Nearby places to eat

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. A number of events are held throughout the week, including “open mic” nights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.