Bradwell - St Peters-on-the-wall Saxon Chapel and sea wall walks.

Founded by St Cedd in 654 AD, reported to be the earliest church in England. St Peters sits adjascent to  the sea wall and is the ideal starting  point for a sea wall walk with views accross to Mersey Island.

www.bradwellchapel.org

Hadleigh Castle and Country Park

The castle was built during the reign of Edward lll as part of the defences for the Thames Estuary set on the hill side overlookng the thames with views accross to Kent. The castle remains form the most important late medieval castle in Essex.

The country park has been developed to incorporate the castle

www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/dis/guc.jsp

Maldon Historic market town

Where the river chelmer spills into the Balckwater estaury. There are country walks around Beely Abbey, or along the sea wall to Heybridge basin and sea lock. The town itself features many historic buildings and maintains the the feel of a traditional market town. Hythe Key is the home of a number of Thames Sailing barges and other traditional shipyard activities.

 Burnham-on-Crouch

Burnham benefited from its location on the coast fristly as a ferry port then as a fishing port. More recently it has developed as a yachting centre with the highlight of the year being Burnham Week in late August. A gentle stroll along the foreshore offers views across the Crouch.

 Battles Bridge Antiques Centre

Three minutes from the hotel the centre is comprised of Five period buildings housing over 80 antiques dealers. There is also a motorcycle museum.  With  tea rooms and 2 pubs it is the ideal place to while away time and have lunch or afternoon tea.

South Hanningfield Resovior and wood

 Ten minutes from the hotel. There is a visitor cntre on the shore of the resovior as well as woodland walks. The area is manged by Essex Wildlife Trust for conservation and to encourage wildlife diversity. There are also panoramic views from the causeway where large numbers of water birds gather as it is a popular feeding place. Also as part of the complex are Crows Heath Wood and Well Wood perhaps the best time to visit is in the spring when the display of Bluebells is outstanding.
www.southendrspb.co.uk/places/hann.htm

Leigh- on-sea

Old Leigh is an old fishing village on the banks of the Thames overlooking
Leigh Marshes with veiws accross to Kent. The village is constrained by the railway and has therefor maintained its character with the buildings bunched together. There are still visible remnants of the cobbled streets.
Famous for its cockle sheds which are still in use. An excellent place to buy seafood, browse the carft shops or enjoy an ale in one of its pubs

www.oldleigh.com/ -

Hyde Hall Gardens, Royal Horticultural Society.

Ten minutes from the hotel. Associated to the Gardens at wisley Hyde Hall offersan environment that is challenging to cultivate with low rain fall, combined with its soil conditions and  exposed site it is unforgetable in any season. A visit will demonstrate the importants of selecting the right plant for the right places. The estate stretches over 360 acres and the development is ongoing.

www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Hyde-Hall

Tropical Wings

Five minutes from the hotel Tropical Wings Zoo has many attractions to amuse the young with butterfly houses, exotic animals birds, reptiles and invertibrates. There is also a large outside adventure play area and an indoor soft play centre. An ideal option for the young and young at heart.

www.tropicalwings.co.uk

Marsh Farm Country park

Five minutes from the hotel Marsh Farm is Run by Essex County Council as an educational facility where the children can get close to the animals on working farm in a safe environment. There is also a tea rooms and shop. The farm is part of a large country park with walks along the sea wall and view across the river crouch. Excellent for chidren.