Local Attractions

While our breaks offer more than enough activities and entertainment for you to enjoy throughout your stay, Five Lakes is situated in a beautiful part of Essex and is blessed with plenty to see and do within a short distance. We’ve chosen just a selection of our favourites below, but whatever your interests you won’t be disappointed in what this stunning area has to offer.

Blackwater Estuary Nature Reserve

1.2 mile walk/drive

With over 5,500 hectares declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Blackwater Estuary also contains just over 1,000 hectares as a nature reserve. There are many flat routes for walking or cycling, making it a beautiful area to simply take in nature and enjoy the wildlife; if you have a pair of binoculars, make sure you bring them with you!

Tiptree Tea Room & Visitor Centre

4 miles | 9 min drive

Recognised globally, Wilkin & Sons Ltd in nearby Tiptree arguably make the very best conserves and jams in the land, and guests to Five Lakes have been keeping them quite busy in recent months! Visitors can learn about the company’s history in the John Wilkin Collection, or relax in the tea room and visitor centre. With additional opportunities to enjoy including farm tours (during midweeks only) this is a popular, nearby attraction to visit and spend a few hours, morning or afternoon.
www.tiptree.com

Braintree Village

15.7 miles | 30 min drive

Shop ‘til you drop at this popular outlet destination, with many of your favourite brands and retailers in one place. From sports to latest fashion, beauty to homeware, footwear to accessories, Braintree Village certainly has it all, and more to the point, who doesn’t love a great deal?! There is also plenty of choice for food and drink if you decide to make a day of it.
www.braintree-village.com

Colchester Zoo

7.2 miles | 15 min drive

As one of the most visited attractions in the UK, this place needs no introduction. Colchester Zoo is home to many rare and endangered species including big cats, primates and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species. And, with over 16,000 Google reviews and an overall rating of 4.7/5.0, whatever your age and time of year, a trip to Colchester Zoo is always a fantastic experience.
www.colchester-zoo.com

Colchester Castle

10.3 miles | 21 min drive

Dating back to the 11th century, Colchester Castle is a fine example of the Norman period and with its ‘keep’ mostly intact, is the largest example of its kind anywhere in Europe. Enjoy the interactive displays at your own pace, or take a tour through 2,000 years of history as your guide takes you down to the Roman Vaults, and the foundations of the Temple of Claudius.
www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Church of All Saints

0.9 miles | 15-30 min walk

This Grade II listed building is the perfect example of one of the oldest Greek Orthodox churches in England. Uniquely accessible from within the grounds of Five Lakes (don’t go by Google maps which will tell you it’s a 4-mile trip!) a morning or afternoon stroll to this delightful spot is well worth it.