Days Out

Prior’s Hall Barn

The finest surviving medieval barn in the south-east of England.

Ingatestone Hall

A 16th century manor house built by Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs.

A day out in London

In less than an hour you can be in London by train. A chance for sightseeing, shopping, gallery and exhibition visits or even an evening at the theatre, opera or ballet.

Saffron Walden

This is one of the best preserved examples of an English medieval market town. Its prosperity was built on saffron harvested from local crocus fields but today its narrow streets and half-timbered buildings offer good shopping and eating places.

Cambridge

A vibrant university city that has shaped history and today reflects the best of historic and contemporary life. Enjoy punting on the river, a walking tour of some of the colleges, excellent shopping and a huge number of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Imperial War Museum Duxford

This former airfield played a major part in both World Wars and is now the home the best collection of military and civil aircraft in the country. Tanks and other military vehicles are also on display alongside superb exhibitions commemorating the D-Day invasion of Europe, Lord Montgomery ‘Monty’ and the Battle of Britain.

Mole Hall

This wildlife park near Saffron Walden has gorgeous pink flamingos wading in the moat around the house, all sorts of colourful and fascinating creatures in the tropical Butterfly Pavilion and deer, ponies and ducks for visitors to feed.

Hatfield House

The home of the present Marquess of Salisbury. Built over 400 years ago by Robert Cecil, it has been in the family ever since. There are formal gardens, woodland trails and adventure play areas for children and picnic tables laid out in shady spots for hot summer days.

Essex Food and Farmers’ Markets

For centuries Essex has harvested fish and shellfish from its 350 miles coastline and fattened cattle and sheep on its marshlands. Now this local produce is available from farmers’ markets held regularly in towns including Chelmsford and, in neighbouring counties, in Cambridge and Haverhill.