In Finchingfield:

The Wonky Wheel Art Gallery, a lovely little art gallery in the heart of Finchingfield

The Antiques Centre and The Antique Shop on the Hill offer a range of lovely antiques and clocks.

In Great Bardfield:

Between the Lines, a gorgeous little book shop with friendly staff and serving coffee and cake.

Great Lodge Vineyard, a beautiful vineyard offering tours in their Grade 1 listed barn.

Further afield:

Audley End House and Gardens, enjoy exploring the state rooms of one of England’s grandest mansions, or explore the award winning grounds which were remodelled by Capability Brown. An English Heritage site with a children’s playground. (30 mins drive).

Audley End Miniature Railway and Woodland Trail, a lovely day out for children, with a miniature train ride though enchanted woods and an adventure play area (30 mins drive).

The Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Europe’s largest air museum based on the airfield where Spitfires first flew. The museum covers over a century of aviation and often hosts air shows (40 mins drive).

Colchester Zoo, home to many endangered species, with lots of play areas to entertain the kids and regular animal encounters (40 mins drive).

Lavenham, is thought to be Britain’s best preserved medieval village and one of Suffolk’s most important wool towns. It is filled with timber framed medieval buildings and a lovely collection of gift shops (40 mins drive).

Constable Country – Dedham Vale, explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which inspired some of Constable’s greatest works, and row down the beautiful River Stour (45 mins drive).

Frinton on Sea, a lovely family beach location with a gently sloping golden beach (60 mins drive).

Mersea Island, cut off from the mainland and reached by a causeway, Mersea Island is oyster country. Relax on the beach or try crabbing from the jetty, whilst enjoying the estuary views (65 mins drive – please check the tide times before travelling).

Cambridge, with its historic university and bustling shops, is 60 mins drive away.

Colchester, Britain’s ‘First City’ and the former capital of Roman Britain, has a historic castle and many historical sites to explore (60 mins drive).

London is just an hour’s drive from Dynes Cottage, making it easily accessible for a day trip.