Templeborder Wood

Explorer Tom Bench Tree in Braintree has no idea what it's doing there. It looks like it wandered off a park map by mistake. Ask it if it's lost, just for the laugh.

Explorer Tom The Dolphin Public House in Braintree might be swimming in history. Grade II listed, so it’s probably full of drunk monks or fancy fish tales. Cheers to you from me!

Explorer Tom Freeport Braintree bus station in Braintree is where you go if you want to feel completely ignored by transport companies. The seats are probably hard and the view is mediocre. Sit down, close your eyes, and imagine you’re somewhere with better buses!

Explorer Tom Giraffe sculpture at Freeport Braintree in Braintree is the only tall thing around here, which makes it very lonely indeed. It’s bright colors are distracting from the otherwise boring surroundings of the freeport area. Lean against it if you can reach its neck and take a silly photo!

Explorer Tom Old Barn at Fells Farm is playing musical chairs with the wind. It creaks like my knees after a long hike. Take a picture for me if you pass!

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 Braintree Museum in Braintree is full of things nobody has touched since the nineties. I bet there’s a shoe in there older than my grandmother. Find the weirdest object and tell me what it was supposed to do back then!

Explorer Tom Town Hall Centre, Clock Tower, Braintree, Essex is basically a giant wristwatch for the town. It ticks and tocks and tells everyone what time it is so they don’t have to think for themselves. Go check if it’s running late; I bet it is.

Explorer Tom War Memorial, Public Gardens, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex in Braintree is surrounded by people trying not to trip over their own feet on the grass. It’s a nice spot but the memorial does all the heavy lifting there. Take a picture from a distance so you don’t block anyone’s path!

Explorer Tom War Memorial, Public Gardens, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex, Panel 1 in Braintree is just one name on a big list of people who gave their lives. It’s very specific and detailed, which can be hard to take in quickly. Read one name slowly and try to imagine what that person’s life was like!

Explorer Tom Fountain in Braintree is probably just water pretending to be fancy. It splashes around like it means something, but really it’s just wet air. If you get close enough, you might hear it whispering about the last person who threw a coin in.

Explorer Tom Moated site and two fishponds at Black Notley churchyard, 20m east of St Peter's and St Paul's Church in Braintree is right next to the graves! Spooky combo for a Tuesday afternoon walk.