Places to visit
Local Places to visit
We recommend the following places to visit.
Please click on the location heading to be taken to the relevant website
St Marys Church, Fairstead (with lovely 13th century wall painting)
The church is one of the earliest in Essex and the aisle-less nave and part of the chancel were built in the eleventh century. The chancel has been extended, probably about 1200, and the tower is thought to have been added at the same time or a few years before. The spire, however, was not added until about 1600. The 13th century wall paintings were discovered during the restoration of the church in 1890 when the plaster was removed. Professor E. W. Tristram restored them when the church was again restored in 1934/36.
All Saints Church, Terling
All Saints’ Terling and St Mary and St Peter, Fairstead have been in our villages for nearly a thousand years. In that time they have been a help, comfort, challenge, encouragement and inspiration to many. They are both left open every day and are often visited. Some visitors are interested in history and architecture, some are looking for their roots and some come to pray or meditate in a quiet, peaceful environment. All Saints’ has a children’s corner set up with books and drawing materials so that younger children can be occupied.
St Mary the Virgin Church, Great Leighs
The walls are of flint-rubble with some conglomerate in the chancel and some bricks, probably Roman, in the buttresses; the dressings are of clunch and limestone; the roofs are tiled. The Nave and West Tower were built late in the 12th century. The Chancel was re-built c.1330. The church was restored during the 19th century, and the North Vestry, South Porch and the spire are modern.
Chelmsford City Cathedral
The church of St Mary the Virgin in Chelmsford was probably first built along with the town eight hundred years ago. It was rebuilt in the 15th and early 16th centuries, with walls of flint rubble, stone and brick. There is also a tower and spire with a ring of thirteen bells, 12 of which were cast by John Warner and Sons at Cripplegate.
Cressing Temple Barns
An ancient medieval moated farmstead with a fascinating range of rural barns and two vast spectacular oak barns built during the 13th century for the Knights Templar. Also a newly created 16th century paradise garden.
Hylands House and Estate
Hylands House, in Chelmsford, Essex, is a stunning Grade II* listed property, spectacularly restored to its former glory and situated in 574 acres of historic landscaped parkland.
Tiptree Jam Factory
The Tiptree tea room and visitor centre is open seven days a week, closing only for the Christmas break. Click on ‘Visit Tiptree’ or call 01621 814524 for detailed information.
Paycockes House and Garden
Built around 1500 for Thomas Paycocke, the house is a grand example of the wealth generated in East Anglia by the cloth trade in the 16th century.
Great Notley Country Park
Great Notley Country Park covers some 100 acres of open space, which is managed for the benefit of wildlife and the community. The site was formerly arable farmland and has been transformed into a mixture of wetland and open grassland. Each of these habitats provides a haven for a variety of species.
The Flitch Way
The Flitch Way passes through 15 miles of countryside along the former Bishop’s Stortford to Braintree railway in the heart of rural Essex. Its name comes from a medieval ceremony, which originated in Little Dunmow and which still takes place every four years. The ceremony involved married couples trying to prove that they hadn’t argued for a year and a day – if successful they were awarded with a Flitch (or side) of bacon.
Papermill Lock
Papermill lock is a popular and beautiful tourist location, although in mid Essex, it is ideal for a day in the countryside. Papermill lock offers canal cruises along the unspoilt Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation aboard the barge Victoria.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Sitting prominently on a hilltop with sweeping views across the rolling Essex countryside, Hyde Hall takes full advantage of its 360 degree views. At the centre of the garden you will find intensely cultivated planting schemes that slowly begin to soften and blend out into the surrounding landscape.
Ingatestone Hall
The Hall stands in open countryside, one mile from the village of Ingatestone and substantially retains its original Tudor form and appearance with its mullioned windows, high chimneys, crow-step gables and oak-panelled rooms and is surrounded by ten acres of enclosed gardens comprising extensive lawns, walled garden and stew pond.
Museum of Power, Langford
Housed in a former Water Pumping Station, the museum contains a fascinating collection which ranges from a working overhead machine shop to a petrol powered iron. The jewel in our crown is the ‘Lilleshall’ triple expansion steam pump now back on steam after 50 years.
Coggeshall Grange Barn
One of Europe’s oldest timber-framed buildings, it has a cathedral-like interior and is linked to a local Cistercian abbey. Inside the barn hosts an exhibition of local woodcarving, tools and a collection of agricultural carts.
Freeport Shopping Village
Set in a relaxing village environment, Freeport Braintree offers an escape from the stresses of city shopping. Everything you need is right here, from great places to eat to fantastic offers and events from over 85 stores!
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