Place to stay things to do. North east Essex?
Discussion
Mrs Blib and I have a free weekend in august and we are looking to explore north East Essex. We are very familiar with Suffolk and Norfolk. But, we fancied a change and the far reaches of Essex are areas we've never before explored.
So, I thought to ask about the area and what it has to offer. A quick look at the map tells me that the area around Manningtree could be interesting as it seems to be a bit out of the way. But, we are open to your suggestions.
In the first instance, we need a dog friendly place to stay for two nights. An
Inn would be perfect. Next, interesting, dog friendly places to visit. Finally, good places to eat.
Thanks for your help.
So, I thought to ask about the area and what it has to offer. A quick look at the map tells me that the area around Manningtree could be interesting as it seems to be a bit out of the way. But, we are open to your suggestions.
In the first instance, we need a dog friendly place to stay for two nights. An
Inn would be perfect. Next, interesting, dog friendly places to visit. Finally, good places to eat.
Thanks for your help.
Take a blast over to Finchingfield. A really nice place that is usually full of bikers for good reason - nice pubs and cafes and all 4 roads in and out are great. Try hitting it from Steeple Bumpstead and then going either via Dunmow to the Rodings or down to Great Bardfield, Great Saling etc. Then while down that way head over to the old WW2 airfield called "Andrews Field" for some breakfast. You can from there watch the planes go up and down while drinking a coffee... Post code for the airfield is CM6 3TD - it is signed but you have to look for it.
Castle Hedingham is also nice - the castle itself is the only surviving Norman Keep in the country and the pubs surrounding it are almost as old. The road from Castle Hedingham to Great Maplestead/Halstead is also fun and from there you can head north to Sudbury - lovely fast twisty road.
Mistley Thorn in Manningtree
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1441...
If you can bear to skip over the border into Suffolk then there's the British Larder and Sutton Hoo. If you haven't done Orford and Shingle Street, you'll need to tick those off, and Felixstowe Ferry. Pleasant run down to Shotley if you like - park in the Marina. Alton Water is attractive. Kersey is attractive too.
Dedham and Flatford need ticking off, obviously. But be careful of the cows if you have a dog - will make sense once you arrive. I think Frinton has no dog beaches over the summer.Lots of pretty villages inland as noted above.
Enjoy.
.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1441...
If you can bear to skip over the border into Suffolk then there's the British Larder and Sutton Hoo. If you haven't done Orford and Shingle Street, you'll need to tick those off, and Felixstowe Ferry. Pleasant run down to Shotley if you like - park in the Marina. Alton Water is attractive. Kersey is attractive too.
Dedham and Flatford need ticking off, obviously. But be careful of the cows if you have a dog - will make sense once you arrive. I think Frinton has no dog beaches over the summer.Lots of pretty villages inland as noted above.
Enjoy.
.
BobTurner said:
Hmm. Can't say I'm surprised. Worth getting something to eat there regardless. Kesgrave Hall? Am sure I saw a dog staying there last time we were there - it's in Suffolk, but only just
We've booked Kesgrave Hall. The accept dogs so thank you so much for that, Bob! 
Now, things to do and see with dog in tow........?
Blib said:
We've booked Kesgrave Hall. The accept dogs so thank you so much for that, Bob!
Now, things to do and see with dog in tow........?
Hmm. Right.Now, things to do and see with dog in tow........?
So, if you're needing a break near Chelmsford on your way up the A12, Hylands house and park is a 5 minute detour: cafe, loos, dog can have a run and free parking. But check your dates don't clash with v festival. If they do you might want to do M11/A120 to avoid the traffic.
One junction up the A12 from the hotel you've got Woodbridge (walk by the river) and Tunstall and Rendlesham forests - but perhaps you know that already.
Coming south but still north of the Orwell bridge you've got Waldringfield and the Maybush Inn (riverside pub, not sure how much walking available) and Nacton - dump the car in the picnic area parking, and walk towards Levington by the river - very nice walk and have lunch in the Ship in Levington BUT it might have changed hands since I was last there by the looks of it.
South of the Orwell - there's Pin Mill and the Butt and Oyster, again nice riverside walk but parking can be a nightmare. Shotley isn't too far on if you want to see the ships, also a walk back up the river towards pin mill. Alton water is an attractive reservoir.
As I said, Dedham and Flatford Mill essential. Milsoms hotel is under common ownership with Kesgrave so that might be a dog friendly lunch stop in Dedham - but you'd have to check.
Frinton probably a bit of a trek from Kesgrave and might be dog unfriendly in August.
Wouldn't bother with Colchester in the circumstances.
Those villages the sheriff mentions you can probably hit on your way back if you come back cross country aiming for the M11.
If you want stuff further south there's Burnham on crouch and Maldon; and some remote coastal places on the marshes worth looking into but not my area of expertise.
There are some nice roads, take the 911 if it won't make the dog sick - plenty of parking at Kesgrave.
Edited by BobTurner on Sunday 22 June 15:33
A post like that one is a testament to all that is good in Pistonheads. I really appreciate your time and effort. A genuine thanks.
However, in true PH fashion, if any of your tips fail to live up to my expectations, I will be back to publicly vilify you on this and every other thread that I post on, for the next six months.
And it will be all your own fault.
However, in true PH fashion, if any of your tips fail to live up to my expectations, I will be back to publicly vilify you on this and every other thread that I post on, for the next six months.
And it will be all your own fault.
LOL I love this - guy says "tell me some nice places to go in Essex" and then he gets recommended Suffolk haha. Well I can't say I blame anyone!
Check out Mersea Island if you like fresh seafood. The Company Shed is awesome but go early as it is always packed and they don't take bookings. You need to bring your own drinks, bread etc but you can gorge yourself on the fresh catch and their very famous oysters.
Check out Mersea Island if you like fresh seafood. The Company Shed is awesome but go early as it is always packed and they don't take bookings. You need to bring your own drinks, bread etc but you can gorge yourself on the fresh catch and their very famous oysters.
If you're going to Mersey, which is a good idea, you'll be needing this: http://www.stroodcam.co.uk/tide_times.htm
No one think to mention this particular detail?
No one think to mention this particular detail?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
There's a place on east Mersea run by the same people. Equally good for seafood but less manic. Din't tell everyone though.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g15...
Blib said:
Scousefella said:
EskimoArapaho said:
Jaywick for a little bit of Ghetto-by-the-Sea action. 
Take an Uzi, some spare ammo and if anyone attempts to flag you down just run them through!!
OP. Epic hooning road from Manningtree to Harwich. Walks around Walton Backwaters/ The Naze and the river Stour. Wrabness nature reserve, Dedham village and walk over to Flatford Mill. Sun pub in Dedham and Ship in Manningtree both OK.
BobTurner said:
Blib said:
We've booked Kesgrave Hall. The accept dogs so thank you so much for that, Bob!
Now, things to do and see with dog in tow........?
Hmm. Right.Now, things to do and see with dog in tow........?
So, if you're needing a break near Chelmsford on your way up the A12, Hylands house and park is a 5 minute detour: cafe, loos, dog can have a run and free parking. But check your dates don't clash with v festival. If they do you might want to do M11/A120 to avoid the traffic.
One junction up the A12 from the hotel you've got Woodbridge (walk by the river) and Tunstall and Rendlesham forests - but perhaps you know that already.
Coming south but still north of the Orwell bridge you've got Waldringfield and the Maybush Inn (riverside pub, not sure how much walking available) and Nacton - dump the car in the picnic area parking, and walk towards Levington by the river - very nice walk and have lunch in the Ship in Levington BUT it might have changed hands since I was last there by the looks of it.
South of the Orwell - there's Pin Mill and the Butt and Oyster, again nice riverside walk but parking can be a nightmare. Shotley isn't too far on if you want to see the ships, also a walk back up the river towards pin mill. Alton water is an attractive reservoir.
As I said, Dedham and Flatford Mill essential. Milsoms hotel is under common ownership with Kesgrave so that might be a dog friendly lunch stop in Dedham - but you'd have to check.
Frinton probably a bit of a trek from Kesgrave and might be dog unfriendly in August.
Wouldn't bother with Colchester in the circumstances.
Those villages the sheriff mentions you can probably hit on your way back if you come back cross country aiming for the M11.
If you want stuff further south there's Burnham on crouch and Maldon; and some remote coastal places on the marshes worth looking into but not my area of expertise.
There are some nice roads, take the 911 if it won't make the dog sick - plenty of parking at Kesgrave.
Edited by BobTurner on Sunday 22 June 15:33
Easy solution
Park at Wolverstone marina. It's free in the approach road where boats are stored and there's always plenty of room and walk along the river to Pin Mill. From the approach road go past the front of the Royal Harwich yacht club and you'll pick up the path beside the slipway. About 20 mins through fields to the Butt and Oyster and lovely walks in the woods above the pub.One of my favourite walks any time of year.
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