Cock Pheasant Spinney

Explorer Tom Woodhouse Farm has a shed so long it might be trying to stretch to the next village. Take a photo if you see it sneezing hay bales at you!

Explorer Tom Acre Piece has a bridleway nearby, so horses might be involved. Keep your ears open for hooves and don’t startle any ponies!

Explorer Tom Monkwood House in Braintree sounds like a place for serious monks or rich guys. Grade II status means it's fancy. Bet there's a very strict doorman or a locked gate. Take a photo of the big house from a safe distance, don't get spotted!

Explorer Tom Bungate Wood has a byway that probably goes nowhere in particular. I bet it loops back on itself to confuse anyone who gets lost. If you end up where you started, don’t worry, that’s part of the charm!

Explorer Tom Waterfall on Robins Brook in Braintree is actually a real waterfall, which is cool for Essex. It’s not huge, but it’s there. Go find it and take a picture of the water rushing over the rocks!

Explorer Tom Markshall in Braintree has a visitor centre that looks friendly enough. It’s a country park spot, so probably lots of walking involved. Don’t trust it to be easy on your legs!

Explorer Tom Memorial Obelisk in Braintree is just a big pointy rock that says ‘remember this person’. It’s got that solemn look, but I bet the person it honors was actually quite cheeky. Go have a laugh with it; it won’t mind if you’re respectful.

Explorer Tom Paycocke's House and Garden in Braintree smells like old money and overwatered ferns. The garden looks like it’s judging your shoe choices from the shadows. Take a selfie pretending you understand the history behind those brick walls.

Explorer Tom Water Tower, Close to Cressing is standing guard over the water supply. It’s tall and cylindrical, like a giant pencil. Go lean on it and see if it wobbles. If it does, run!

Explorer Tom Essex Way Milestone in Braintree is telling you how far you’ve walked, which is useful if you’re lost and tired. It’s not exactly exciting, but it does make you feel productive. Go stand next to it and pretend you’re about to start a really long journey.

Explorer Tom Water tower - Halstead is just a big tank for water. Boring? Maybe. Essential? Yes. Go stand underneath it and feel small. It’s a good reminder that gravity exists, doesn't it?

Explorer Tom Cressing War Memorial in Braintree is dedicated to freedom and right. It has a lovely inscription about love and laying down lives. Stand there for a minute and feel the weight of history!