Things to do in the Great Bentley area
If you want to get off park and explore the surrounding areas, there are many places of interest which you can visit.St Osyth and the Priory
The quirky village of St Osyth is home to a magnificent priory which is currently used as a home by it's private owners, although it is hoped that in the future it will once again be open to the public. The priory was built in honour of a young abbess who was beheaded by Danish invaders when she refused to renounce her faith and worship the idols of the invaders.Just turn right out of the park and you will soon come upon a sign directing you to take the next right turn towards St Osyth.
Cricket on the Green
Great Bentley in itself is a lovely little village that takes pride in having won Village of the Year a number of times. Boasting the largest village green in England at 42 acres, it is the perfect place to sit with a pint of real ale or cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon while watching a gentle game of cricket!
Colchester, the Castle and the Zoo
Colchester was the capital of England long before London, and is the oldest recorded town in Britain. It boasts a Norman Castle which often hosts exhibitions - in 2008 it showed off examples of the Terracotta Army statues!Colchester has been a town of note throughout history from Roman times through to the current day, including involvement in the English Civil War. There are many historic buildings and museums of note dotted throughout the town. As well as the Castle itself, there is the free Hollytrees Museum, the Natural History Museum and Tymperleys Clock Museum. Just outside of the town is Colchester Zoo - and for those that plan on visiting the zoo a number of times a year, there is a loyalty card that will save you money!
Blue Flag Beaches
Blue flags are awarded to beaches in more than thirty countries based on criteria such as water quality, safety, service provision and general environmental management. The body that manages the awards are an independent not-for-profit organisation.There are two blue flag beaches on the North Essex coast - Brightlingsea Beach and Dovercourt Bay.
