Abberton Langenhoe Village Sign

Standing at the edge of this tiny Essex village, you'll find one of the county's more elaborate village signs - a proper work of art rather than your usual wooden post affair. The Abberton Langenhoe sign tells the story of this split settlement through carved panels depicting local landmarks and wildlife from the nearby Abberton Reservoir nature reserve.

History buffs and keen walkers will appreciate the craftsmanship, though it's hardly a destination in itself. The sign sits on a quiet lane between the two hamlets that make up this oddly-named parish, about ten minutes' drive from Colchester. Kids might show fleeting interest in the carved birds and boats before wanting to move on.

What makes it worthwhile is the context - this area sits right by Abberton Reservoir, one of Essex's most important wildlife sites. The sign serves as a nice starting point for exploring the reservoir's walking trails or bird hides. It's completely free to view, naturally, and you'll need all of five minutes unless you're particularly taken with village sign artistry.

Staying at one of the Mersea Island holiday parks like West Mersea Holiday Park or Coopers Beach puts you perfectly placed for a quick detour here en route to better-known attractions around Colchester or the Essex coast.