Visitor Attractions

Boydells Dairy Farm – Wethersfield (MG2a)
A small family farm specialising in Sheep milking, there is a wide range of other farm animals and plenty of hands-on experiences. A fun and educational guided tour ensures a good time for the whole family. The picnic/play area has a very shallow stream, expect wet children!
Open 1400 to 1700 1st April – 30th September, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and every afternoon in Essex School Holidays.
www.boydellsdairy.co.uk
Tel 01371 850481  

Colne Valley Railway – Castle Hedingham (MG2b, DL)
Sample the atmosphere and ride on an award winning period country railway. A relocated station, lovingly restored, signal boxes and bridges with a large collection of operational vintage steam or diesel engines, carriages and wagons. Special events are held all year round including ‘a day out with Thomas’ and ‘Santa Specials’.
Please contact us for opening times and timetable.
www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk
Tel 01787 461174

Colne Valley Farm Park – Castle Hedingham
Set in 30 acres of traditional river meadows; explore the peaceful and natural setting by the River Colne. Enjoy the wealth of traditional farm animals and regular sightings of riverside birds, reptiles and mammals. Bring a picnic to make the most out of the day.
Open daily.
www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk
Tel 01787 461157

Gosfield Lake Resort (MG4)
A family run Leisure Park set in the heart of rural Essex. The 36-acre lake provides a natural beauty spot, where clear summer evenings give way to spectacular sunsets. Activities on site include fishing, camping and waterskiing, as we as a large lakeside picnic area, there is an onsite café and Indian restaurant, and Camping is available.
Open 0930 – Dusk, April - October
www.gosfieldlake.co.uk
Tel 01787 475043

Great Bardfield ‘Gibraltar’ Tower
This fine tower mill is probably the oldest (c 1660) in Essex. The tower itself has a very steep steps and is unusual in that although having an octagonal base with chamfered corners, it becomes sixteen-sided half way up and is round at the top.

Great Bardfield Cage (MG2a)
The Cage is a nineteenth century lock up that held drunks and other minor criminals until they were brought before a magistrate. The date 1815 is on the door. Unusually this lock up has two cells, possibly one for men and one for women.
Open 1400 to 1730, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September.
Tel 01371 810516

Hedingham Castle (MG3)
Come and see England’s finest and best-preserved Norman keep. Children love to explore the interior of the castle, 110 feet high with walls 12 feet thick. Built c1140, home to the De Veres, Earls of Oxford for 550 years and still owned by their descendants.
Open season during summer months and special events occur throughout the year, please check website for opening times and further information. 
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Tel 01787 460261

Ponyland at Dutch Nursery - Coggeshall
A rescued pony centre with houses mainly Shetland ponies, which you can pet and groom. The centre runs children’s pony camp days and birthday parties. Ponyland is based at the Dutch Nursery Garden Centre.
Open daily
www.coggeshallgardencentre.co.uk
Tel 01376 561376

Roundwood Garden Centre – Bocking (MG1b, SHS)
Set in 5 acres, Roundwoods has many facilities including an arboretum, tea garden, drought garden, café, home cooking, craft area, childrens play area and conference room. There is a large car park and excellent facilities for the disabled.
Open 0915 to 1700, Monday – Friday and Sunday’s in May for plant sales.
www.essexcc.gov.uk
Tel 01376 551728

Sioux Ceramics Café
Paint your own pottery ornaments, trinkets, mugs, plates or bowls. Tea’s, coffee and cold drinks available, ideal for parties.
Open daily, please check website to confirm times.
www.siouxceramics.com
01376 349700

The Blue Egg – Great Bardfield
An organic farm shop with a difference, enjoy meeting the animals and walking around the fields on the marked farm trails, childrens play area, coffee shop with license to sell locally produced beers and events held throughout the year.  Watch out for the chickens laying the blue eggs!!
Open daily.
www.theblueegg.co.uk
Tel 01371 811716

The Chocolate Lady – Steeple Bumpstead
Situated on a working farm in the delightful village of Steeple Bumpstead. Julie Haylock-Sherry is the Chocolate Lady; she has been a chocolate maker for 22 Years. Julie offers a demonstration of chocolate making techniques in a light hearted manner, with tips you can try at home, and then the opportunity to purchase her goods at favourable prices. Julie caters for group demonstrations.
Open 0900 to 1400, Monday – Thursday shop only. Demonstrations by appointment.
www.thechocolatelady.co.uk
Tel 01440 730346

The Original Great Maze – Great Saling (MG2b)
Discover a new maize maze of adventure waiting to be explored at The Original Great Maze. Weave your way through miles of maize and sunny sunflower pathways to finally conquer this years amazing challenge. Come and ‘get lost’ for a fun family day out, whatever the weather!
Open 1000 to 1700 from 07 July – 09 September.
www.greatmaze.info
Tel 01787 315742

Towerlands Park – Bocking (MG2b)
Towerlands Park leads the way for top equestrian facilities in the country with two fully equipped yards and an international size arena. Unex Towerlands has facilities for exhibitions, conferences, dinners and many other leisure activities. A major refurbishment programme is underway to transform The Unex Towerlands Centre into a sporting and leisure venue fit for the 21st century. Unex Towerlands also holds a number of gigs and concerts throughout the year.
Open Daily
www.unextowerlands.com
Tel 01376 326802