Beautiful Country Pubs

Beautiful Country Pubs
Essex
The Vintage Inns Essex Collection
From the rural retreats of Battlesbridge and Little Burstead, to the historical hotbeds
of Chelmsford and Colchester, and the bracing seaside beauty of Clacton, the
hostelries that make up the Vintage Inns Essex Collection are unique places to visit
– yet all have much in common!
If you’re planning a day’s walking, exploring by car, or simply visiting a local
attraction in and around rural Essex, then you might like to visit us for a morning
coffee or refreshing drink, a light lunch, or even a hearty evening meal to round off
your outing. Most have pleasant walks from the door and many have country parks,
heritage attractions and picturesque hamlets nearby to wonder at.
Each of our inns is a sympathetic restoration of an existing village pub and most
have been around for over 150 years - some are even older, some newer. They have
their own charm, but all offer carefully restored period features, log burning fires
and a select team of friendly staff. The Vintage Inns of Essex offer a warm welcome
and respite on a cold winter’s day and the ideal spot to enjoy sunshine, a cold drink
and beautiful rural views on balmy summer evenings.
All our Inns serve a full menu of traditional British favourites seven days a week,
plus appetizing blackboard specials, and a selection of succulent roasts on a Sunday.
At the bar, meanwhile, you’ll be tempted by a fine range of real cask conditioned
ales (including popular local brews) and regular guest beers. Vintage Inns also pride
themselves on an excellent choice of wines with varieties of all the popular grapes on
offer and a flavour and price to suit every taste, occasion and pocket. Eat, drink and
be merry!
Contents
Black Horse – Brentwood
The Greyhound – Brentwood
Running Mare – Chelmsford
Thatched House – Upminster
The Angel – Chelmsford
Kings Head – Billericay
Fowlers Farm – Braintree
Kings Head – Epping
The Hawk – Wickford
Fox & Raven – Chelmsford
Coach & Horses – Bishops Stortford
Robin Hood – Clacton-on-Sea
The Crown – Colchester
Information
Waterside walks
Heritage sites
National Trust sites
Visitor attractions
Museums
Countryside walks
Vintage Inn Collection
Essex
The Crown
Braintree
Bishops Stortford
A120
A120
Coach and Horses
Colchester
Fowlers Farm
A130
M11
Robin Hood
A12
Clacton-on-Sea
The Angel
Kings Head
Chelmsford
A414
Fox & Raven
Running Mare
Black Horse A12
A129
A12
The Greyhound
B187
Thatched House
A128
M25
A130
A132
The Hawk
Kings Head
A127
A130
A127
Southend-on-Sea
Black Horse
420 Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, CM15 9JN
Tel. 01277 374946
This charming black and white timbered inn is nestled in the tranquil
village of Pilgrim’s Hatch (meaning Gate) just outside Brentwood – and is a
more rural antidote to its progressive and contemporary neighbour.
Dating back to the 16th century, it was built as a small hall house with a
cross wing at the northern end, plus a southern wing was added in the 17th
century, and was well known as a refreshment stop for pilgrims visiting
the Thomas a Becket Chapel in Brentwood. Now ruined, but still a sight
to behold, this tradition continues today - with locals and travellers alike
decamping at The Black Horse for real cask ales, fine wines and hearty
pub fayre.
They also frequent Weald Country Park nearby, which is made up of some
500 acres, and the lakes and tree-lined avenues are the result of landscaping
carried out in the 18th century. It’s never really busy though as few walkers
south of the M25 know about it.
Between Pilgrims Hatch and Ongar to the north is a Secret Nuclear
Bunker, an ex-government shelter turned into a tourist attraction by a local
farmer and listed on many internet humour sites, while just outside Ongar,
is Greenstead Church - the oldest wooden church in the world (dating back
to the mid 9th century) and probably the oldest wooden building in Europe
still (partially) standing.
Horses for courses...
• Access Weald Country Park by
turning left from the pub onto a
public footpath, in the direction of
Pilgrims Hall, then South Weald
Common and left to Coxtie Green.
• Crow Green Fishery in
Pilgrims Hatch constitutes
five impressive lakes and
makes an ideal habitat for wildlife,
nesting ducks and swans, plus
leisurely walkers.
• Suitably invigorated, canter back
to The Black Horse for a warming
beverage, light lunch, refreshing
drink, filling evening meal, or even a
roaring log fire.
Leisure enthusiasts, meanwhile, are also well catered for with two good
quality golf courses in the vicinity and also Brentwood Ski Centre
offering all-year entertainment and tuition, and overlooking 50 acres
of scenic woodland.
For details on more attractions around Brentwood, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theblackhorsebrentwood
1
The Greyhound
Magpie Lane, Little Warley, Brentwood, CM13 3DZ
Tel. 01277 249911
This quaint hostelry with its huge gardens is a ‘drive-out’ destination to
be enjoyed by the whole family. The Greyhound is a real country pub in
the traditional Essex weatherboard style, tucked away down a quiet lane
in the peaceful hamlet of Little Warley, near Bentwood, and opposite the
magnificent Thorndon Country Park.
Dating back to the 1600s, it was especially busy during the First and Second
World Wars and supposedly a haven for German POWs who, held half
a mile away at the Costain compound, used to sneak to the inn for a few
drinks before heading back to camp. The cellar has also been used as an air
raid shelter and the entrance was the trap door in the kitchen, which is still
visible today.
A racing certainty for the great
outdoors...
• Under a two minute walk
from The Greyhound and you are
treading the ancient grounds of
Thorndon Country Park.
Today, however, the secret is well and truly out - The Greyhound is a surefire bet for quality cask real ales, a diverse range of fine wines, delicious and
consistently good pub food, plus the warmest of welcomes right at the heart
of this rural community.
• Childerditch Common is also very
near and Warley Place Nature
Reserve is but a two mile stroll away
as well.
The Greyhound’s illustrious neighbour is Thorndon Country Park, which is
three parks in one joined by the ‘Old Park’ owned by the Woodland Trust.
The ancient deer park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, while
three small lakes attract fishermen and Thorndon Hall is a fine Georgian
Palladian building adjacent to a good golf course.
• The Greyhound is also a real banker
for quality service, real honest
pub grub, and a wide selection of
quaffable ales and wines.
Warley Place Nature Reserve nearby attracts a wide variety of birds and
invertebrates, but also shows off exotic plants and trees from all over the
world, while Hopefield Animal Sanctuary houses over 200 rescued horses,
donkeys, pigs, sheep, cows and goats.
For details on more attractions around Brentwood, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thegreyhoundbrentwood
2
Running Mare
Running Mare Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 8PN
Tel. 01245 253031
This traditional country pub is in the quieter, southern end of the old
cathedral city of Chelmsford and its pleasant gardens are a focal point for
diners, drinkers and social groups seeking a temporary respite from modern
urban living.
Dating back to the 18th century, it is one of only two pubs in the country
bearing its name and it is believed the association is with the first racecourse
in England being in the nearby village of Galleywood. It was also the only
course to go around a church – St Michael’s – which still stands in the
existing woodland today.
Chelmsford itself is a great place to enjoy beautiful countryside from the
banks of its two scenic rivers (the Can and Chelmer) and there are also an
abundance of cycleways and footpaths, including parts of the Essex way, to
explore. The city’s cathedral is one of the smallest, but what it lacks in size,
it makes up for in warmth, light and colour, while Primrose Hill is where
many of the ringleaders were executed during the infamous Peasant’s
Revolt of 1381.
Hylands House and Park, just to the west of the city, is another popular
recreational spot with over 550 acres of landscaped parkland to enjoy.
The beautifully restored house also dates back to 1730. And nearby
Hanningfield Reservoir offers ancient and secondary woodland to walk and
explore, while the reservoir itself is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest that
has wide and varied populations of wildfowl and is among the top places in
Essex to watch birds.
For details on more attractions around Chelmsford, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/therunningmarechelmsford
And they’re off...
• There is a pleasant footpath from the
pub which leads on to Lower Green,
Galleywood Common and
Baddow Park.
• Longer walks can be accessed
too – the 45 mile St Peter’s Way
from Chipping Ongar passes by
Hanningfield Reservoir (four miles
away) and onto Bradwell-on-Sea.
• Have a punt on The Running Mare
for hearty real ales, filling food and
wines from around the world – you
won’t be disappointed!
3
Thatched House
St. Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 3LT
Tel. 01708 641408
This rather different country inn nestles in the peaceful hamlet of Cranham,
near Upminster, and although it was modernised in 1983, when the two
small bars were knocked through, the pub still retains its Victorian charm
and atmosphere.
A flight of what you fancy...
It dates back to 1829 when a local farmer took out a loan to purchase the
building that he turned into an inn that became The Thatched House. It
was initially designed to serve the nearby cluster of cottages and Brandy Hall
around the junction of Pike and St Mary’s Lane. The drinks haven’t stopped
flowing since and the food is still as popular.
• The coppice to the east of the pub is
known locally as Frank’s Wood and
is a popular walking spot, especially
during the spring when the bluebells
spectacularly flower.
Cranham is still rural at heart with the old manor house by the church now
Cranham Hall, while its marsh reserve is a timely reminder of the habitat that
used to cover much of Essex. Rare marshland birds flourish, as do the more
unusual birds of prey, and an abundant insect life and also a kaleidoscope of
butterflies.
• The Cranham Marsh Reserve can be
accessed via Argyle Gardens or The
Chase (both off St Mary’s Lane) and
some of its woodland dates back to
prehistoric times.
And Upminster is famous locally for its smock windmill, which is currently
being restored to be the only working windmill in Greater London. A well
preserved 16th century tithe barn is also a museum holding nearly 15,000
artefacts of domestic and agricultural use.
• Be sure to wing your way back to
The Thatched House for a refreshing
drink, a filling meal, and a relaxing
place to rest up a while and refuel.
Walkers can also reach Hornchurch Country Park along the River
Ingrebourne Valley Greenway from Upminster Bridge, which apart from
some impressive woodland paths and a Site of Special Scientific Interest
nature reserve, includes much of the airfield remains of RAF Hornchurch
- that was home to an important squadron of spitfires protecting London
during the Battle of Britain in the Second World War.
For details on more attractions around Upminster, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thethatchedhouseupminster
4
The Angel
160 Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, CM1 7AH
Tel. 01245 444917
This traditional whitewashed inn is at the heart of the charming village of
Broomfield, just north of the historic cathedral city of Chelmsford. And
there’s a park to the rear of the pub that provides an ideal play area for
energetic children.
The Angel dates back to the 15th century and was originally a Hall House
with north and south wings, becoming an inn at the turn of the 1700s.
There are still original columns in the building holding up the roof, whilst
the history of the pub can be found on the wall opposite the bar. Have a
gander whilst enjoying a pint of real cask ale, one of many fine wines from
around the world, or whilst waiting for your delicious meal to arrive.
Broomfield is still a small village and its church (St Mary’s) is one of only a
few in Essex with a round tower, which is Norman, and shows many re-used
Roman bricks as well. The immediate area
is certainly a walker’s paradise and Little Meadows Nature Reserve is a
popular destination that can be reached from Broomfield, from the other
end of the bridleway to Croxton’s Mill.
Equally, the 81 mile criss-cross of footpaths that is the Essex Way can easily
be picked up nearby in Great Waltham, near Chatham Hall, and this carries
on south to historical Chelmsford which can be easily explored on two feet
or two wheels. Highlights include the 18 arch Victorian railway viaduct
that spans the River Can, the second smallest cathedral in England and the
Chelmsford Museum which illustrates life through the ages.
Divine inspiration...
• From the pub, follow the scenic
footpath to Woolpits Farm
and the River Chelmer, then into
Little Waltham towards Leez Lodge
Lakes and onto Hartford End.
• Broomfield is one of
the access points for the
22 mile Chelmsford Centenary
Circle route that follows largely
rural footpaths and bridleways and
is fairly level and easygoing.
• See the light – The Angel
is one of the best pubs for
miles around when it comes
to consistently good food, honest
ales, fine wines and roaring log fires.
For details on more attractions around Broomfield and Chelmsford, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theangelbroomfield
5
Kings Head
High Road, North Weald, Epping, CM16 6BU
Tel. 01992 525001
This beautiful half-timbered inn is situated at the heart of the popular village
of North Weald, close to the majestic Epping Forest, and is surrounded by
Victorian houses.
It is one of the most ancient pubs in the whole of Essex, with parts of the
structure dating back 450 years, and was originally built using old ships
timbers salvaged from Tilbury docks. It’s full of crooked character with
beams leaning and sagging in all directions and the ground floor doors
barely 5ft high – but visitors from miles around come to drink in the
atmosphere and sample real cask ales, fine wines and hearty pub fayre fit for
a king.
You can see the wood
for the trees...
• Take the footpath at the back
of the pub car park (near
the course of the Roman Road),
which eventually leads south
to the Essex Way.
During the Second World War, North Weald Airfield was a major base
and the RAF crews were regulars at the pub, including the legendary Sir
Douglas Bader. And North Weald continues to host a wide and varied range
of aircraft today, with much activity centred around the Squadron with its
period buildings. The interesting airfield museum is based in the former
station house.
• A lovely alternative is a footpath
north to Crispey Brook Nature
Reserve and on to Shonks Brook,
where you can pick up the 28 mile
circular Stort
Valley Way.
Many walkers use The Kings Head because of its proximity to the
spectacular and ancient Epping Forest - which used to be a royal hunting
ground and a haunt of the famous highwayman Dick Turpin - and has been
designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
• Walk this way for a leisurely lunch at
The Kings Head
before you set off, or refreshing
drinks and a rewarding evening meal
on your return.
The pub is also just beyond the Roughtalley’s Wood Local Nature Reserve
and there’s also easy access to the Essex Way, which starts in Epping and
covers 81 miles to the east coast through ancient woodlands, open farmland,
tree-lined river valleys, leafy green lanes and historic towns and villages.
For details on more attractions around North Weald, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thekingsheadnorthweald
6
Fowlers Farm
Cressing Road, Braintree, CM77 8DH
Tel. 01376 551560
This great looking inn is just to the south east of historic Braintree, and the
perfect base for popping into town for a visit.
Fowlers Farm has been in existence for over 500 years, starting life as a
farmhouse. With its spacious gardens and unspoilt exterior, it still exudes
pastoral charm. The period features, warm welcome, hearty food, fine wines
and quaffable real ales combine to make it a home-from-home.
Accommodation is available.
Braintree, which is at the junction of two Roman roads, has museums
and heritage centres which paint a picture of Bronze Age and Roman
settlements and its later industrial successes within the wool, silk, lace
and weaving trades.
This is an area of beautiful rolling countryside with medieval barns, jousting
displays to be seen at a Norman keep, steam railways, magnificent houses
with stunning gardens and listed windmills.
By contrast, the Freeport Braintree Outlet Shopping Village is near the pub
and provides over 80 designer shops offering up to 60% off the RRP on a
host of famous brands.
Shop till you drop...
• Turn left out of the pub
and at the island pick up
the footpath to Tye Green
and Cressing Church, where you can
pick up the scenic Essex Way.
• The Freeport Braintree Shopping
Outlet is within
600 yards of the pub for a walk of life
with a difference.
• Fowlers Farm is the ideal place to
relax, unwind, refuel and take stock
– and lessen the burden of heavy
rucksacks
or shopping bags.
Slightly further afield, the impressive Coggeshall Grange Barn dates from the
12th century and is associated with a local Cisterian abbey. Now a National
Trust property, it has a beautiful cathedral-like interior and is one of the
largest timber framed barns in England. It has recently been restored to
house an exhibition of the history of the barns and an interesting
collection of farm wagons and carts.
For details on more attractions around Braintree, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefowlersfarmbraintree
7
Kings Head
Southend Road, Billericay, CM11 2PS
Tel. 01277 637135
This black and white timbered inn is located off the Southend Road, just to
the south east of Billericay, and looks every bit as grand today as it did in its
highwayman heyday. It dates back to 1750, when it was known as The Black
Horse, but we also know it was auctioned off in 1801.
At this time, travellers journeying between Rochford and Brentwood often
stopped here for refreshment, prior to passing through the toll gate that
stood next to the inn - and while the toll-gate is thankfully no more, The
Kings Head is still very popular as a stop off for liquid refreshment and
hearty pub fayre. Indeed, there’s always a warm welcome with roaring log
fires, freshly prepared food, a great selection of real cask ales and
a diverse wine menu to choose from.
Billericay is a semi-rural town with lots of green spaces and The Kings Head
nestles between South Green to the north and Great Burstead village to
the south, which was a major Saxon settlement. One of the earliest records
of human occupation is the Bronze and Iron Age burial mounds, which
still exist in Norsey Woods. This local nature reserve has been designated a
Scheduled Ancient Monument and the diversity of the wildlife in this 175
acre site also makes it truly unique.
Fit for a king...
• There is a footpath opposite the
pub, which passes the school and
goes through Crays Hill Farm, and
carries on towards the winding River
Crouch.
• Wander through the stunning
bluebell fields in nearby Norsey
Wood and take a camera –
as well as a step back in time.
• Eat and drink well at
The Kings Head in style
– but not for a king’s ransom we
hasten to add!
There is evidence of a small Roman cavalry fort at Blunts Wall too, while
Billericay also had prosperous Tudor and Georgian periods and these are
still visible today with many lovely, historic buildings in and around the
High Street.
For details on more attractions around Billericay, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thekingsheadbillericay
8
The Hawk
Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7RJ
Tel. 01268 767263
This amenable and welcoming inn resides in the quaint riverside village
of Battlesbridge, near Wickford – which nestles in a meander of the River
Crouch - and paints a pretty picture of unhurried estuary life in rural Essex.
Go with the flow...
The inn dates back as far as 1678 when it was described in the deeds as a
“small rectangular building”, but it has continued to flourish over the years
and still entices locals, urbanites, tourists and the sailing fraternity alike with
a great selection of food, quaffable real ales, a diverse range of fine wines and
period features like inglenook fireplaces.
• From the pub car park you
can walk along the banks of
the Crouch to the bridge,
which takes in a good view of the
marina and the boats tied up at the
river’s head.
Wickford is an ancient settlement that dates back to at least 975 and
Battlesbridge gets its name from the Bataille family that looked after the
bridge across the tidal Crouch. This focus on the past continues today as
the village contains one of the UK’s leading antiques centres, which is based
around a former mill and houses more than 80 dealers in five interesting
buildings. Many people here combine a meal at The Hawk either before or
after their visit.
• The Highlands Farm Walk nearby
offers good views of
the Crouch and numerous rare birds
and insects, across mud and salt
marsh, burrow dykes and ancient
hedgerow.
Lower Barn Craft & Cultural Centre two miles away is another local
favourite and includes studios specialising in dolls houses, blacksmiths,
furniture and pottery plus larger architectural pieces, while just a mile
further is Marsh Farm Country Park. Some 350 acres, it offers interesting
farm trails and estuary walks along the sea walls, but it’s also a nature reserve
and a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the marshes and freshwater lakes
attract a wide variety of wild birds.
• Meander back to The Hawk
and let the tide come in over
a refreshing pint, light lunch, or an
even more leisurely evening meal.
For details on more attractions around Battlesbridge and Wickford, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thehawkbattlesbridge
9
Fox & Raven
Barnes Mill Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6NL
Tel. 01245 267364
This stately looking inn stands proud in the Springfield area east of the city
and is nestled just beyond Chelmer Village.
The Fox & Raven hasn’t always been a public house – in the 1851 directory
of Springfield it’s listed as the Barnes Farm farmhouse. Springfield took its
name from the numerous springs in the area, and in the Domesday Book of
1086 is called Springafeld.
Indeed, there were people living here in prehistoric times, judging by the
remains of a settlement at Brook End, now on the edges of Chelmer Village.
Springfield Road still follows the line of the old Roman road, while in the
17th century the village was lived in by some very wealthy people, who built
the big houses that still exist today. Springfield Place, Springfield Dukes, and
the Old Priory, were all built around the green and All Saints Church, which
is over 1,000 years-old.
The inn, meanwhile, sits on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, which
runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county
town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater and the
open sea. It was designed in 1793 by the renowned canal engineer John
Rennie and most of his original structures are intact together with the entire
length of the original waterway – which is now used for leisure rather than
transport.
On yer bike...
• This area is on the National Cycle
Route 1 – and the Springfield/
Chelmer Village Circular Route is
eight miles long and takes in part of
the river.
• Springfield Canal Route is seven
miles long and takes in most of the
pretty waterway and finishes round
Beaulieu Park.
• The Fox & Raven’s is an ideal pit
stop all year round for refreshing
drinks, hearty pub food and social
gatherings around roaring log fires!
There’s plenty to do in the area – if you love shopping, there’s a retail park
just across the road from the pub. The tallest structure in the Chelmsford
area is the former Chain Home radar tower in Great Baddow, which rises
to 360 ft (110 m). It’s the only Chain Home tower still in its original
unmodified form in the UK and is a highly visible landmark.
For details on more attractions around Chelmsford, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxandravenchelmsford
10
Coach & Horses
Thorley Street, Thorley, Bishops Stortford, CM23 4AS
Tel. 01279 710991
This traditional white coaching inn lies in the Thorley district just south of
the ancient Hertfordshire market town of Bishop’s Stortford – and is very
handy for Stansted Airport.
Horses for courses…
Situated alongside the Hockerhill Turnpike Trust Road, it originated in
the 18th century when Bishop’s Stortford became a staging post on the
mail coach routes between London and both Cambridge and Newmarket.
Records show that in 1791 it also doubled as a Post Office run by Richard
Thompson, but was owned by Sarah Bass in the early 19th century and by
the late 1900s was taken over by the Industrial Co-operative Brewery.
• Pick up the Riverside Trail on
London Road, near the pub, and
you can walk around town via an
old Victorian Maltings, the war
memorial and gardens, Castle Hill
plus the Sworders Field green lung.
The town took its origin from, and has grown up around, the ford over the
river, which is now known as the Stort, which was used as far back as Roman
times. Bishop’s Stortford also has the remains of a motte and bailey structure
(Waytemore Castle now called Castle Hill) which dominates the town
gardens and once belonged to Edith, mistress of the Saxon King Harold.
• Head south from the same spot
along the Stort Navigation and
you can walk to Spellbrook,
Sawbridgeworth and Harlow.
It retains a rich collection of medieval, plus 16th and 17th century buildings,
but really took off in 1769 when the head of the River Stort Navigation,
opened in the town centre. Once used to carry grain and malt into London
it is no longer used for trade, but is now a 14 mile recreational waterway
linking Bishop’s Stortford with an extensive national canal network.
• Straight from the horse’s mouth,
The Coach & Horses is still the best
staging post in town for refreshing
real ales, hearty pub fayre, fine wines
from around the world and roaring
log fires.
Cecil Rhodes, founder of Rhodesia was born in the town and
his house is now a museum and arts centre. The exhibits relate to old
Bishop’s Stortford, Africa and the British Empire, plus a mural which tells
the story of the town from the Ice Age to the present day. Other places of
interest include St Michael’s Church, on Windhill, which has a spire 56
metres high that can be seen for many miles around.
For information about The Coach & Horses and just some of the many things to see and do in the Bishop’s Stortford area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecoachandhorsesbishopsstortford
11
Robin Hood
211 London Road, Clacton On Sea, CO15 4ED
Tel. 01255 476785
This picturesque pub with its popular garden is located in the seaside town
of Clacton, the capital of the ‘Essex Sunshine Coast’ and famed for its long
sandy beaches and seafront gardens.
We do like to be beside
the seaside ...
The site on which the inn stands was originally a farmhouse, but the inn
was built in 1823. We know this because buildings were then taxed on the
number of fireplaces in the property – and this date is engraved in the stone
above the fireplace that can still be seen in the bar today. What also stands
out is the roaring log fire welcome on a winter’s evening and the scenic beer
garden that’s perfect for light refreshments and alfresco dining in the warmer
months.
• Stroll down to the pier, turn
left along the prom past Martello
Towers, and onto Jaywick,
Saint Osyth Point and finally
Brightlingsea for a bracing
seaside walk.
The Robin Hood is nestled in the Great Clacton part of town, which has its
own nature reserve and a valuable green space in Pickers Ditch Meadows.
• Closer to home, Pickers Ditch
Meadows Nature Reserve has a
pretty copse area surrounding the
existing footpath.
It’s perfect for a peaceful stroll, away from any hustle and bustle, but for
those who like it livelier head down to the 19th century Clacton Pier just
under a mile away – it’s reputed to be the world’s largest and has made
Clacton famous.
This family-run, entertainment, pleasure pier has 19 fairground rides for the
whole family to enjoy (some white knuckle and some under cover) and six
and a half acres of pier sits out over the North Sea and is flanked by seven
miles of beaches. Clacton Factory Shopping Village is also worth a visit
offering up to 60% off high street prices. And you can’t fail to see the two
remaining Martello Towers that date back to the late 18th century and the
Napoleonic Wars.
For details on more attractions around Clacton, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/therobinhoodclactononsea
• All that seaside air is bound to
work up a thirst and appetite –
and The Robin Hood is the ideal
place to decamp for you and your
merry men.
12
The Crown
Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, CO7 7QR
Tel. 01206 231946
This impressive black and white timbered inn with its pretty gardens is
nestled in the village of Ardleigh, just north east of historic Colchester, and
is a popular stop off point for travellers on the A12 from Ipswich and the
port of Felixstowe, through to the M25 and beyond.
It dates back to at least 1648 and the Civil War when loyalist supporters to
Charles I were held there by Cromwell’s army who were lodging there and to
this day it has a ghost room over the cellar. And just north of Ardleigh is the
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is Dedham Vale, which is perhaps
most famous for being ‘Constable Country’ after the famous English
landscape painter, John Constable.
Colchester, meanwhile, claims to be the oldest town in Britain and was once
the capital of Roman Britain. Its main landmark, however, is medieval and
Colchester Castle is the largest ever built by the Normans, while the town
houses several award winning museums. It’s also the home and inspiration
for three of the best known English nursery rhymes – Old King Cole,
‘Humpty Dumpty’ and ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’.
No need to reservoir
a spot...
• On leaving the pub, turn left down
the Old Ipswich Road (an old
Roman road) and within 200 yards
you reach the 30 acre lake that is
Ardleigh Reservoir.
• Apart from some lovely walks along
its shores, Ardleigh is also very
popular for recreational activities
like sailing, game and coarse fishing.
• Make sure The Crown isn’t the
one that got away though, as it’s
unrivalled in the area for good food,
decent wines and real cask ales.
Just minutes from Colchester’s bustling town centre is High Woods Country
Park and with its woods, wildflowers, lakes and circular walks it is a real
breath of fresh air, while the 16th century Bourne Mill with its working
waterwheel and tranquil grounds is another verdant oasis in suburban
Colchester. The Tudor and Georgian Castle House also stands nearby in
spacious grounds with well maintained gardens and is a homage to the
famous horse painter Alfred Munnings who lived there.
For details on more attractions around Colchester, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecrowncolchester
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