In between the concerts ...




Colchester's new art gallery has recently opened in the centre of town. The architecture is thrilling and it has a permanent art collection, visiting shows and kids activities as well as a great cafe.


Down a pretty lane and near a nature reserve is the Geedon Gallery in Fingringhoe, where you can see wonderful art and sculpture inspired by the East Anglian landscape.

You can eat oysters at the Mersea Oyster bar or the Company Shed, sail a majestic Thames sailing barge (birdwatching daytrips are available on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October), visit Beth Chatto's Gardens, (left) one of the most beautiful in the country, buy a local map (OS 184) and enjoy country walks round the idyllic villages (walking guides here).

In Colchester, visit the dutch quarter and . The tranquil river Stour in Suffolk is also within reach, where you can go boating and explore the landscape which inspired great works by Constable, Gainsborough, Munnings and Nash.

Where to stay the night



Self-catering cottages


Bromans Farm
Ruth and Martin Dence 01206 383 235 bromansfarm@btopenworld.com
Bromans Lane, East Mersea CO5 8UE

Andrew and Nicky Ellis 01206 735 166 / nicky@essexguesthouse.co.uk
Wigborough Road, Peldon CO5 7RA

Wendy Mitchell 01206 735 298 / swamitchell@googlemail.com
Great Wigborough CO5 7RE

Jane Lochore 01206 573 595 / lochorem8@aol.com
Bounstead Road, Colchester CO2 0DF

Wendy Anderson 01206 545 154 / wendyanderson15@hotmail.com 
15 Roman Road Colchester CO1 1UR

Mount Hall
Ellie and James Carbutt 01206 271 359 / 07767 608 437 / info@mounthall.co.uk
London Road, Great Horkesley CO6 4BZ



Rye Farm
Mr and Mrs P Bunting 01206 734 350 / peterbunting@btconnect.com
Rye Lane, Layer de la Haye CO2 0J


Layer Breton CO2 0PN 01206 330 459

Food and drink



PUBS


Whalebone Fingringhoe CO5 7BG  01206 729 307


The Anchor Inn High Street Rowhedge CO5 7ES 01206 728 382


The Langenhoe Lion Mersea Road, Abberton CO5 7LF 01206 735 263 


SEAFOOD


The Company Shed Coast Road West Mersea CO5 8PA 01206 382 700


West Mersea Oyster Bar Coast Road West Mersea CO5 8LT 01206 381 600


RESTAURANTS

Essex Gourmet

Juniper at Clarice House 01206 734 301 Thursday - Saturday only from 7pm. 


The Lemon Tree, Colchester 01206 767 337