Layer Marney Tower Weddings - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Abberton Reservoir is a wetland site of international importance for wildfowl. It is a pumped-storage reservoir, with water pumped into it from the River Stour. It lies 6 km southwest of Colchester near the village of Layer de la Haye. It lies close to east-coast migration routes and, with its surrounding envelope of pasture and tree plantations, is a welcome sight to tired birds.

Colchester Zoo is a majestic zoological garden that was home to 200 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates, and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species. One of the iconic attraction which was wort visit in this area.

Blackwater Estuary is the largest estuary in Essex and a great place to get a real sense of coastal wilderness. The reserve also supports a number of nationally-important plant and invertebrate species, including 24 species of butterfly, along with dragon and damselflies, most notably the rare emerald damselfly

One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings which was once owned by the Cistercian monks at Coggeshall Abbey. The massive roof is supported by an elaborate system of timber posts and beams, with 6 interior bays with aisles. The roof is covered in simple red tiles made by hand. It was one of the oldest surviving iconic buildings in this area.

The Colchester Arts Centre is a located in a venue as unique as the artists that perform there. Events range from jazz music, comedy shows, beer festivals, farmer's markets and folk clubs. Big acts play alongside quirky local events, and you are sure to find plenty of upcoming events in the Arts Centre at every time of year. One of the unique attraction to enjoy your day and also to rejuvinate your mind.

A beautiful and Picturesque watermill with a working waterwheel. It was built as a fishing lodge in 1591, converted to a fulling mill around 1640 and then converted to a corn mill in about 1840, which continued working until the 1930s. It is well worth a visit for all the family. The working waterwheel and the grounds give plenty of scope for family fun. The grounds have a pond, wetlands and woods and are home to a variety of wildlife including birds, bats, waterfowl, bugs, and beetles.