Operated by Anglian Water this large reservoir in the County of Rutland is situated to the East of the town of Oakham. Originally named Empingham Reservoir, it was opened in 1976 and serves as a reserve supply of water for part of the most populated and driest areas of the UK.
This is one of the largest man made lakes in Europe. Surrounded by over 3,000 acres of wetlands and countryside this is popular with bird watchers and walkers.
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The Grace Dieu Priory is situated on the A512 about 4 miles west of the M1 at Junction 23. Visitors should park at the Bull's Head and visit the site via the woods.
The Priory dates back to around 1239 and was an independent Augustinian Priory. It was dissolved in 1538. A statue near the ruins depicts one of the White Nuns of St Augustine. Although now just ruins the visitor can get an idea as to the scale of the establishment.
The Priory is reputed to be haunted and frequent paranormal investigations have taken place with recordings of various sightings on a variety of websites.
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Mountfitchet Castle near Stansted is a tourist attraction which consists of a reconstructed wooden castle from the medieval period. It was built in the 1980's and takes the visitor back in time over 900 years ago to experience what a Norman village would have looked like.
With interactive displays and a variety of medieval buildings, the visitor centre consists of a ringwork wooden defence, a keep and enclosures where rescued wild and domestic animals are also allowed to wander freely amongst the reconstructed village. Essentially an attraction that is tailored to family outings the visitor is also granted access to a toy museum.
The site has received some criticism that the large numbers of tourists visiting the attraction have caused damage to the ancient site itself.
For more photos of Mountfitchet Castle click here or view on You Tube
Maidstone in Kent is situated on the Medway which links it with nearby Rochester and the Thames Estuary.
Maidstone was once a centre for industry with brewing and paper making being the most prominent industries. Maidstone today has a number of Hi Tech Industries and a lively town centre with two large shopping centres at Fremline Walk and The Mall.
The town has an abundance of good restaurants, bars and coffee shops with a mix of independent and well known high street retailers.
Newmarket in the county of Suffolk is approximately 65 miles from North London. It is recognised as the birthplace of horse racing and is known across the globe for its breeding centres and training stables.
Newmarket is also known for its famous racecourse which draws enthusiasts from around the world. With over 3000 racehorses in Newmarket this is vital to the local economy with one in three jobs in the town being attributed to horseracing.
Home of the National Horseracing Museum, the town has a busy high street and some branded and independent shops. There are some good cafes, bars and restaurants.
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