Arial view of two tree island to southend Essex

Discover Britain through walking with the Royal Geographical society with IBG

Explore the history, nature and views your Country has to offer by walking. And it couldn’t be easier since the Royal Geographical Society has done all the hard work for you – all you have to do is download all the information you need from their website http://www.discoveringbritain.org get your walking boots on, and get moving… And what better time to be thinking about walking than in February. We all need to blow the cobwebs off that the winter entangles us in, and if you, like me, need to lose a few pounds but cannot do it by dieting, then getting moving is the answer. It can also help with the lack of energy we can feel by the short days of winter and lack of sunlight that we suffer.

Not only that, these walks can be done anytime, Winter or Summer, and at your own pace. Perhaps take a friend or family and enjoy the sights together. Take a camera, send photos to magazines or your local newspaper – all good fun!

You can travel to these walks or find one near your home – and be amazed at what natural delights are on your doorstep and they are not strenuous walks, giving more people the chance to walk them from 2 mile City or Town walks, to 2-6 mile countryside or seaside walks.

The website is easy to use, and you can choose walks by region, setting or landscape. You can see route maps for the walks, with points of interest shown with photos and information, reviews from people who have tried the walk, links to relevant external websites if you would like to find out even more and a complete photo gallery. Downloads include audio commentary, a children’s activity sheet to get them involved along the walk, a complete walking route, a route script so you can read all about what you are seeing along the walk, and a walk summary.

See my local Essex walk here: http://www.discoveringbritain.org/walks/region/east-of-england/essex-estuary.html which takes you from Benfleet to Leigh on sea. I am also pleased to say that I supplied the aerial photo of Two Tree Island for this walk.

About RGS-IBG

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is an educational charity and the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers.

The Society was founded in 1830 and has had a long and distinguished history in scientific research and exploration and in sharing new knowledge with a wide range of audiences. Today the Society is a leading world centre for geography and geographical learning – supporting research, education, expeditions and fieldwork, public enjoyment of geography and the transfer of knowledge to policy.

Members support the Society’s work through their subscriptions, have access to a wide range of activities and receive the Geographical Magazine. Membership is open to everyone who has an interest in the world around them (www.rgs.org/joinus).

So, do something new today and get moving!

Sandra

Share this:

ZOO’s

Colchester Zoo (full day)

http://notjustanessexgirl.com/2009/colchester-zoo-colchester-essex-england

A full day out for all the family, this Zoo is involved in numerous conservation projects and has some great new enclosures.

Tropical Wings (half to full day)

www.tropicalwings.co.uk

Wickford Rd

South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5QZ

01245 425 394

There is a massive selection of wildlife to interact with at the Tropical Wings Zoo in Essex. Some of the daily activities and attractions at the zoo include:

• One of the UK’s largest tropical butterfly houses

• Feeding the Wallabies

• Otter and Meerkat Feeding Time

• Birds of Prey Flying display in the Outdoor Arena

FARMS

Marsh Farm lambs Essex

piglets snoozing at marsh farm Essex

Marsh Farm (half day)

www.marshfarmcountrypark.co.uk

Marsh Farm Road

South Woodham Ferrers, Woodham CM3 5WN

01245 321 552

Marsh Farm Country Park is owned and managed by Essex County Council. It provides an enjoyable and educational day out for all the family

Marsh Farm is a working farm where children can get close to farm animals and play safely in our adventure play areas. There is also a Country Park, which boasts excellent coastal walks and superb views of the River Crouch. I really like it there and would say it was a good half day experience.

Old MacDonalds Farm

www.omdfarm.co.uk

Wrightsbridge Road

South Weald, Brentwood CM145AY

01277 375 177

I have not yet visited this farm, but this is what they have to say:

For fun places to visit in Essex come to Old MacDonald’s open farm. We have fantastic facilities to ensure that your family has a fun day out whatever the weather. Come and meet our Farm animals and of course children love our Indoor soft play areas and outdoor activities and of course.

They also arrange lots of activities for the School holidays for fun!

If you know of any other zoos or farms in Essex, please let me know at info@notjustanessexgirl.com

Share this:

Hadleigh Castle Essex in the sun copyright Sandra M Dean

Hadleigh Castle

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP

Tel: 01223 582700

The remains of this fortress constructed over seven centuries ago overlooks the Essex Marshes, The barbican and two towers still remain today.

I love it up there as it reminds me of my childhood and it’s great for picnics, walks, cycling (2012 Olympic mountain biking will be held there) kite flying or just chilling out with a lovely view.

Hadleigh castle sunset copyright Sandra M Dean

Hadleigh Castle pathway copyright Sandra M Dean

Me walking at Hadleigh Castle Essex

Hadleigh castle from the air copyright Sandra M Dean

Hadleigh castle copyright Sandra M Dean

Harwich Redoubt Fort

www.harwich-society.co.uk

Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT

Tel: 01255 503429

Circular Fort 1808 ten guns.

Hedingham Castle

www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, C09 3DJ

Tel: 01787 460261

Hedingham Castle’s Norman keep, 110 feet high, was built c.1140 by Aubrey de Vere. There are four floors to explore, including a magnificent Banqueting Hall spanned by a remarkable 28 foot arch, one of the largest Norman arches in England. A good view of this splendid room can be obtained from the Minstrels’ Gallery, built within the thickness of the 12 foot walls. A visit to the castle and its beautiful grounds is ideal for a family outing, and during the summer there are a variety of special events which bring its colourful history alive. Come and enjoy one of our exciting Jousting Tournaments or other entertainments.

Rayleigh Mount

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-rayleighmount

Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HQ

Tel: 01206 299056

Early medieval motte and bailey castle site, now an urban wildlife haven affording sweeping views. Adjacent windmill houses historical exhibition 

Tilbury Fort

 No 2 Office Block, The Fort, Tilbury, RM18 7NR

Tel: 01375 858489

Tilbury Fort is on the north, Essex, bank of the River Thames in England and was built to defend London from attack from the sea, particularly during the Spanish Armada and the Anglo-Dutch Wars. The site is now cared for by English Heritage and opened to the public The best and largest example of 17th century military engineering in England, trace the history of this impressive fort from the time of Henry VIII up to World War II

Colchester Castle Museum

www.colchestermuseums.org.uk/castle/castle_index.html

A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes you through 2000 years of some of the most important events in British history. Once capital of Roman Britain, Colchester has experienced devastation by Boudica (Boadicea), invasion by the Normans and siege during the English Civil War.

Since the 16th century, the Castle has been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches. Today it is an award winning museum featuring many hands-on displays showing Colchester’s history from the Stone Age to the Civil War.

Mountfitchet Castle Experience

www.mountfitchetcastle.com

Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8SP

Tel: 08456007245

Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, plus the House on the Hill Toy Museum and Dinosaur Encounters – an all in one family day out for all weathers!

Coalhouse Fort

www.coalhousefort.co.uk

Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB

Tel: 01375 677764

Coalhouse Fort, in its attractive riverside park setting, has links with centuries of coastal defence. A fine example of Victorian military architecture, the fort was operational throughout two World Wars.

Share this: