Nearby places to eat and drink
The Castle pub is within 5 minutes walking distance. The walk is safe any time night or day due to a good pavement running along the Boreham Road towards the village.
Recently under new ownership it is getting some great reviews. At the time of writing the Castle is offering a breakfast service in addition to lunch and dinner.
More information can be found here.
The Square and Compasses has an excellent reputation and a menu that changes every week. It is easily walkable in daylight from Longlands via footpaths. For an evening visit we recommend driving which is just a few minutes. More information available here.
The Dog and Gun Turkish restaurant is also highly thought of. It is less than 5 minutes away by car. More information here.
We also recommend the Owls Hill Tearoom and Raleigh Arms in nearby Terling. There are also walks to enjoy in this very pretty village.
Another favourite is the Compasses in Littley Green. The Digo Go on demand bus service (see below) will take you there if pre-booked.
If you prefer fine dining with the Michelin “nod of approval” then the Galvin Green Man Restaurant Pub Chelmsford Essex Howe Street is within 10-15 minutes drive from Longlands.
Boom Battle Bar Chelmsford – Fun & Games in Chelmsford, Chelmsford – Visit Essex and Mowgli Street Food – Restaurant – Indian in Chelmsford, Chelmsford – Visit Essex both in the City Centre and easily reached by the bus service offer something a little different.
Farm shops, vineyards, breweries
For those who prefer to enjoy some locally produced fine wine or beer and a summer BBQ watching the Longlands sunset, there are some great vineyards near the Essex coast, and an outstanding farm shop selling all manner of high quality local produce less than a mile away:
Chelmsford Brewery and tap room
Trips out
Chelmsford City Racecourse is just a mile away, and hosts regular horse racing. In the warmer months there are regular evening concerts and festivals. It is possible to walk to the venue from the camping area.
The City of Chelmsford is a city with numerous attractions, several theatres and an ice rink. A bus service operates into Chelmsford from Great Leighs. The stop is at the junction of Boreham Road and the Main Street.
Access to London is also a possibility, Liverpool Street station is just 30 minutes from Chelmsford, and the majority of the fast trains stop here. See Greater Anglia’s website for timetables and fare info.
The Digi Go “on demand” bus service will pick you up at the campsite and take you to any location within the service area for just £2 per adult. Use the link to explore the scope of the service which also connects with scheduled trains and buses.
If you love gardens…
The most popular day out with our guests is the RHS garden at Hyde Hall. A fantastic range of gardens offering interest throughout the year, with several tea shops and restaurants and of course a RHS shop:
RHS Garden Hyde Hall | Events & attractions in Chelmsford, Essex / RHS
Also in Essex is the renowned Beth Chatto’s garden: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/
Places of interest
Coggeshall is nearby, with a beautiful town centre recognised as one of the prettiest towns in Essex. It has 2 fabulous National Trust properties. See the links below.
Coggeshall Grange Barn: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grange-barn
Coggeshall Merchants House: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes-house-and-garden
Nearby Braintree has a rich heritage of silk weaving under the direction of the well-known Courtauld family. The Freeport shopping village (factory outlets) is based just outside of the town.
Battlesbridge is well known for it’s antique centre, one of the largest in the South East. There is also a motorcycle musuem. Antique hunters should also venture into nearby Halstead and visit the Halstead Antiques Centre.
Finchingfield is the most photographed village in the UK, and is 15-20 mins away by car.
Colchester Zoo, voted the second-best zoo in the UK is a 25 minute journey.
Colchester is England’s oldest recorded town, and is home to Colchester Castle Museum.
Tiptree is home to the famous Wilkin and Sons jam factory, museum and shop.
The coast is also within easy reach, with Maldon offering trips on restored Thames barges, and many lovely spots on the river front. Heybridge Basin and Paper Mill Lock are great places to walk along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation canal.
The historic and beautiful towns of Thaxted and Saffron Walden are also within easy reach.
Aviation and Railway Heritage
Welcome aboard the Epping Ongar Railway | London’s Heritage Railway
Colne Valley Railway | Unlimited train rides | Heritage Railway in Essex
If you are an aviation enthusiast (like me), then the Imperial War Museum at Duxford is a must see. Home to the Concorde prototype, the TSR2 and so many more unique aircraft.