Explore Essex & Suffolk
Inspiration For Your Stay
Our peaceful and relaxed location offers you the perfect place to start exploring this absorbing and beautifully unique British countryside. Our little bit of Essex is jam packed with picturesque views, fascinating history and breath taking coast. Not only are you perfectly positioned to explore our spectacular county, you’re also only a short distance from Suffolk. So whether you’re looking for adrenaline filled adventure or a more relaxing breath of fresh air; you’ll find a truly entrancing Essex on your doorstep just waiting to be discovered.
Below you’ll find a few of our favourite things to do, but take a look at our more complete PDF guide for even more ideas and activities.
Malting Farm
Malting Farm is part of our working, family farm and is a beautiful space to relax in. You’ll find plenty of things to do and explore at the site, but we’ve also teamed up with some of our local friends to create some fantastic experiences for you.
Below you’ll find some Malting Farm Top Tips, but for even more ideas and inspiration take a look at our Essex & Suffolk Guide:
Malting Farm Top Tips
• Malting Farm Nature Trail
Pick up a free map from the honesty shop and then follow our fun farm nature trail that will take you around the site.
• Brook Meadow Menagerie
If you’re keen to get up close and personal to some farm animals or small furry and feathered friends; then walk along the meadow to Brook Meadow Menagerie where Emma keeps; pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, guinea pigs and quail, it’s a great experience on our doorstep. ONLY at set times (usually on Thursdays and Saturdays but subject to change due to Emma’s work and family commitments).
• Cycling
Hire some ‘wheels’ to help you explore the local area! We have adult’s and child’s bikes available to hire for a morning or an afternoon session. For those wanting to go a little further afield, you can also hire them for a full day. To reserve your bikes, simply add to your booking or alternatively book them on arrival, but please note that you must bring your own helmets.
• Paddleboarding
If you’re looking for a fun, energetic activity right on your doorstep; why not try your hand at a spot of paddleboarding on our reservoir? You can pre-book your life-jackets and paddleboards when you make your booking or book on arrival, but please note that hire is on a first come, first serve basis. We also ask you to ensure children are supervised on and around the reservoir at all times, that life jackets MUST be worn on the paddleboards, and that paddleboards are not taken off of the farm.
• NEW! WingFoiling, E-Foiling & Paddleboarding Lessons
If you’re looking to try an exciting new sport or improve on your existing skills; why not book an adventure with our friends from Winging It Watersports. Their fantastically fun paddleboarding, e-foiling and wingsurfing or super trendy wingfoiling lessons are easy to book and come with all the equipment you need. You can learn all the basics on the Malting Farm lake next to your cabin, before heading out to over 35 miles of Essex sunshine coast!
To book, contact Glenn: 07538 129501 www.wingingitwatersports.co.uk
• Fishing
Our stunning reservoir is regularly re-stocked with fish and we welcome you to bring your fishing equipment with you when you come to stay. Fishing is free on the reservoir, but please be aware that paddleboarders and swimmers take priority (even if you are already there fishing). If you fancy casting a line during your stay, please make sure you’ve packed your own equipment and bait.
• Hot Food
If you’re anything like us, the last thing you want to do after a long journey or busy day exploring is cook! So to make your arrival day and stay at Malting Farm as relaxing as possible, we offer some simple home-cooked suppers made locally by Vicki from Amateur Country Game Cook.
Please email info@maltingfarm.co.uk for details and the latest menu.
• Pony & Unicorn Days
If you have a pony mad person in your group; arrange a fabulously fun unicorn party or a farm pony pamper session. During these sessions you’ll get to ride (depending on weight of child for pony welfare), groom, care for and learn what’s involved in looking after a pony. Please contact Claire directly on 07730425055 or www.clairesponyparties.co.uk
Local Countryside
We may be a tad biased, but we think our little corner of North East Essex boasts some of the most beautiful countryside that the British Isles has to offer! Our rich farmland and local countryside is crisscrossed with meandering waterways and footpaths, which offers plenty of walking, cycling and boating fun for those of all ages.
Below you’ll find some Malting Farm Top Tips, but for even more ideas and inspiration take a look at our Essex & Suffolk Guide:
Malting Farm Top Tips
• Walkers
For those wanting to explore on foot, there are lots of walks around the local area and The Essex Way provides over 82 miles of footpaths stretching across the county.
• Cycling
Essex offers relatively flat and easy cycling. To arrange bike hire, speak to Sammy: info@maltingfarm.co.uk
Local Beaches
We have a rich and varied coastline for you to explore; so grab your bucket and spade and head to our stunning beaches for a fabulous day out. From the sandy expanses and beach huts at Frinton-on-the-Sea, to fossil hunting and dramatic views at Walton-on-the-Naze; we’ve got a beach to match your mood!
Below you’ll find some Malting Farm Top Tips, but for even more ideas and inspiration take a look at our Essex & Suffolk Guide:
Malting Farm Top Tips
• Frinton-on-the-Sea (9.9 miles – 19 mins)
This sandy beach crowned with its colourful line of beach huts is perfect for those looking to build sand castles and dip their toes in the water. Easy to get to, with lots of facilities it’s great for families.
• Fossil Hunting at The Naze (12.1 – 26 mins)
You’ll find this fascinating Essex Wildlife Trust beach at the top of Walton-on-the-Naze. The dramatic cliffs that tower above the beach are home to an abundance of flora and fauna. While the beach itself offers the enticing chance of finding your own fossil. Though access is down some steps, the visitors centre and café offer great facilities for families…ensure you check the tides, low tide is best for rock-pool hunting and fossil collecting.
• Walton-on-the-Naze (10.5 miles – 20 mins)
The big open, sandy beaches here are beautiful and accessible. You can also book a boat trip around the beautiful nature reserve to spot the local common and grey seals.
Places to visit
Though Malting Farm is firmly based in the countryside; Colchester along with a huge variety of attractions are within easy reach.
Below you’ll find some Malting Farm Top Tips, but for even more ideas and inspiration take a look at our Essex & Suffolk Guide:
Malting Farm Top Tips
• Colchester Zoo (15.8 miles – 20 mins)
This world renowned zoo is a great day out for animal lovers of all ages. On top of the amazing animal exhibits, you’ll also find interactive areas, animal feeding, keeper talks, activities, plenty of places to eat and a train!
• Jimmy’s Farm (13.9 miles -26 mins)
A little further afield, but a great day out for all the family. Meet a huge range of animals, build dens and of course sample their award winning sausages.
• Constable Country & The Dedham Vale (7.2 miles – 20 mins)
Made famous by John Constables paintings; Constable Country covers most of Flatford and the Dedham Vale. In Dedham enjoy gentle riverside walks, quintessential cream tea’s, galleries and boating on the river.
Food & Drinks
We’re so lucky to be surrounded by a plethora of wonderful cafes, bistros, pubs and restaurants. A lot of our favourite places to eat are helpfully found close to local places of interest or attractions.
Below you’ll find some Malting Farm Top Tips, but for even more ideas and inspiration take a look at our Essex & Suffolk Guide:
Malting Farm Top Tips
• LUCCA, Manningtree
Delicious pasta and stone baked pizza restaurant and take away. Great for hungry families after a busy day!
CO11 1 AH | 01206 390044
• The Haywain, Little Bromley
A full and delicious menu for the whole family…the Sunday lunches are superb!
CO11 2PL | 01206 390004
• Milsoms Restaurant, Dedham
An extensive and tasty menu in a beautiful setting. Tables can’t be booked, but you can relax in the garden with a cool cocktail while you wait.
CO7 6HW | 01206 322795
• The Sun, Dedham
Fabulous Italian classics and delicious bar food, served up in a stunning coaching inn.
CO7 6DF | 01206 323351
Activities
Locally you’ll find a lot of different activities available. From delicious cooking classes in Mistley, to a more energetic day learning to sail; we can help you tailor your stay with us to suit you.
Malting Farm Top Tips
• Fletchers Farm Riding School (15.9 miles – 21 mins)
Superb range of lessons, hacking and camps for riders of all ages and all abilities.
01206 242210
• Dedham Boats (7.2 miles – 20 mins)
During spring and summer, row boats are available from the Dedham Boathouse. Splash your way up the River Stour taking in the picturesque surroundings that inspired John Constable and Alfred Munnings.
• Mistley Kitchen (5.6 miles – 10 mins)
If you’re looking to brush up on your culinary skills or try something new, Mistley Kitchen offers a range of cooking courses and workshops that cater for complete beginners to experienced chefs.
01206 391024
Local Shops
We have a well-stocked honesty shop at Malting Farm, with everything from milk to tasty BBQ packs. But, if you’re looking for extra supplies or tasty treats during your stay, we have some great local shops that provide a range of foods and services.
Below you’ll find some Malting Farm Top Tips, but for even more ideas and inspiration take a look at our Essex & Suffolk Guide:
Malting Farm Top Tips
• Becky’s Butchers, Great Bromley (3.8 miles- 7 mins)
A fantastic family butcher that specialises in her own farm reared beef, lamb and pork…We highly recommend Becky’s delicious homemade pies and sausage rolls! Only open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
CO7 7UU | 07720833207
• Brookelynne Farm Shop, Beaumont (5 miles – 10 mins)
A great family run farm shop full of fresh produce and plenty of tasty treats to make your stay even more delicious.
CO16 0AR | 01255 862184
• The Coop, Manningtree (5.4 miles- 14 mins)
If you need urgent supplies, our nearest small supermarket is in Manningtree. Here you can pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten. There’s also a bakery, wholefood shop, deli and butchers in Manningtree.
CO11 1US | 01206 397007
- Malting Farm Cabins & Treehouse
Tendring Road, Little Bentley,
Colchester,
Essex CO7 8SJ - info@maltingfarm.co.uk
- 07908 401111
