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Opening Times
| General Visiting (15 Apr 2026 - 1 Aug 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | Open | |
| Thursday - Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Open | |
| General Visiting (2 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | Open | |
| Friday - Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Open | |
| General Visiting (31 Aug 2026 - 30 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | Open | |
| Thursday - Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Open | |
*
May – July Sunday & Wednesday
Aug – Sept Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
September Sunday & Wednesday
Opening times 11am – 5pm
Layer Marney Tower is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays in May, June and July. Sundays to Thursdays throughout August and Wednesdays and Sundays in September as well as on special occasions such as Heritage Open Days and Invitation to View.
It can be hired out privately for weddings and functions throughout the year.
Please visit our website www.layermarneytower.co.uk for more information.
About
Layer Marney Tower near Colchester in Essex is the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK, a magnificent building standing 80 feet tall within stunning grounds.
The Tower stands on the shores of the river Blackwater, and construction was initiated by Lord Henry Marney in the 1520s, a close friend of Henry VIII. The Gatehouse and ranges which were continued by his son after his death were supposed to be part of a grand palace, but construction ceased after his son's death. What stands today is a glimpse into the luxurious aspirations of a 16th century lord, now a family-run venue which opens its doors to the public at certain times of the year, and it still does not fail to impress.
Events run throughout the year, often on Bank holidays or weekends, are always a fun mix of historic and contemporary activities:
- Guided Tours of the tower are run by Sheila and Nick Charrington, the owners of Layer Marney Tower
- Plays, shows and re-enactments are often put on in the grounds, with costumes to make you wonder what century you have travelled to.
- Join in with lamb feeding in the grounds' farm
- Attend the village fete or fairs, as well as live music and concerts
- If camping's not for you, then try glamping in Layer Marney Tower Grounds. It's all the excitement and wildness of camping, with less cold showers and bugs.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Group Travel
- Out of Hours Visits
Groups
- Coach parking
- Education/study area
- Facilities for Coach Driver
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Bar area
- Board/Flipchart
- Business support
- Facilities for conferencing
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
- Grounds for outdoor activities
- Helicopter landing
- Mobile phone coverage
- Sole use of venue
- Venue approved for civil marriage
- Wedding receptions
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Guided tours for individuals
- Onsite Catering
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Ratings
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