South Park

From walks to vineyards and historic houses, there's plenty to dabble in locally… perhaps set off on the 82-mile Essex Way from Rayne (10 minutes’ drive)? Call into the craft studio in the stables at Hylands House (35 minutes)? Watch the jousting at Hedingham Castle (25 minutes)? Another historic place, such as Layer Marney Tower (40 minutes), Ingatestone Hall (45 minutes) or the Tiptree Tea Room, Museum and Jam Shop (half an hour and all about the workings of a top jam business)? A National Trust property, such as Paycocke's House and Garden (20 minutes) or Lavenham Guildhall (50 minutes) are another historical option, or other properties have an invitation to view days and regular events, such as the Abbey Estate Livery (25 minutes). Wine aficionados might choose to tour the Essex vineyards around Purleigh (40 minutes), Felsted (10 minutes), Hedingham (20 minutes) and Coggeshall (20 minutes). Art fans can indulge their inner painter with ceramics at the studio in Great Dunmow (10 minutes), while history buffs can continue their streak with a visit to Colchester Castle (40 minutes) or one of the best-preserved Tudor villages in Britain, Lavenham (50 minutes) and its delicious high street ice cream parlour.