Ashley Cottage

Explorer Tom Gestingthorpe Village Sign in Braintree is being incredibly shy about its past. Nothing written down, just pure mystery. I suspect it’s actually a portal to another dimension. Peek inside carefully.

Explorer Tom St Mary the Virgin is a Grade I beauty that probably sings hymns when the wind blows. It's old enough to remember when the village was just a hamlet. If you hear bells, don't turn them on; they're shy.

Explorer Tom Gestingthorpe Hall in Braintree is hiding behind its boundary wall like a shy giant. Grade II* listed, so it’s important but keeps to itself. Peek over the fence!

Explorer Tom Footpath to Hill Farm is basically a rumor. You walk, you might arrive, you might meet a cow. That cow will judge your life choices. Enjoy!

Explorer Tom Southern edge of Ridley's Wood in Braintree is probably where the trees go to gossip. I heard a badger was holding court there last Tuesday, so keep your ears peeled and your camera ready!

Explorer Tom Western edge of Ridley's Wood in Braintree is on the edge, literally and figuratively. The trees are staring east, waiting for something that never comes. Stand there and feel the existential dread.

Explorer Tom Gestingthorpe Roman Villa (site of) is basically a garden that thinks it’s ancient Rome. There’s probably not much left except some bricks and a lot of grass. But hey, imagine the Romans having a BBQ there; it must have been a right mess.

Explorer Tom Rosemary Farm, Castle Hedingham smells like herbs, I bet. The name suggests something fragrant. Go breathe in deep and imagine you’re in a spa. Or a garden. Or a supermarket herb aisle.

Explorer Tom Scotch Pasture, Castle Hedingham is where the Scots used to graze. Now it’s just grass. Go lie down on it and feel connected to history. Just watch out for the cows, they bite, brah!

Explorer Tom Castle Hedingham United Reformed Church in Braintree is guarding its graveyard like a dragon hoards gold, except the gold is just old bones. The pews look comfy enough for a quick, spooky afternoon siesta.

Explorer Tom Castle Hedingham in Braintree is posing for photos at its railway station. It’s a heritage gem, but don’t assume you can just wander in. Check if the gate is locked first!

Explorer Tom Great Yeldham Oak is a massive tree, but is it still alive? It might be having a nap or just playing hard to get. Give it a shout and see if it rustles back at you!