Local Attractions
The local area offers a rich variety of things to see and do, appealing to a wide range of interests and tastes. Below is a brief guide to just some of the attractions within easy reach of Fridaywood Farm. Many have their own website giving further details, including opening times, directions and admission charges where applicable. Links to relevant websites are provided below.
Colchester - Old and New
History and Museums
Colchester lays claim to being the country's oldest recorded town. It was settled by the Romans and legacies of their occupation are still much in evidence. Most obvious are several stretches of the substantial wall they built around the town. As well as other archaeological sites, there is a fine collection of Roman artifacts on display in Colchester's main museum. This is housed in the Keep, the largest surviving keep in Europe, of the town's 11th century castle. Colchester Castle Museum is set within the attractive 23 acre Castle Park, literally yards from the east end of High Street, close to the town centre.
There are three other museums in the centre of Colchester and entry to these is free:
Hollytrees Museum - about the lives of Colchester people and the past inhabitants of Hollytrees, the building which houses the collection, a story spanning more than 300 years.
Natural History Museum - which gives a hands-on perspective of the local environment.
Tymperleys Clock Museum - a fine collection of Colchester made clocks, housed in a magnificent Tudor home.
More information about all four museums can be found at www.colchestermuseums.org.uk
Shopping
The centre of Colchester offers excellent shopping facilities. These are located mainly in the High Street, Culver Precinct, Lion Walk and the streets leading off them. Shops range from large department stores, like Debenhams and Williams & Griffin, to familiar high street names like Marks & Spencer, Boots and W H Smith, to small boutiques.
Eating
When you've had enough of sightseeing and shopping there's no shortage of places to eat and drink. There are options to suit every taste and pocket, including many ethnic choices.
More information about what Colchester has to offer can be found on the town's official tourism website at www.visitcolchester.com
For the Nature Enthusiast
The local area has much to offer those interested in natural history, particularly those who enjoy bird-watching. Muddy tidal creeks and a large freshwater reservoir attract large numbers of overwintering migratory birds in addition to waders and other native species. Within seven miles of Fridaywood Farm are no less than five nature reserves - the four listed below and Copt Hall Marshes. A little further away, in the Blackwater estuary near Maldon, is Northey Island with its saltmarsh and tidal creeks (note: the causeway to the island is flooded for two hours on each tide).
Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre ( www.essexwt.org.uk/centres/Abberton.htm )
Two and a half miles from Fridaywood Farm, on the B1026 south of Layer-de-la-Haye, is the entrance to Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre (follow the brown 'Wildfowl Centre' signs). There is ample car parking and a Visitor Centre which has an observation room and a shop stocking a good selection of bird books, binoculars, and other items.
The 1200 acre reservoir is a Wetland of International Importance, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area, and one of the most important wildfowl havens in Europe. The nature reserve consists of nine acres of mixed woodland and scrub, managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. The one and a half mile Peninsular Nature Trail has views across the reservoir and provides access to five hides for bird-watching.
Abberton Reservoir will see major changes over the next few years. Essex & Suffolk Water have plans to increase its capacity by 60% which will involve flooding a considerable area of agricultural land and re-routeing the B1026 road. The entire project is not due to be completed until 2014.
Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve ( www.essexwt.org.uk/centres/Fingringhoe.htm )
Essex Wildlife Trust's nature reserve at Fingringhoe Wick comprises 120 acres of thickets, grassland, heathland and scrub surrounding a large lake overlooked by bird hides. Once a farm, and then a gravel pit until 1959, the reserve supports a wealth of wildlife in a wide range of habitats such as saltmarsh and heathland. Winter is the best time to see wading birds and Brent geese on the estuary. The Visitor Centre, which is designed to be accessible to the elderly and wheelchair users, has panoramic windows, wildlife displays, and an observation tower. The Centre has leaflets available describing the reserve's nature trails and a shop which stocks nature books, binoculars, etc.
The reserve is about 4 miles east of Fridaywood Farm, near Fingringhoe. It is well signposted from Fingringhoe (with brown and white tourist signs) but drive with care as the country lanes leading to it are very narrow with restricted visibility.
Tollesbury Wick Marshes and Woodrolfe Creek ( www.essexwt.org.uk/sites/Tollesbury Wick.htm )
The Essex Wildlife Trust's 600 acre Tollesbury Wick Marshes Nature Reserve is close to the small, tucked-away village of Tollesbury, about seven miles south of Fridaywood Farm. It is an excellent place for a bracing walk along a sea wall overlooking grazing marshes, saltings, Woodrolfe Creek and the sea. (The top of the wall is exposed so warm windproof clothing is highly advisable.) At or near high tide during the summer months a regular procession of boats can be seen making its way up and down Woodrolfe Creek to and from the marina. At the entrance to the reserve a free guide is available from a box fixed to the gate. As you start to walk along the sea wall, Bradwell Power Station can be seen over to the right and West Mersea straight ahead on the other side of the creek. It is possible to do a 5½ mile circular walk along the wall, returning through the village to the car park. The free guide explains the route and what to see on the way.
Directions: On reaching Tollesbury drive past the main square, along East Street, following signs to the industrial area which take you left down Woodrolfe Road. Shortly after, on the left hand side, is a car park. It is sensible to use this because of parking restrictions nearer the creek. Also, if you park further along the road there is a real risk of returning from your walk to find your car under water at high tide! From the car park follow the road for 350 metres. On the right hand side of the road, just before the old sail lofts and in front of Woodrolfe Park, turn right up some concrete steps and go along a public footpath, past the marine pool on your left. Continue along the wire fenced path in front of Tollesbury Cruising Club following the arrow signs to Essex Wildlife Nature Reserve. This will bring you to the entrance gate to the reserve.
Old Hall Marshes and Salcott Saltings ( www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/o/oldhallmarshes )
Distinctive features of the coastline south of Colchester are muddy tidal creeks and salt marshes. These remote and peaceful inlets are natural wildlife sanctuaries, attracting large numbers of waders and migratory birds, particularly in winter. The RSPB's reserve at Old Hall Marshes is an excellent example of this type of landscape. It comprises extensive grazing marshes with brackish water fleets, reedbeds, saltmarsh and two off-shore islands, covering over 1,500 acres. In winter, 4,000 brent geese feed on the pasture, with small flocks of ruffs and golden plovers. Thousands of wigeons, teals, shelducks, grey plovers, curlews, redshanks and dunlins frequent the marshes.
As at Tollesbury Wick Marshes described above, walking along the raised sea wall provides the best views. It is also easy going underfoot as the top of the wall is generally level and well-drained.
Directions: There are two possible approaches to the reserve -
(a) Follow the B1026 south to Tolleshunt D'Arcy. As you come into Tolleshunt D'Arcy turn left into Chapel Road (back road to Tollesbury). After approx 1 mile (1.6 km), turn left into Old Hall Lane. Continue up Old Hall Lane, over speed ramps and through iron gates to cattle grid, then follow signs straight ahead to the car park.
(b) Follow the B1026 south to Salcott-cum-Virley. Turn left at the sign to 'Salcott only', into The Street which is a no through road. Follow the road through Salcott village until coming to the church on your left. After that the road becomes very narrow with no space for parking, so the best option may be to park by the church. Walk on down the road. Directly ahead is a gateway into a field and a Bridleway sign pointing across it. Follow the sign across the field which brings you to a small concrete bridge followed by some steps up onto the sea wall. On the wall go to the right. Straight ahead, in the distance, is Bradwell Power Station on the other side of the Blackwater estuary. Soon you will come to a gate across the top of the wall where there is a sign welcoming you to the RSPB Old Hall Marshes Nature Reserve. On your left is the Salcott Channel. At the next wooden gate, looking ahead, is West Mersea on the other side of the creek.
Colchester Zoo ( www.colchester-zoo.co.uk )
Colchester's zoo is one of the finest in Europe and well worth visiting. In recent years £millions have been invested in developing the zoo by creating several large new enclosures, acquiring additional species and generally improving facilities. Set in 60 acres of countryside and gardens, it now has more than 260 species of animals; many of which are classified as endangered or vulnerable. The zoo has an excellent reputation for its conservation and breeding work: over 70 species at Colchester are part of Endangered Species breeding programmes.
Historic Buildings
Layer Marney Tower ( www.layermarneytower.co.uk )
One of the best known attractions in our area, Layer Marney Tower is the largest Tudor gatehouse in the country with exceptionally fine brickwork. Its four corner towers are surmounted with terracotta decoration featuring shells and dolphins, a great architectural innovation in the early 16th century. Although the gatehouse has only three storeys, the two outer hexagonal corner towers each have eight storeys and rise 80 ft from the ground. The inner towers have seven storeys. Visitors can climb to the top of the gatehouse from where one can look out to the coast and enjoy excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Building of the Tower was started by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, in the time of King Henry VIII. 1st Lord Marney was a respected member of the Privy Council under both Henry VII and Henry VIII, and decided to build a new home for himself which would reflect his new found wealth and importance. His great Tudor mansion was never completed. He died in 1523 before the building could be finished and his son, John, 2nd Lord Marney, died just two years later. Their tombs can be seen in the nearby Church of St Mary which is also worth visiting.
Layer Marney Tower is well signposted from the B1022 Colchester-Maldon road, just north of Tiptree.
Paycocke's, Coggeshall ( www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-paycockes )
This National Trust property in Coggeshall, about nine miles west of Colchester, is a handsome half-timbered merchant's house, dating from c.1500. One of its main features is the unusually rich panelling and wood carving inside. Also on display are examples of the lace for which Coggeshall was once famous.
Opening times are quite limited so do check these when planning a visit. Paycocke's is signposted off the A120, Colchester to Braintree road. The house is about 400m from the centre of Coggeshall, on the road to Braintree, on the south side of West Street next to the Fleece Inn.
Cressing Temple ( www.cressingtemple.org.uk )
Cressing Temple was granted to the Knights Templar, a military religious order, in 1137. It was then farmed by them up to 1312, the profits being used to fund the crusaders' activities and wars in the Holy Land. Set in attractive grounds, the most important and impressive buildings at Cressing are two very large 13th century barns. The Barley Barn dates from c.1200 and the Wheat Barn from c.1250. They are the oldest surviving timber framed mediaeval barns in Europe.
Ample parking is available in front of the Visitor Centre which has a tea room and gift shop. Cressing Temple is well signposted on the B1018 road between Braintree and Witham.
Physical Activities
Walking and Cycling
Golf
Within easy reach of Fridaywood Farm are three golf clubs which offer facilities to visitors.
About a mile and a half away is Birch Grove Golf Club. (www.rosmar.demon.co.uk)
Just to the north west of the town is Colchester Golf Club at Braiswick. (www.colchestergolfclub.com)
To the south west is the Five Lakes Hotel, Golf, Country Club & Spa, set in 320 acres of countryside, which has two 18 hole golf courses - one a championship course. (www.fivelakes.co.uk/fivelakes/golf.htm)
Swimming
At Leisure World, off Cowdray Avenue in Colchester, there is a Leisure Pool with 16 features including two 13 metre flumes, river rapids, waves, geysers, slides and spa pools. There is also a 25 metres, competition standard, Fitness/Teaching pool. More details at www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk.
Coast and Countryside
Mersea Island, West and East Mersea
( www.west-mersea.co.uk and www.mersea-island.com )
Six miles due south of Colchester, at the end of the B1025, is Mersea Island, a little over four miles long and two miles at its widest. A causeway called 'The Strood' links the island to the mainland. During very high tides The Strood can be flooded for up to an hour or more, so to avoid being cut off on the island it is advisable to check when spring tides are expected. Mersea is famed for its oysters and is a popular sailing centre.
Most of the island's population live in the large village of West Mersea. The sea front is where you will find most boating activity, with moored boats, the hard, jetty, West Mersea Yacht Club, Dabchicks Sailing Club, boatyards, and chandlers. This area does get very busy in summer, especially during Regatta week in mid-August, so parking here can be problem at the height of the season.
At the other end of the island is East Mersea and Cudmore Grove Country Park. The latter is a pleasant spot for a leisurely walk by the sea. Here you can see waders feeding on the mud flats and look across to Point Clear and Brightlingsea on the other side of the Colne estuary. Between the car park and the sea wall is a large area of flat open grassland, ideal for a picnic, flying a kite, or exercising the dog. The park is open daily from 8-00am to dusk and entry is free except for a parking charge (£2 all day in 2008).
Directions: at East Mersea turn right down Broman's Lane to Cudmore Grove which is well signposted.
Coastal Towns and Villages
To the east of Colchester are the seaside resorts of Frinton-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea. Closer to Colchester are the small coastal towns of Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea. To the south is the small village of Tollesbury which has a marina and good walks along the sea walls (see Tollesbury Wick Marshes above). To the south west is the town of Maldon, known to discerning cooks for its sea salt, and a good place to see traditional Thames sailing barges.
Dedham Vale and 'Constable Country'
( www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-flatfordbridgecottage )
Six miles north of Colchester is Dedham Vale, often referred to as 'Constable Country'. It was here by the River Stour that John Constable (1776-1837) painted some of his best-known pictures such as 'The Haywain' and 'Flatford Mill'. The Mill, Willy Lott's House and Bridge Cottage at Flatford are now owned by the National Trust. Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's House are let out as a field studies centre so are not open to the public but you can view the exteriors. Entry to Bridge Cottage is free, however there is a charge for using the nearby car park. Next to Bridge Cottage the National Trust has a pleasant tea room serving a variety of fare. From Flatford you can take an enjoyable and not too lengthy walk, across the meadows bordering the River Stour, to the attractive village of Dedham. In summer those seeking a different form of exercise can hire a rowing boat on the river.
Highwoods Country Park, Colchester
Little more than a mile north of Colchester town centre, this popular country park extends over 330 acres of woodland, grassland and wetland. Here one can picnic, walk, cycle and fish. Access is free and ample car parking is available. There is a Visitor Centre and a range of walks and trails, suited to different levels of ability/disability. The network of paths includes a three mile circular walk and an easy access trail.
Directions: from Colchester North Station roundabout follow the signs to Colchester General Hospital which lead off a dual carriageway (right filter lane at traffic lights) into Turner Road. The entrance to the park is on your right as you drive up Turner Road.
For more details see the www.visitcolchester.com website.
Gardens
The Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market ( www.bethchatto.co.uk )
The renowned gardens created by Beth Chatto and her late husband over a period of more than 40 years. The woodland garden, in the shade of tall trees, is especially attractive with its large ponds as well as many shrubs and plants. You will come away relaxed and inspired with new ideas for your own garden. There is a nursery where many of the plants seen in Beth Chatto's gardens can be bought. Also a tea room offering light refreshments.
Marks Hall Gardens & Aboretum ( www.markshall.org.uk )
Among the attractions of this large traditional English estate are an 18th century walled garden, ornamental lakes and cascades, parkland, 100 acres of developing arboretum, and acres of ancient woodland. There are marked woodland walks of varying lengths which remain open throughout the year.
A 16th century barn, just next to the car park, has been refurbished as a visitors centre. This has information about the estate, a self-service tea shop offering light meals, and a gift shop.
Something Different . . .
Wilkin's 'Tiptree' Jam Factory, Tea Room and Museum ( www.tiptree.com )
Six or seven miles to the south west is the village of Tiptree, home to Wilkin & Sons Ltd, makers of the famous 'Tiptree' jams and conserves. Their high class products have earned the company the Royal Warrant since Queen Victoria's reign and made the name of Tiptree known on tables around the world.
Located in the factory grounds at Tiptree are a shop, tea room and small museum. The shop stocks the full range of 'Tiptree' jams and marmalades as well as other culinary delights and gift items. Jars of Tiptree preserves make very acceptable presents with a distinctly local flavour! The tea room serves cooked lunches, sandwiches, hot and cold snacks, and home-baked cakes. Treat yourself to afternoon tea with 'Tiptree' Strawberry Conserve and fresh cream on home made scones. On display in the museum (admission free) are old pieces of equipment formerly used in the jam factory, information about the development of preserve making, and an interesting collection of old documents, press cuttings and photographs recording Tiptree village life in years gone by.
For the Railway Enthusiast
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel ( www.www.earm.co.uk )
The museum is housed in restored Victorian station buildings at Chappel, about six miles north west of Colchester. Items in its collection include three preserved signal boxes, a restoration shed, locomotives, passenger and freight rolling stock. Steam trains run on the demonstration line on operating days and the museum runs a programme of special events. Close by is the impressive Chappel railway viaduct, the longest in East Anglia, which was opened in 1849.
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham ( www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk )
Ten miles north west of Chappel is the Colne Valley Railway at Castle Hedingham. It has a large collection of operational heritage engines, carriages and wagons.
Opening times are restricted so it is highly advisable to check them on its website before visiting.