Discover what’s beyond the pod.
Local Activities
Explore & Experience
The Partridge Retreat offers the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful countryside of North Essex. Here are just a few highlights to discover
Hasty’s Adventure Farm
Hasty’s is one of the many little gems around our Essex coastline which is a perfect day out for the little ones and those that want to run and be free, situated 3 miles from The Partridge Retreat. The younger children can play in the pedal tractor park, soft play area, sandpit and water play. Along with acres of grass to run and have fun.
For the older children they can enjoy 3 levels of play on largest wooden adventure play area undercover in Essex. All years young and old can enjoy seeing the animals either in the discovery barn or the paddocks. So go and say hello to lambs, pigs, calves, sheep,Pygmy goats and much more. With picnic benches around the farm there is always time to stop and enjoy a bite to eat either from the on-site food cabin or bring your own picnic and soak up the fresh air.
Curve Water Sports
Curve Water Sports is situated in the heart of St. Osyth village at our local lake. Curve gives all ages the ability to enjoy all aspects of getting out on the water. They have an amazing inflatable obstacle course which seems to grow year on year. If you enjoy something a little faster paced have ago at wakeboarding they offer 1-2-1 lessons with qualified instructors.
For those who want to enjoy being on the water but at a slower pace, hire a paddleboard and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
LJK Riding Academy
LJK riding academy is our local riding school which is situated less than a mile away from The Partridge Retreat.
The academy caters for all ages and levels of riding. They offer pony days aimed at children in the school holidays, riding lessons and for those that wish to enjoy the countryside you can take a horse out for a hack accompanied by one of the team at the academy.
Millers Barn Golf Park
Millers Barn Golf Park has a challenging 9 hole golf course. Suitable for beginners and experienced golfers alike. They offer a pay and play green fees, along with their 21 bay practice range which can all be booked online. During the summer months Millers Barn offers a version of footgolf on their 18 hole footgolf course, which is great for all the family. No need to worry about clubs as you can hire for juniors, men’s, ladies and left handers.
Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens
Beth Chatto OBE was an award winning plantswoman, author and lecturer. She began her work at the gardens in 1960, she transformed the overgrown wasteland into the magnificent gardens that they are today. In the 1970’s and 80’s Beth Chatto won 10 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show.
During your visit, you will discover 5 unique gardens, all set amongst 7.5 acres of land. After gleaning some inspiration from these, trial the delights of the nursery or treat yourself to afternoon tea in the cafe.
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is home to over 155 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. You will get to visit many different habitats and see the animals from around the world, from the Komodo dragons to the Africa plain, home to white rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu. The zoo has many undercover areas so you can stay dry and warm on the rainiest of days. Colchester Zoo offers animal experiences which gives you a great opportunity to get closer to the animals and learn more about them.
The zoo offers a range of food and drink options so no need to worry about a picnic. The zoo is firm favourite with young and old.
Clacton Pier
Clacton Pier is one of the biggest attractions in Clacton, with something for everyone. If you’re looking for the thrill of the fast-hair-raising rides, the pier has it. If you wish to keep your feet firmly on the ground then the pier has it, with a huge arcade. Discovery Bay is an adventure play area and family restaurant, which is more suited to the younger children.
Throughout the year the pier put on their fireworks extravaganza which is always free and to be enjoyed by everyone. The pier has a variety of food outlets to enjoy, so grab your fish and chips along with your bucket and spades and enjoy the sunshine.
The Creek Bar and Lounge
The Creek is a short drive from The Partridge Retreat you will be welcomed into the beautiful 17th century Grade II listed building, where you can enjoy wonderful perfectly prepared cuisine. The Creek is a multi award winning restaurant serving classical and modern bristish culinary delights. The restaurant has been awarded Essex Top Chef, Best Essex Restaurant and Customer Service Finalist.
Blue Garden Cafe
The Blue Garden Café is a spacious, atrium style café- restaurant along with an extensive outdoor area where you can enjoy brunch in the sunshine. The café has a “Field to Fork, Fresh and Local” philosophy so you can enjoy the fruits of Essex’s local grown produce. The café is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or that slice of cake and cup of tea. The Blue Garden Café is a short drive from the Partridge Retreat.
The Essex Sunshine Coast
We are so lucky to have over 36 miles of clean, sandy beaches, which is why we are our coastline is called the The Essex Sunshine Coast. The beaches have won awards over the years for their cleanliness and water quality. The coast line goes from Brightlingsea, St. Osyth, Jaywick Sands, Clacton, Frinton, Walton to Dovercourt and Harwich. Each of our seaside towns have so much to offer and are all well worth visiting all year round.
Clacton On Sea
Clacton is steeped in history with the town being settled in during the Old Stone Age by a race of hunters. Clacton developed from a small village into a seaside resort in the late 19th Century. Today it still thrives on being that seaside resort, with the pier taking centre stage as one of the main attractions along the seafront in the centre of the town.
Every August the town is host to the Clacton Air Show which sees thousands of people flock, over the two days to watch the RAF Red Arrows, aerobatic display team, RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and much more. Also in August we have Clacton Carnival which is a week long celebration of entertainment with the parade through the town.
St. Osyth
St. Osyth is steeped in history with the location of an important medieval abbey, St. Osyth Priory, named after Osgyth, a semi legendary Saxon Princess and martyr. The village was an important medieval pilgrimage centre, based on the cult of the saint, and was for a time very wealthy. Today St. Osyth Priory is being fully restored by the owners and used as a venue for weddings and celebrations.
The village has lots to offer to those who visit with its pubs, restaurants, fish and chip shop and small independent shops. Watching a game of cricket on the cricket pitch or just enjoying the beautiful surroundings there is something for everyone.
Walks can be taken along footpaths enjoying the many sights of historic St. Osyth with the old buildings steeped in history. Or taking time out and exploring the nature that surrounds our fabulous village. St Osyth Museum can be visited during the weekends from Easter onwards.
Start planning your adventure today.
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