Castles, Monuments & Heritage Sites in Essex
Bourne Mill
This Grade 1 listed mill is located just a mile south of Colchester. It was built as a fishing lodge in 1591, converted to a fulling mill around 1640 and then converted to a corn mill in about 1840, which continued working until the 1930s.
The Mill is set in tranquil grounds, next to a millpond and babbling stream. It still has a working waterwheel and the grounds give plenty of scope for family fun. The grounds have a pond, wetlands and woods and are home to a variety of wildlife including birds, bats, waterfowl, bugs and beetles.
Opening times: 25 Mar to 1 Nov:
Wed to Sun (plus Bank Holidays), 11am to 5pm - Admission
Charge
Location: Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2
8RT - Tel: 01206 549799 - Website
Facilities: Refreshments, gifts, toilets, limited on-site parking (on-street parking available). Pond dipping equipment and garden games. Dogs on leads welcome.
Colchester Castle Museum
The castle keep, built in 1085, was built over a former Roman temple. The castle is now a museum that tells the history of the castle and Colchester's extensive Roman heritage and beyond. On display are some of the most important archaeological finds in Britain. The exhibits include some of the very latest digital and audio technology, giving visitors a unique and informative experience.
Opening times: all year, Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 11am to 5pm. (closed Xmas) Admission Charge
Location: Castle Park, High Street, Colchester
CO1 1TJ - Tel: 01206 282939 - Website
Facilities: parking (town centre), shop.
Hadleigh Castle
The bleak ruins of this castle, which overlook the Thames estuary, has been the subject of many Constable paintings.
Opening times: any reasonable time Free Entry
Location: Castle Lane, Essex SS7 2 - Tel: 01760
755161 - Website
Harwich Redoubt Fort
Harwich Redoubt is a huge fortress built around 1810, to defend against the threat of Napoleonic invasion.
Opening times: May~Aug, daily 10am to 4pm; Sep~Apr, Sun only 10am to 4pm. Admission Charge
Location: Harwich - CO12 3TE - Tel: 01255
503429 - Website
Facilities: parking, shop.
Hedingham Castle
Remains of an impressive Norman castle built in 1140 by Aubrey de Vere and home to the de Veres (Earls of Oxford) for over 500 years. Besieged several times during its long history and often visited by Royalty, it still stands proudly today. Special events and medieval jousts are staged in its grounds during the summer months.
Opening times: times vary, call
or see Website Admission
Charge
Location: Castle Hedingham - CO9 3DJ - Tel: 01787 460261
Facilities: parking, café, shop.
Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village
Reconstructed Norman village from 1066. The complex includes a Norman motte and bailey castle, rebuilt on its original site. Visitors are free to wander in and out of the many Norman period halls and dwellings and view typical scenes and smells of this bygone era. Includes the House on the Hill Toy Museum, boasting one of the largest toy collections in the world.
Opening times: Mar~Nov, daily 10am to 5pm Admission Charge
Location: Stansted, Essex CM24 8SP - Tel: 01279
813237 - Website
Facilities: parking (charged), café, shop, disabled facilities.
Tilbury Fort
One of England's best examples of a 17th century military fort. Overlooking the River Thames it contains WWI and WWII
gun emplacements and anti-aircraft guns.
Run by English Heritage.
Opening times: Apr~Oct, daily 10am to 5pm; Nov~Mar, Thu-Mon 10am to 4pm. Admission Charge
Location: No 2 Office Block, The Fort, Tilbury,
Essex RM18 7NR - Tel: 01375 858489
- Website
Facilities: shop.
Waltham Abbey
The Abbey was built by King Harold around 1030. It is said that the body of King Harold, killed by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings, was buried in the Abbey. Only the Romanesque nave remains, but it is a work of the highest quality. Next to the current Norman church lie the ruins of the original abbey buildings, King Harold's bridge, a gatehouse and a section of the north cloister. Run by English Heritage.
Opening times: any reasonable time. Free Entry
Location: Waltham Abbey - EN9 - Tel: 01992 702200
- Website
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Towns and Villages in Essex
Braintree, Brentwood, Brightlingsea, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harwich, Littlebury, Maldon, Saffron Walden, Southend
Other Places to Visit in Essex
Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.