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| Reviews and photos of Essex attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Essex sightseeing. Map |
 | Essex Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 42 |  |
Located south of Cambridge at Saffron Walden, Audley End House is a very interesting and impressive building! One of Britains premier historical mansions, this plot of land was originally the site of a monastary built in 1136. However, following King Henry VIII's battles with the Catholic church, he disolved all religious institutions in England and awarded the grounds to one of his supporters, Thomas Audley, in 1538. Eventually, one of his successors, Thomas Howard, the first Earl of Suffolk tore down the monastary and built Audley End House between 1603-1614. Meant to serve as accommodations for visiting royalty, it had 3 large courtyards, 30 towers, 750 rooms and huge formal gardens. However, because some of the 200,000 pounds required for its construction was reputed to have been embezzeled from the Royal coffers, Howard fell into disfavour and even spent some time confined in the Tower of London. Later in its history, another of its owners, Sir John Griffin Griffin had extensive modifications made and had the famous English landscape expert 'Capability' Brown completely redo the original formal gardens into the famous pastoral landscape that still prevails today. It is said that the remaining structure represents only one-third of the original mansion as various bit have been demolished over the centuries due to lack of funds for their upkeep. Officially, the site is only open from April 1 to Oct. 31 with an entry fee of 8 pounds/adult. At the time of our visit, there was a smaller fee for the privilege of walking the grounds. However, just as we were about to enter, one of the very few wind and rain squalls that we encountered struck with a vengeance. As a result, we did not have a chance to explore fully. Leave a Comment Directions: Outside Saffron Walden off the B1383 highway.
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As with almost all of the villages, towns and cities that we passed through, the care with which the buildings were maintained was a pleasure behold. Each place had its own characteristics of construction and style. Saffron Walden was no exception, with this typical street scene from the centre of the town. One problem in England is finding a place to put your car when you want to stop to enjoy what you have seen. I was very surprised that it was so busy in late-February on every road that we took! Leave a Comment Directions: Central Saffron Walden
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This photo was taken at Frinton on Sea on a visit to England in June 2003 - I went there for the day with my cousin and aunt and we had a great day, lazing in the sun, walking along the beach and enjoying good old fish and chips with ice cream to follow from a great chip shop up in the town!
Frinton is a lovely place to visit - it's quaint and quiet. Local by-laws have successfully prevented the sea front from being smothered with fast food outlets and tacky stalls, so I imagine this is what the English 'seaside' used to look like.
Beach huts seem to be a particularly English thing - some are basic, while others are really quite smart, with a simple kitchenette type area. You can't live in them, but they are a good base for a day at the beach. I saw a news article a while back saying some nice ones on the Norfolk coast were selling for as much as £60,000! Leave a Comment Directions: Follow the signs from the A120 at Colchester. Walton on The Naze, another pretty coastal town is also nearby and well worth a visit.
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Layer Marney Tower has stood now for over 4 centuries. In my opinion, it is Essex's most striking landmark. It was built by Sir Henry Marney as a gatehouse to a home he intended to build, but he died (in 1523) before that happened. Sir Henry is buried in the neighbouring church, where the tombs of his ancestors date back to the 14th century.
The Tower stands 80 feet high, (8 storeys), dominating the local landscape, which is mostly flat, crop-growing farmland. There are small formal gardens , which give way to farmland views that stretch for miles.
Opening hours vary, depending on the time of year. But even if access is not possible, it still makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Leave a Comment Directions: The small village of Layer Marney is located between Tiptree and Colchester. From Tiptree, the Tower is well signposted.
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Visit Colchester castle, and learn about Britain's oldest recorded town, the early years of the Romans in Britain, and Colchester's part in the English Civil War.
See my Colchester page for more information on Colchester and its history, and for lots more about the castle, the museum and displays inside. Leave a Comment Directions: At the bottom of the High Street - there are plenty of signs.
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Audley End is a great example of a large English country mansion, or "stately home". It's full of history (the house originally dates from about 1620), and the gardens are lovely. It's been rebuilt a few times over the centuries, so there's a mix of styles on view once you go inside for a look. It's a great place to spend half a day (or a whole one), especially if the sun is shining. There are tearooms if you're in need of refreshment, and a shop for souvenirs.
Entrance is £8.50 for adults, and like most stately homes, it's closed for the winter, to protect the property from rain and mud. It's open from April to September except on Tuesdays (and in March and October for guided tours Thurs-Mon). Leave a Comment Address: Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JFPhone: 01799 522399 (information line)Directions: 1 mile west of Saffron Walden on B1383.Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
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This striking keep was built in 1140 and has been caringly restored inside by its owners, to make an interesting and authentic castle experience. There is an amazing stone archway inside, that is reputedly one of the largest in England. According to the brochure I picked up, jousting tournaments are held here in the warmer months... that would be something to see! The castle is not open in November and the winter months. Leave a Comment Address: Hedingham.Directions: Castle Hedingham is just off the A604, and well signposted. The A604 links with the A12, one of Essex's main roads, near Colchester.Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
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Colchester Zoo, is the main one in the county and displays animals from around the world. The white tiger is magnificent and there is excellent viewing. When it came up to the glass window I wondered how strong the glass really was! I was intrigued by the wolves because I have never seen live ones before. They have evil looking eyes! Leave a Comment Address: Maldon Road, Essex CO35SLDirections: The zoo is south of Colchester itself in the countryside.Website: www.colchester-zoo.co.uk
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Flatford Mill and the lower reaches of the Stour River are known as 'Constable Country' after the great English landscape painter of the 19th century. You can cross the river (into Suffolk) and get good views back at the buildings around Flatford Mill from a track along the banks. There is a diverting museum in the old barn and even a B&B (in the same building). A pamphlet available at Flatford Mill shows walks in the surrounds. Leave a Comment
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If you have access to a car (and I was kindly lent one by my cousins), a drive through Essex's picturesque countryside is a must. The further north one goes, the more idyllic the scenery becomes. Have a look at my Essex Villages Travelogue for more pictures from a couple of trips I did. Leave a Comment
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