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A Taste of Local Treasures - Something for Everyone

9.30am Journey to Colchester Zoo
Now one of the finest zoos in Europe with award-winning enclosures providing naturalistic environments for the 250 species, many of which are part of on-going international conservation and breeding programmes. Popular enclosures include the ‘Spirit of Africa' Elephant Kingdom, the ‘Edge of Africa' enclosure with cheetahs, African wild dogs, Hyena and African primates and the ‘Wilds of Asia' complex which houses Lion Tailed Macaques, Red Pandas, Asian Fishing Cats, reptiles and an aquarium. ‘Chimp World', ‘Penguin Shores', the ‘Serengeti Plains' for African Lions and ‘Out of Africa' for Colobus and Black Mongabey Monkeys. Extensive facilities include discovery centres, undercover picnic areas and gift shops.

1.00pm Meet back at coach to journey to Tiptree.

1.15pm Arrive at Wilkin & Son Jam Shop, Tea Room and Museum for lunch.
Home to the world famous Wilkin & Son Tiptree preserves, this is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing lunch. The tea room offers traditional waitress service, quiet and comfortable surroundings and wonderful home made food, including sandwiches, filled rolls, freshly made cakes and tarts and a real cream tea using their very own ‘Little Scarlet' Strawberry conserve and ‘Tiptree' tea. Whilst health and safety regulations mean that visitors can no longer tour the Victorian factory buildings, there is a Visitor Centre showcasing the development of the business from its beginnings as a ‘kitchen industry'. Visitors can see how life and the art of jam making have advanced over the years at Tiptree. The group can round off their visit by browsing in the Jam Shop where they can buy souvenirs from the full ‘Tiptree' range. Booking essential for groups.

3pm Leave Tiptree and travel the short distance to Layer Marney Tower
The construction of this astonishing building began in 1515 under the first Lord Marney, who held numerous important posts under both Henry VII and Henry VIII. The tallest Tudor gatehouse in England, it was built in red brick in the then newly fashionable Italianate style featuring extensive terracotta detailing. A tour of this fascinating building with its gardens, church and medieval barn should conclude with refreshment in the tearoom before the short journey back to Colchester. Booking essential for groups