Sightseeing and Day Trips Check out our extensive collection of top attractions and nearby areas of interest to start planning your next stay.

Introducing Wyvernwood, an Enchanted Lost Kingdom that has existed for many centuries in a peaceful and beautiful setting near Colchester, in Essex. Just 3 miles from Wivenhoe House Hotel

This extraordinary world has only recently been discovered by the outside world and provides the perfect day out for families with children aged 2 to 12.

Those lucky enough to find the Magic Portal can step through into another world, a world inhabited by fabulous fairies, fierce dragons, wise wizards, menacing goblins, a warrior princess, and a heroic captain.

Book now and be one of the first to experience the new adventure park…

Named after the Roman messenger God, the Mercury Theatre is a welcoming and vibrant venue at the centre of Colchester. The main theatre seats just over 530 people, and debuts shows from local acting troupes and travelling companies.

The theatre is also home to two bars and a café, where visitors are welcome to enjoy some tasty refreshments.

Separated from the mainland by the Strood, Mersea Island boasts a beautiful beach and fantastic views. You may be familiar with their rows of pastel-coloured beach huts, which have featured in several national publications and television programmes.

The ideal location for dog walkers and day trippers, Mersea Island has plenty of local eateries to visit for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for its local oysters, the island is home to several speciality seafood restaurants along the coastline.

Wivenhoe town’s regatta combines historical tradition with a jam-packed weekend for all the family. Whether you prefer the shore or taking to the water, there’s something for all ages, including paddle boarding, yacht and dinghy racing, live music, brilliant food, stalls and much more. 

Local businesses, restaurants, cafes and pubs will be sure to offer something for everybody, and the Wivenhoe Sailing Club and The Nottage Institute will be welcoming visitors throughout the weekend. 

If you love British produce and are a keen supporter of local businesses, you have to take a visit to the Wivenhoe Market, lovingly hosted at the Congregational Church on Wivenhoe High Street.

Selling niche goods and fresh foods, the market is a brilliant attraction for a lazy afternoon strolling around stalls and sampling local cheeses, bread, beer and more. 

Located in an area of outstanding beauty, Dedham Boathouse is just minutes from the scenic Dedham High Street on the River Stour. If you’re a nature lover or simply enjoy breath-taking landscapes, you can hire a rowing boat for the day and take off down the River Stour.

It’s the perfect way to take in the spectacular views of Constable Country; with rolling hills and plenty of wildlife, it’s worth a day trip! Tickets can be bought at the boathouse kiosk, as well as a variety of hot and cold beverages and ice cream for those hot summer days out on the river.

Housed in a converted church in this popular village, the Centre exudes historic charm and is the perfect place to visit for hunting the best vintage antiques, a bite to eat or buying dainty trinkets and home décor. Three floors showcase the work of local artisans and the inspired buying skills of professional and specialist retailers. 

Stocking unique ceramics, textiles, jewellery, books, fashion and paintings, the Dedham Art and Craft Centre is paradise for the casual browser and the enthusiastic shopper. 

With over 60 different birds of prey, Lavenham Falconry offers an experience like no other! From the smallest of owls to the largest of eagles, professional falconers will offer you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most impressive birds. 

The Falconry’s special experience packages, including photographic days and courses in the art of falconry, are perfect for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts alike! They also house a wide range of exotic species at the ‘Scales, Tails and Talons’ Exotic Zoo. 

Bookings can be made online via their website or via email. 

Beth Chatto OBE was an award-winning plantswoman, author and lecturer. Her work at the Gardens in Elmstead Market began in 1960. She took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches, transforming it using plants adapted by nature to thrive in different conditions: right plant, right place. An inspirational, informal garden has developed.

Mersea Boating Lake is a 6 acre man made salt water lake, situated in the beautiful countryside of East Mersea, located by the sea with its own private beach access.

They are a family friendly lake, offering water sports activities for all ages and abilities. In a fun but safe environment you can try paddle boarding for the very first time or maybe sharpen your skills sailing across the lake.

With the lake only being 1.5m deep and no current, or tide it gives you the confidence on the water and access all day every day.

Braintree Village is an outlet shopping village in the heart of Essex. Home to over 75 premium brands with up to 60% off the RRP everyday.

A small Essex town besides the Blackwater Estuary, Maldon has a history that’s bound up with water. It’s best-known as the home of Maldon Sea Salt, while the town’s port has a heritage that stretches back thousands of years.