Local attractions
There's plenty to do in the area, you could make a day of it and visit a local attraction before or after you come to see us. Here are a few ideas to get you started...
RSPB South Essex Marshes
Wat Tyler Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, SS16 4UH.
Tel: 01268 498 620 | www.rspb.org.uk/southessexmarshes
Very good for birdwatching all year round. A free guided walk each Thursday around the park from the visitor centre.
From the Old Windmill - about 10 miles to/from RSPB South Essex Marshes, around a 15 to 20 minute drive.
Fishing Lodge at Hanningfield Reservoir
South Hanningfield Road, South Hanningfield, CM3 8HX.
Tel: 01268 712 180 | www.eswater.co.uk
The reservoir is one of the premier fisheries in the UK providing some of the best reservoir trout fishing by either bank or boat
From the Old Windmill - about half a mile, a 5 minute walk to/from Fishing Lodge at Hanningfield Reservoir.
Essex Wildlife Trust at Hanningfield Reservoir
Hanningfield Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, CM11 1WT.
Tel: 01268 711 001 | www.essexwt.org.uk
Providing panoramic views over the 870 acre reservoir. The visitor centre is set in mature woodland and has proved a popular bat roost!
From the Old Windmill - about 2 miles, around a 20 min leisurely walk to/from Essex Wildlife Trust at Hanningfield Reservoir.
Battlesbridge Antiques Centre
Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, SS11 7RE.
Tel: 01268 769 000 | www.battlesbridge.com
Over 80 dealers housed in a variety of old buildings and courtyards. Open 7 days a week. Free admission, on site refreshments and a large free car park.
From the Old Windmill - about 4 miles, around a 10 minute drive to/from Battlesbridge Antiques Centre.
Baddow Antiques Centre
The Bringy, Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 7JW.
Tel: 01245 476 159 | www.baddowantiques.co.uk
Set in the beautiful village of Great Baddow Essex. Baddow Antiques Centre has been established for over 30 years and comprises over 20 Antique Dealers
From the Old Windmill - about 6 miles, around a 15 minute drive away to/from Baddow Antiques Centre.
Hylands house, Chelmsford
Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ.
Tel: 01245 605 500 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands
Hylands House, in Chelmsford, Essex, is a stunning Grade II listed property, spectacularly restored to its former glory and situated in 574 acres of historic landscaped parkland.
From the Old Windmill - about 8 miles, around 15 minutes drive to/from Hylands house, Chelmsford.
Chelmsford Museum
Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ.
Tel: 01245 605 700 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums
Chelmsford Museum tells the story of the county town from the Ice Age to the present. Free entry.
From the Old Windmill - about 9 miles, a 20 minute drive to/from Chelmsford Museum.
Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP.
Tel: 01245 321 552 | www.marshfarmcountrypark.co.uk
Walk or ride around the sea wall and take in the views of the grazing marshes and the River Crouch.
From the Old Windmill - about 7 miles, around a 15 minute drive to/from Marsh Farm.
Mangapps Railway Museum
Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8QG.
Tel: 01621 784 898 | www.mangapps.co.uk
Extensive working railway museum including locomotives, carriages, wagons, memorabilia and major collection of signalling equipment
From the Old Windmill - about 16 miles, a 30 minute drive or so to/from Mangapps Railway Museum.