England
Essex

Essex Travel Guide - Historic Buildings

You might also want to check out our list of stately homes (historic houses) in Essex.

Coggeshall Grange Barn    The incredible roof is the most prominent feature of this timberframed barn, one of the oldest in Europe, giving a cathedral-like feel to the interior. Dating from the early 13th century, the grange barn was originally associated with a Cisterian monastery. Houses a collection of farm carts and wagons. Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, England, CO6 1RE Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: just S of town centre, on the B1024 Website: Coggeshall Grange Barn Email: coggeshall@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01376 562 226 National Trust Location map OS TL850 221 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cressing Temple Barns and Gardens    Historic site of the Knights Templar dates back to the 12th century, being the first tract of land granted to them in Britain. Remarkable to day is the surviving pair of 13th century barns, the finest in Europe. There is also a finme Tudor walled garden, and several other buildings of historical note. Witham Road, Braintree, Essex, Enland, CM7 8PD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: on the B1018 Website: Cressing Temple Barns and Gardens Email: cressing.temple@essex.gov.uk Phone: 01376 584 903 Location map OS TL797189 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Harwich Redoubt Fort    Massive circular fort, 180 feet in diameter, built in 1808 to defend against a feared Napoleonic invasion. A museum is housed in one part of the fort; on the battlements are eleven guns. Battle reinactments and other events in summer. Main Road, Harwich, Essex, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Website: Harwich Redoubt Fort Phone: 01255 503 429 Fax: 01255 503 429 OS TM262 322 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Layer Marney Tower    Early 16th century building commenced on a grand scale with an 80 foot gatehouse, the tallest in Britain. Fine terracotta work on battlements, windows, and the tombs of Henry and John Marney. Visit the exhibition in the History Room on your way up to the top of the tower. Long Gallery, and medieval barn with Rare Breed animals. Colchester, Essex, England, CO5 9US Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 7 miles SW of Colchester Website: Layer Marney Tower Email: info@layermarneytower.co.uk Phone: 0126 330 784 Fax: 0126 330 784 Location map OS TL927176 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Paycocke's    1500 merchant's house, a fine example of Tudor domestic architecture. Display of Coggeshall lace. West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, England, CO6 1NS Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 5˝ miles E of Braintree, off the A120 Website: Paycocke's Email: paycockes@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01376 561 305 National Trust Location map OS TL847 225 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tilbury Fort    Guarding the Thames estuary from the time of Henry VIII through WWII, Tilbury remains a stunning example of an artillary fort. Impressive array of moats and bastioned outworks, historical exhibition. Tilbury, Essex, England, RM16 7NR Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: 1/2 mile E of Tilbury, off the A126 Website: Tilbury Fort Phone: 01375 858 489 English Heritage Location map OS TQ651 754 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge    Late 14th century gatehouse and medieval bridge remain of the great abbey founded by the Saxon King Harold. Waltham Abbey, Essex, England Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: off the A112, just NE of the Abbey church Website: Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge Phone: 01992 702 200 English Heritage OS TL381 008 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering