Essex historic houses and sites.

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

Step back in time and see Victorian life come to life before your eyes at Audley End House and Gardens. You can experience what life was like at one of England’s grandest stately homes.

Bourne Mill, Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RT

National Trust property, the mill was originally built as a fishing lodge in 1591 and features stepped "Dutch" gables. There is a millpond and some of the machinery, including the waterwheel which is intact and working.

The National Trust, Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1RE

Grange Barn stands as a reminder of the once powerful Coggeshall Abbey; with ancient pillars soaring to a cathedral like roof.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Colchester Castle is temporarily closed for 2013 for an exciting redevelopment. We will be creating new museum displays and improved visitor facilities. The Castle will re-open for Easter 2014. Visit our website for further details

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD

Two magnificent 13th century barns, once owned by the mysterious Knights Templar; Tudor walled garden; rural buildings from seventeenth century onwards. Well-stocked gift shop and tea-room. Audio tour guide available.

Village Centre, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DE

Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country.

Flatford, East Bergholt, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk, CO7 6UL

A delightful 16th century cottage just minutes from Flatford Mill. Why not visit our Constable exhibition then sit by the river and enjoy a freshly baked cake at the National Trust tea room and find a gift in our shop.

Castle Lane, Essex, SS7 2PP

The impressive remains of a mighty fortress constructed over seven centuries ago; overlooking the Essex Marshes, the barbican and two towers remain standing today.

c/o Harwich Town Council, Church Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DS

Ancient guildhall rebuilt 1769. The Council Chamber & other rooms may be viewed. The old jail contains unique graffiti of ships. Interesting documents showing the connection of Harwich with Pepys and the Pilgrim Fathers.

Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT

Circular Fort 1808 ten guns. Largest AM being restored by a voluntary group.

Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Visit Hedingham Castle for a great family day out. Bring a picnic and explore the beautiful gardens and lakes then take time to explore the 110ft tall Norman Keep.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume & arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718. Parkland children's play area, shop, sensory garden. Free entry.

Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

Rescued from ruin & steeped in history, Hylands House is a fascinating & beautifully restored country house, dating from 1730. Hylands House is now open to the public every Sunday throughout the year, & on Mondays during the summer months.

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR

Tudor manor house and grounds containing furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated by the resident family over the centuries.

Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community & visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks & events.

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower, visit the gardens, outbuildings dolls house, church and farm animals. Cafe and shop.

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, UK

Museum with photographic display of the history of Leigh-on-Sea, and fully restored fisherman's cottage, circa l850, situated in the waterside High Street of the Old Town.

Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8SP

Mountfitchet Castle Experience is a multi attraction incorporating Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, House on the Hill Toy Museum and Dinosaur Encounters.

The Naze, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8LE

Sited at the beautiful coastal location of the Naze, this historic 86ft navigational tower houses over eight floors, an art gallery, museum, tea rooms and a roof viewing platform with spectacular panoramic views.

Paycockes, 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1NS

Built in the 16th century, this attractive half-timbered house is a grand example of wealth generated by the cloth trade.

Widdington, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3ZB

One of the finest surviving medieval barns in south east England and representative of the aisled barns found in north west Essex.

Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6NB

Well preserved 12th Century Priory housing a museum of the Priory's history.

Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE

Southchurch Hall museum is housed in the half-timbered medieval manor house, which dates to the early 14th century.

Off Aldcar Road, Copford Green, CO6 1DG

Celebrated 12th century apsidal church with magnificent colour medieval wall paintings, showing a strong Byzantine influence in content and design as well as technical excellence and lavishness of execution.

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

15th Century brick building with spiral staircase includes a Georgian court room and Victorian Council Chamber.

The Fort, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NR

Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.