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

Halstead Public Gardens - Halstead
Open daily the gardens have been awarded a Green Flag 2 years running.  The Green Flag Award® Scheme was launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country.  Many events are run throughout the year.  Take a look at our Whats On pages for further information.

http://www.braintree.gov.uk/Braintree/environment/Parks/Halstead+Gardens.htm
Tel: 01376 552525

Marks Hall – Coggeshall (MG2a)
There are two hundred acres of gardens and arboretum with a tree collection representing all the continents of the world.  An easy walk from the Visitor Centre is the stunningly redesigned Walled Garden.  The five individual gardens within seventeenth century walls combine the best of contemporary and traditional.  The double long border is the longest in East Anglia and includes both long established shrubs and interesting new plantings.

There is something to appeal throughout the year from snowdrop time to late autumn colour, and often there is a self guided walk sheet available to highlight the most interesting vistas and plants.

The Visitor Centre, housed in a restored Essex barn, offers information, a gift shop and a café with home made fare for morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea.

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