Tucked away just beyond the heart of Five Lakes lies an unexpected walking route steeped in history.
When you’re staying at Potters, it’s easy to get caught up in the energy of it all. The days are packed with fun and laughter – whether you’re racing around the kart track, lining up a shot at archery or rifle shooting, singing along to West End-quality shows in The Glade Theatre, or a coffee break in The Garden Bar, where the fun rarely stops and the conversation flows.
But sometimes, it’s the moments of quiet that truly take you by surprise.
Tucked away just beyond the heart of Five Lakes are not just one, but two peaceful walking routes that take you away from the action and into nature, history, and tranquillity. And the summer is the perfect time to experience them.
Walk 1: The Church of All Saints – 45 minutes of peaceful escape
If you’re looking for a gentle stroll, the path to the Church of All Saints is a perfect place to start.
The walk starts at the picturesque 3rd hole on The Lakes CourseStretch your legs before breakfast or walk off a hearty lunch from the Eden Restaurant with this 20-minute stroll, or around 2,000–2,500 steps if you’re counting, that offers a gentle escape into nature. It begins just beyond the Village accommodation, and alongside the Lakes Golf Course.
The path is generally flat and unchallenging, though a little uneven in places. If the weather’s been wet, sensible footwear will serve you well.
The walk dissects the 18-Hole Lakes CourseYou’ll likely hear the quiet murmur of golfers before you see them, punctuated by the satisfying crack of a well-hit ball. It’s one of the delights of this walk. Feeling close to familiar surroundings, yet completely separate from it at the same time. Just keep your ears open for shouts of “fore!”.
If you time your walk right, the Church of All Saints makes for a stunning locationBefore long, you’ll arrive at the charming Church of All Saints, a Grade II* listed building dating back to the 12th century. Set within the parish of Tolleshunt Knights but sitting on the outskirts of the grounds at Five Lakes, the church is a beautifully preserved example of local heritage.
The flint and stone walls, modest tiled roof and medieval features make it a real gem. Whether or not you’re drawn to churches, this one is undeniably special. Maybe it’s the walk, or maybe it’s the way the building seems so unexpectedly nestled in the landscape. It’s a quiet sentinel that has watched over this corner of Essex for generations.
If you time your walk right, the Church of All Saints makes for a stunning locationWalk 2: Extend to the Monastery of St John the Baptist – 90 minutes
If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not continue your walk beyond the Church of All Saints?
Continuing down Rectory Road and roughly the same distance again (an additional 20–25 minutes), you’ll find the Monastery of St John the Baptist, a hidden sanctuary tucked away from view and beautifully surrounded by countryside. A peaceful presence in the Tolleshunt landscape, this Orthodox Christian monastery was founded in 1958 by Archimandrite Sophrony, a disciple of St Silouan of Mount Athos.
Today, it’s home to a monastic community that lives quietly and prayerfully according to the traditions of the Orthodox Church.
The Monastery of St John the BaptistThe monastery is a place of worship and contemplation, and public visits to the interior are limited. However, it’s easy to appreciate the serenity and spirit of the space from the outside. The journey itself is part of the experience with peaceful lanes, open skies and a real sense of serenity.
A Walk for Every Mood
If the Church of All Saints is a beautiful snapshot of historic England, the Monastery of St John the Baptist feels like a quiet window into another world entirely. Either way, your walk becomes a reminder of how special this countryside spot at Potters Resorts Five Lakes really is.
So if you’re visiting this spring or summer, grab your camera and carve out some time for a peaceful pilgrimage.
It’s a lovely contrast to the all-action entertainment you’ll find back on resort. It’s a chance to stretch the legs, breathe a little deeper, and connect with both nature and history.
And the best part? The laughs, the lights, and all that fully inclusive fun will all be waiting for you when you get back.
