Gardens & Historic Houses in Essex
Audley End House & Gardens
One of the largest Jacobean houses in England, built by the Lord Treasurer, Lord Howard of Walden (Earl of Suffolk) in 1603. The house sits in landscaped parkland designed by 'Capability' Brown. Run by English Heritage*
Opening times: see website for
details. Admission Charge*
Location: CB11 4JF - Tel: 01799 522399
Facilities: parking (charged), café, shop.
Beth Chatto Gardens
Beth Chatto and her late husband began these gardens over 50 years ago, from a large area of overgrown wasteland; turning it into beautiful landscaped gardens containing many unusual plants and planting combinations.
Opening times: all year, Mar~Oct, Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm; Nov~Feb, Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm. Admission
Charge
Location: Elmstead Market, Colchester, C07
7DB
Tel: 01206 822007 - Website
Facilities: parking, café, garden centre.
Layer Marney Tower
This enormous gatehouse, 90 feet high, is the largest of its kind. It is the only completed part of a magnificent 16th century mansion, constructed by Henry, 1st Lord Marney.
Opening times: Apr~Sep, Sun-Thu 12 to 5pm, & BHs (Sun & Mon) 11am to 5pm. Admission Charge
Location: Layer Marney - CO5 9US - Tel: 01206
330784
Website: layermarneytower.co.uk
Facilities: parking, restaurant, café, shop, disabled facilities.
Image Credit: Derek Voller (CC2)
Paycocke's
Medieval
timber-framed house, circa 1505, originally a cloth
merchant's home. It has many interesting carvings along
the outside timbers, including the Paycocke trade sign,
and elaborate panelling inside. Outside it has is a
pretty cottage garden. Run by National Trust.
Opening times: Mar~Apr: Sat & Sun
1pm to 5pm; Apr~Oct: Wed to Sun 11am to 5pm. Admission
Charge
Location: West Street, Coggeshall, Essex CO6
1NS
Tel: 01376 561305 - Website
Image Credit: Robert
Edwards (CC2)
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
A beautiful and inspirational garden set on a small hill, surrounded by rolling countryside. A key feature is the Dry Garden, which contains drought resistant plants designed to thrive in the modest Essex rainfall. There is also a modern rose garden and many colour themed herbaceous borders, plus a farmhouse garden and a small lake.
Opening times: all year (except Xmas) from 10am to 6pm (summer) or 4pm (winter). Admission Charge
Location: Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET - Tel: 01245 400256 - Website
Facilities: parking, restaurant, café, shop,
garden centre.
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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.