Historic Houses & Gardens

Bardfield Vineyard (MG3)
This small vineyard forms part of an arable farm in North Essex, not far from Braintree, Finchingfield & Thaxted. Take a tour of the house, gardens and vineyard together with wine tasting.
Open Monday to Friday, 1000 to 1600, Easter – 30 September. Other times by arrangement.
www.thegreatlodgeexperience.com
Tel 01371 810776

Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens
The gardens span five acres and include over 250 trees, many of which are of native origin and also a number of special interest such as a Blue Atlas Cedar, three Deodars, a young Wellingtonia, and a Lucombe Oak. Tennis courts also available.
Open daily
Tel 01376 328714

Coggeshall Grange Barn
A National Trust property, this magnificent timber framed barn on Grange Hill dates from the 12th century and was constructed for the monks of the nearby Cistercian Abbey. The barn is one of the largest in England and has recently been restored to house an exhibition of the history of the barns and a collection of farm wagons and carts.
www.aboutbritain.com/CoggeshallGrangeBarn.htm
Tel 01376 562226

Cressing Temple Barns
Cressing Temple was home to the elite warrior monks, The Knights Templar, founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. There were granted the Cressing site in 1137 and it became the largest and most important estate in Essex. The Templars were extremely powerful and acquired vast wealth, so it was here at Cressing they commissioned tow of the most spectacular surviving medieval timbers in Europe. In 1308, mistrusted because of their power, they were accused of blasphemy, heresy, idolatry, devil worship and witchcraft and many were arrested and tortured.
Open 1000 to 1700; Sunday to Friday, March to October; the grounds & gardens only are open from November to February.
www.cressingtemple.org.uk
Tel 01376 584903

Feeringbury Manor Garden – Feering (MG2a, no Toilet)
Feeringbury Manor is a 14th century lath and plaster building surrounded by established gardens. The beautiful gardens hold something of interest at all times of the year with exuberant planting between Yew hedges, and a fascinating sculpture by artist Ben Coode-Adams.
Open Fridays, 0800 to 1600, 2nd May - 25th July and 05th September - 26th September.
www.ngs.org.uk
Tel 01376 561946

Marks Hall – Coggeshall (MG2a)
Gardens for all seasons from snowdrops, spring
blossom and bluebells to high summer planting, autumn colour and winter walks. The 17th century walled garden combines traditional long borders (the longest double border in Essex!) and stunning contemporary landscaping and planting in five individual gardens.
Open 1030 to 1700, Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays in April to October and 1030 to Dusk Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in winter.
www.markshall.org.uk
Tel 01376 563796

Paycockes House – Coggeshall (MG2b)
Paycockes is a fine timber-framed house, dating to 1509. Built by the wealthy wool merchant Thomas Paycocke, it contains unusually rich panelling and fine woodcarving, plus a very attractive garden. Now a National Trust property guided tours are available. Keep an eye out for the displays of Coggeshall lace.
Open 1400 to 1700 Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel 01376 561305

Saling Hall Gardens – Great Saling (MG2b)
Built in Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, Saling Hall is set in 12-acres of gardens of many moods. The site has an old walled flower garden and is landscaped with rare trees and shrubs. A moat, ponds, groves and glades can be found within the gardens.
Open 1400 to 1700 Wednesdays in May, June, and July.
Tel 01371 850243