HousesEssex

A fine 16th century timber‐framed house, and one of the jewels among the many interesting buildings in Coggeshall and is a legacy from the town's prosperous Wool Age.Coggeshall was also famous for its lace, examples of which are displayed inside Paycocke's House. There is a very attractive…

A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes you through 2000 years of some of the most important events in British History. At the museum you can see real mosaics, go inside the foundations of the Roman temple that once stood here and take part in a story tour…

One of the most significant Jacobean houses in England with 31 opulent rooms on view. Set in 'Capability' Brown landscaped park, with walled Victorian kitchen garden.Audley End House was commissioned by Thomas, first Earl of Suffolk, on the scale of a royal palace, to entertain his monarch,…

RHS Garden Hyde Hall was donated to the Society in 1993. Nearly 40 years of work has brought it from a windswept hill with just six mature trees, to the present day Garden of 24 acres. The Garden contains the National Collection of Viburnum and an attractive plantsman's…

Open to the public on certain days during the summer, this 16th‐century building was built for Sir William Petre in 1558 and was visited by Elizabeth I in 1561. One of the finest Tudor mansions in the country and the seat of the present Lord Petre, it is…

This museum is housed in the remains of the Cluniac Priory of St. Mary's, founded in the early 12th century by Robert fitzSuen. The museum now houses a major communications display, centred around the products of the EKCO E.K. Cole factory which used to stand in Priory…

Although the church is now a shadow of its former grandeur, it is still considered to be one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country. It also attracts lovers of Victorian art and architecture, having been heavily restored in the mid‐1800s by William Burghes and…

Weald Country Park was once a deer park and used for hunting by the Abbots of Waltham in around 1063.There is a deer enclosure, 500 acres of parkland, lakes and a Visitor Centre.Facilities: ‐ Toilets ‐ Picnic area ‐ Visitor centre with shop & exhibition ‐ Horse riders…

The impressive remains of a mighty fortress constructed over seven centuries ago; overlooking the Essex marshes, the barbican and two towers remain standing today. Where else in Essex can you see Kent, Canvey, Southend Pier, Canary Wharf and the Dartford Bridge all from the same place It's…

The remains of a church Mistley built which was never finished, designed by Robert Adam and built in 1776, unusual in having towers at both the east and west ends. Owned by English Heritage, they are managed by the Mistley Thorn Residents Association and if you want…

Mountfitchet Castle is a unique history time capsule, enabling the visitor to travel back to Norman England, as it was in 1066, and explore a motte & bailey castle and village on its original ancient site, steeped in history. After the attack on the Castle around 1215…

The artillery fort at Tilbury protected London until the dawn of the 20th century. Henry VIII built the first fort and, nearby, Elizabeth I rallied her army waiting for the Armada.The present fort, the most complete example of its type in England, was begun in 1672 under Charles…

The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows it has been transformed into an informal garden harmonising with the surrounding countryside. Adjoining the Gardens is the nursery providing visitors with the opportunity to purchase plants that they…

1721 postmill ‐ complete, both externally and internally. Small collection of historic agricultural items.Admission: Free. Donations welcome.Open: May Bank Hols ‐ Aug. Please call for opening hours.…

You can find Cudmore Grove at the eastern end of Mersea Island, with fine views across the Colne and Blackwater estuaries. Come and walk the sea wall, explore the shore and watch for wildlife. Behind the sandy beach is an area of cliff top and grassland providing a…

Danbury Country park has been created from the lakeside ornamental gardens of Danbury Palace, together with adjoining woodland and grassland to create over 41 acres for you to enjoy.Walk through woodlands, picnic, fly a kite or wander through the ornamental gardens with the spectacular rhododendron displays. Discover the…

The park gets its name from the nearby Hadleigh Castle; an impressive ruin of a fortress built over 700 years ago. Views of Kent, Canvey Island, Southend Pier, Canary Wharf and Dartford Bridge.Facilities:‐ Toilets‐ Bird hide on Two Tree IslandOnce considered a strategically important fortress for protecting…

Havering Country Park ‐ Amusement Park in Romford, . Contact venue on telephone number 01708720858 for opening times, entrance costs, and attractionsrides available at this park.…

Hornchurch Country Park ‐ Amusement Park in Rainham, Essex. Contact venue on telephone number 01708554451 for opening times, entrance costs, and attractionsrides available at this park.…

Lord Marney's Tudor palace, with beautiful gardens, buildings, and parkland dating from 1520. Built in the first half of Henry VIII's reign, Layer Marney Tower is in many ways the apotheosis of the Tudor Gatehouse. England's tallest Tudor gatehouse offers visitors magnificent views to the Blackwater…

A working farm and 350 acre country park adjoining the River Crouch. Farm trail with pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens, ponies and pets.Open daily from 14th Feb to 29th Oct. Open weekends only from 30th Oct to 19th Dec. Weekdays 10am ‐ 4.30pm. Weekends and…

Twelve acre garden, including walled garden dated 1698. Ponds, water garden, many rare treas, temple. Open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme.Admission: £2.50Open: May‐Jul Wed 14.00‐1700 and for groups on weekdays by appointment in writing.…

Thorndon Country Park provides a large area of countryside for you to enjoy. Woods, historic parkland and commons. Whether on foot, bicycle or horseback you can enjoy the peace and wildlife of the Brentwood countryside.Facilities:‐ Countryside centre‐ Gift shop‐ Refreshments & exhibitionAccess:Four wheel battery powered scooter…

Whitmore Park ‐ Amusement Park in Basildon, Essex. Contact venue on telephone number 01268520198 for opening times, entrance costs, and attractionsrides available at this park.…

There is a magical not-so-far away land where you can ride upon dragons, be sucked into a Vortex, come face to face with Beelzee Bob, ride the rapids on the Raging River, witness the fury of the Paraoh, in fact everyday a new magical adventure./pp/ppWe are easy to…

Barleylands Farm Centre is accessed from our large, free car park. Children of all ages can meet and feed our friendly farm animals, ride the mini tractors around the farm and let off steam in the adventure play area. /pp/ppCome along and visit the chicks in the hatchery,…

The largest antiques centre in Essex. Five interesting old buildings housing over 70 antiques dealers in antiques and crafts. On the banks of the River Crouch in a picturesque hamlet, with tea-rooms and 18th Century pub. Visits to the Classic Motor Cycle Museum on Sundays…