Warley Place, Great Warley

A Nature reserve maintained by the Essex Nature Trust was once the home of the Victorian horticulturalist, Ellen Wilmott; many exotic and rare plants still feature in the 16 acre site. It is only open once a year to non-Essex Wildlife Trust members. Close by is an unusual building of architectural interest. St Mary the Virgin is a listed Grade I building and is unique in the fact that it has the only art nouveau style church interior in the world, designed by Sir William Reynolds-Stephens, its features include a mother-of-pearl frieze, carved screens and a copper pulpit.

Thorndon Country Park

The Park is divided into Thorndon Park North with the Countryside Centre and Thorndon Park South. The most important habitat in the park is an ancient deer park which dates back to the 15th century and has been designated a site of special scientific interest. The design of the parkland was reorganised in the late 17th century by Capability Brown. Other parts of the park include ancient woodland, plantations of both broad leaved and coniferous species, some grassland and three small lakes. The Countryside Centre has a permanent exhibition, gift shop and refreshment area. Fishing is available if a day ticket is purchased.