigs are among the attractions.
For a chance to see an 11th century manor house take some time out to visit Weeting Castle. Packed full of history and used right up until the 18th century this is a memorable experience. Let your imagination wander and take yourself to all those years ago when the castle was in action.
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.
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.
Lots of hands-on exhibits that will appeal to children and adults alike. There are displays on castle prisons and medieval and Norman Colchester, so lots going on. (Wheelchair access to The Castle Museum, but is limited in the castle itself)
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.
Home to a giant Woolly Mammoth, Egyptian gallery and artefacts from civilisations around the world, the museum in the historic town of Ipswich has something for everyone.
Oxburgh Hall is a 15th century moated manor house that was constructed by the Bedingfeld family and they still reside in this charming house. It is a majestic building with many stunning features not least the stunning gardens that surround the property. The house is elegant and has many fine features including, the antique furnishings, tapestries, gilded leather wallpaper and furniture, fine paintings, as well as more unusual features like the secret priest's hole, that you can climb inside, this relates back to the families Catholic history, amazing needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots in addition to the private chapel that was constructed with reclaimed materials. There are tours of the house available which, can be arranged in advance or you can take the audio tour of the house and garden. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable and pitch the tours at just the right level, with different stories and anecdotes. From the gatehouse roof you get the most stunning views of the estate and beyond. The house is open throughout the year on weekends but from the end of February through to the end of October it opens every day except Thursdays, there is a charge for entry to the house, or you can purchase a combination ticket for both the house and gardens. The Old Kitchen tea room serves a nice selection of hot and cold beverages and light snacks, it is located outdoors but there are picnic benches that you can use. The gift shop has a nice selection of local Norfolk goods as well as second-hand books and plants for sale. The house has a lot of step steps so not suitable for those with mobility issues. Oxburgh Hall is an unusual historic property with many alluring rooms and features and a rich history that makes for an interesting property to visit, definitely would recommend if you are in the area.
