bb Area Guide

We've compiled a guide to all the best spots in our favourite corner of Essex to ensure you have an amazing stay. From Colchester’s charming local pubs and fantastic dining spots to must-see attractions and scenic walking trails, this guide will help you discover our beautiful region's hidden gems and experiences. We want you to make the most of your visit, so dive in and explore what our home offers. And if you haven't booked with us yet, check out our cabins.

Local Pubs

1. The Three Horseshoes
   Great food, hospitality, wine, and local beers.
   Address: CO6 3NJ

2. Kings Head Pebmarsh
   Historic pub dating back to 1450, known for real ales and traditional food.
   Address: CO9 2NH

3. Five Bells
   It offers a mix of modern and classic dishes and a great selection of locally sourced food.
   Address: CO6 2HY

4. Thatchers Arms Mount Bures
   Gastro pub with fine views and a varied menu.
   Address: CO8 5AT

5. The Crown Stoke By Nayland
   Enjoy delicious food, real ales, and a well-stocked wine cellar.
   Address: CO6 1SE

6. The Old Crown Messing
   Bistro-style home-cooked food and drinks.
   Address: CO5 9TU

7. The Anchor Inn Nayland
   Dine in a cosy dining pod.
   Address: CO6 4JL

8. The Henny Swan
   Bistro-style dishes and contemporary pub classics.
   Address: CO10 7LS

9. The Swan Inn
   Family favourites, pizzas, and views of Chappel viaduct.
   Address: CO3 8LU

10. The Chequers
    Perfect for a quick pint pit stop.
    Address: CO6 1JS

11. The Lion
    Small plates and wood fired pizzas
    Address: 11 High Street, Earls Colne

Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars

1. The Barn Brasserie
   Fine dining in a 16th-century barn, family-owned.
   Address: CO6 1JE

2. Milsoms Restaurant
   Brasserie set in terraced gardens in Dedham Vale.
   Address: CO7 6HW

3. Talbooth Restaurant
   Riverside setting with a creative British menu.
   Address: CO7 6HP

4. Tiptree Tea Room at The Essex Rose Dedham
   16th-century tea house.
   Address: High St, Dedham, CO7 6DE

5. The Coffee Shed
   Open 5 days a week, Weds-Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm
   Address: The Three Horseshoes, CO6 3NJ

6. De La Terre
   Natural wine bar and tapas
   Address: CM6 1AG

7. Kintsu Colchester
   Modern dining by two-time Essex Chef of the Year Paul Wendholt.
   Address: 11a North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1DZ

8. The Drapers Hotel
   Restaurant, bar, and grill.
   Address: 53 High Street, Earls Colne, CO6 2PB

9. Flame & Grill Pebmarsh
   British grill to table bar and restaurant in an idyllic converted stable.
   Address: The Courtyard, Pebmarsh, Halstead, CO9 2NU

10. The Oyster Bar & The Company Shed
    Famous for seafood.
    Address: Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8LT

11. Bellapais
    Steakhouse and Greek restaurant, family-run for 30 years.
    Address: St Johns St, CO2 7AH

12. Three Wise Monkeys
    Independent tap and smokehouse.
    Address: 60 High St, Colchester, CO1 1DN

13. Church Street Tavern
    Independent tap and smokehouse.
    Address: 3 Church St, Colchester, CO1 1NF

14. Pavilion Lounge & Restaurant
    High-end lounge with Pan-Pacific flavours.
    Address: CO1 1QX

15. Piccolino
    Family-owned Italian restaurant.
    Address: 42 North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1PY

16. The Marquis Suffolk
    Luxury restaurant and bar in the Brett Valley.
    Address: Ipswich, IP7 5JZ

Places to Visit

1. West Mersea
   Famous for rock oysters, seafood restaurants, and sea views.
   Address: CO5 8LT

2. Colchester Zoo
   Home to over 260 rare species and various attractions.
   Address: CO3 0SL

3. Gainsborough House
   Museum and gallery dedicated to Thomas Gainsborough.
   Address: CO10 2EU

4. Chappel Railway Museum
   Railway museum with restored locomotives.
   Address: CO6 2DS

5. Flatford
   Explore Constable Country.
   Address: CO7 6UL

6. Colchester Castle
   A largely complete Norman castle and Grade I listed building.
   Address: CO1 1TJ

7. Mercury Theatre
   Producing original work and touring shows.
   Address: CO1 1PT

8. West Street Vineyard
   Wine tasting experience with a café, shop, and function rooms.
   Address: CO6 1NS

9. Abberton Reservoir
   Excellent for bird watching.
   Address: CO2 0EU

10. Frinton-on-Sea & Clacton-on-Sea
    Popular seaside resorts, 40 minutes away.

Walking Trails

1. Chalkney Woods
   Walk from the cabin around the lake to Chalkney Woods. (Exclusively for cabin guests)

2. Mersea Island
   Enjoy beaches, bird-watching, and the tranquil island environment.

3. Wrabness
   Explore nature reserves, sandy beaches, and “A House for Essex.”

4. The River Stour
   Walk along the marshy banks of this iconic river.

5. Cudmore Grove Country Park
   Coastal reserve with sandy beaches and salt marshes.

6. Danbury Country Park
   Accessible parkland with scenic winter walks.

7. Markshall Estate
   Explore historical landscapes and ancient woodlands.

8. Abberton Reservoir
   Birdwatching and nature walks at this important wetland site.

Local Services

1. Farm Shops:

   • Poplar Farm Shop: Coggeshall Rd, Marks Tey, Colchester, CO6 1HR

   • Blackwells Farm Shop & Butcher: Herons Farm, Colchester Road, Coggeshall, CO6 1TQ

2. Butchers:

   • T. Bush: Earls Colne CO6 2PA

   • The Earls Colne Butchers: Earls Colne CO6 2PA

3. Florist:

   • Lucy & Willow: The Roses Shop, 11 High Street, Earls Colne, CO6 2PA

   • Tiptree: Station Road, Tiptree, CO5 0BL

4. Bakery:

   • Patisserie / French Bakery: 5 High St, Halstead CO9 2AA

   • Jacqi’s Bakery: 71 High St, Earls Colne, CO6 2PG

5. Supermarket:

   • Co-Op: 18-20 High Street, Earls Colne, CO6 2PA

   • Sainsbury’s: Halstead CO9 2JB

6. Chemist:

   • Boots: 28 High St, Earls Colne, CO6 2PA

   • Post Office: 39 High St, Earls Colne, CO6 2PB

7. Taxi Service:

   • Earls Colne Private Hire: 01787 222 022, CO6 2QZ