I reckon the nearest place to Witham over the border in the Land of the Rising Sun is either Bures or Nayland - I'd recommend the Anchor in the latter, a lovely old pub and right by the river Stour. I make it around 25 miles if you take the scenic route via Silver End, Coggeshall, Gt Tey, Wakes Colne and Bures. A more direct route home is about 5 miles less: Lt Horkesley, W Bergholt, Aldham, Marks Tey and the A12 cyclepath, or via Coggeshall].
I might manage to meet you all somewhere en-route...