1. Audley End House & Gardens 1 mile west of Saffron Walden on B1383 M11 Exit 8 & 10. Open: daily April – November, weekends November – March (house closed in winter). Call for details or check website www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley 2. Bardfield Vineyard5 miles from the A120 just outside the village of Great Bardfield on the Great Saling road. Open: Easter to end of October. Pre-booked tours only.

3. The Beth Chatto GardensSigned off the A133 Colchester to Clacton Road in Elmstead Market. Open: March to October, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Sundays 10am to 5pm. November to February, Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm. Sundays 10am to 4pm.

4. Cressing TempleSigned off the B1018 Witham to Braintree Road. Also signed off the A120. Open: March to end of October. Sunday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Closed Saturdays.

5. The Gibberd GardenSigned off B183 from Harlow to Hatfield Heath. Turn into Marsh Lane at Brown Sign. Open: April to end of September. Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, 2pm to 6pm.

6. Hedingham Castle & GardensSigned off the A120 from Braintree, via Gosfield and Sible Hedingham on the A1017. Open: Easter to end of October. Sundays 10am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 11am to 4pm. Please see website for dates and events. Closed to the public on Fridays and Saturdays.

7. Hylands House & Estate From the M25 take junction 28 onto the A12 towards Chelmsford and Colchester. From the A12 take junction 15 onto the A414 towards Chelmsford and Harlow. Open: Park open every day from 7.30am Check website for House opening times.

8. RHS Garden Hyde HallFrom the A130 head towards South Woodham Ferrers. At the Shaw Farm roundabout turn left into Willow Grove/Creephedge Lane. Open: Daily from 10am (except Christmas Day). Closes at 6pm (4pm November – February).

9. Ingatestone HallFrom Ingatestone High Street (off the A12) turn into Station Lane and continue over the railway crossing. Open: Easter to end of September. Wednesdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays Noon to 5pm. (Not Wednesdays in June). Guide dogs only. 10. Layer Marney TowerSigned off the B1022, Colchester to Maldon Road. Open: April, May June & September: Sundays & Wednesdays 12noon to 5pm. July & August: Sunday to Thursday 12 noon to 5pm. Bank Holiday Sundays & Mondays 11am to 5pm.

11. Marks HallSigned off the A1 20 Coggeshall bypass. Open: April to October: Tuesday to Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30am to 5pm. November to March: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to dusk.

12. Spencers GardenIn central Great Yeldham (A1017) turn at large ancient oak stump. Bear left onto Tilbury Road, following the brook. Entrance 1/4 mile on left hand side.Open: Every Thursday 2pm to 4pm from May to October. Groups welcome any time by appointment. Please check website for special events.

13. Valentines Mansion & GardensEasily accessible from the A406 (junction for A12) and the M25 (junction 27 for M11, then follow on to the A406 South). Open: Please visit our website for opening times: www.valentinesmansion.com

Braintree

Haverhill

Halstead

SudburyHadleigh

Colchester

Clacton-on-sea

Harwich

Felixstowe

Ipswich

Tiptree

Harlow

Bishop’s Stortford

Chelmsford

Southend-on-sea

A130A12

A12

M25

M25

M11

M11

A131

A12

A120A120

Coggeshall

A12

A127

A13

A414

A130

A120A1

31

Maldon

London

3

9Ingatestone Hall

8

RHS GardenHyde Hall

5 The Gibberd Garden

2

6 HedinghamCastle & Gardens

Witham

IngatestoneA12

SibleHedingham

Thaxted

A414

SouthWoodhamFerrers

A132

11 MarksHall

Finchingfield

BardfieldVineyard

Great Dunmow

A133

Saffron Walden

4Cressing Temple

B1018

Great Bardfield

B102

2

Layer Marney Tower

10

Elmstead MarketStansted

Cam

bridge

A127

A13

12 Spencers Garden1

Audley End House & Gardens

7Hylands House & Estate

13

A12

M11

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

The Beth Chatto Gardens

Great Yeldham

Audley End House & GardensSaffron WaldenEssex CB11 4JF

Tel: 01799 522842www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley

Bardfield VineyardThe Great Lodge, Great Bardfield

Braintree, Essex CM7 4QDTel: 01371 811 398

www.greatlodge.co.uk

The Beth Chatto GardensElmstead Market, Colchester

Essex CO7 7DBTel: 01206 822007

www.bethchatto.co.uk

Cressing TempleWitham Road, Braintree

Essex CM77 8PDTel: 01376 584903

www.cressingtemple.org.uk

The Gibberd GardenMarsh Lane, Gilden Way, Harlow

Essex CM17 0NATel: 01279 442112

www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk

Hedingham Castle & Gardens Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham

Essex CO9 3DJTel 01787 460261

www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Hylands House & EstateHylands Park, London Road,

Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8WQTel: 01245 605500

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands

RHS Garden Hyde HallCreephedge Lane, RettendonChelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET

Tel: 0845 265 8071www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

Ingatestone HallIngatestone

Essex CM4 9NRTel: 01277 353010

www.ingatestonehall.com

Layer Marney TowerNr. Colchester

Essex CO5 9USTel: 01206 330784

www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Marks HallCoggeshall

Essex CO6 1TGTel: 01376 563796

www.markshall.org.uk

Spencers GardenGreat YeldhamEssex CO9 4JG

Tel: 01787 238175www.spencersgarden.net

Valentines Mansion & GardensEmerson Road, Ilford

Essex IG1 4XATel: 020 8708 8100

www.valentinesmansion.com

The county of Essex is full of beautiful surprises. Essex Houses & Gardens comprises thirteen glorious historic buildings and gardens which are keen to welcome groups. It is easy to visit one place or more in a day, as distances between us are relatively short.

Each has its own distinctive character and atmosphere. All can offer refreshments and special events are arranged from time to time.

Please contact any of our locations directly for further information.

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EssexHouses andGardens

Essex Houses and Gardens

Essex Houses and Gardens

www.essexhousesandgardens.co.uk

Directions & Opening Times

Essex Houses and Gardens

Thirteen unique destinations in rural Essex, all wonderful places to visit with glorious gardens, important historic buildings, fascinating locations and spectacular views.

1. Audley End House & Gardens

A beautiful Jacobean mansion, brimming with stories of fortune, imprisonment, royalty and even a secret wartime past. Discover what life was like ‘downstairs’ in a big country house as you explore the Victorian dairy, kitchen and laundry. Say hello to our resident horses and Victorian groom in the stable block. Taking a stroll outside you will see heritage varieties of vegetables, fruit and flowers, the beautiful parterre and ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland. We also have two tearooms and a children’s play area.

2. Bardfield Vineyard

Once in the ownership of Anne of Cleves, the present vineyard was planted in 1990. As the soil and climate are similar to those of Alsace, grape varieties of that region have been planted, which are capable of producing very fruity, aromatic wines of high quality. Tour the vineyard, taste the wines and eat in the beautiful Grade 1 listed barn. Wander around the walled garden which is in the process of being redesigned and replanted.

3. The Beth Chatto Gardens

Inspirational, informal Garden based on the principle of finding the right plant for the right place. Beth Chatto, OBE (gardening author and 10 times Chelsea gold medal winner) has created a stunning and diverse environment with a Gravel Garden for drought loving plants, lush Water Garden and shady Woodland Garden. All planted for year round enjoyment. Well stocked Plant Nursery with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Modern Tea Room serving homemade cakes and lunches.

4. Cressing Temple

The site of a Knights Templar settlement from 1137, this ancient farmstead offers a wealth of historic buildings. At its centre are two vast 13th century timber framed barns. An exhibition explores the building of the barns and a high platform offers stunning views into the roof. The early Tudor walled garden has been re-created in original style with ornamental features alongside herbs used for medicines and household uses. Tea-room and gift shop open on selected days.

5. The Gibberd Garden

Sir Frederick Gibberd designed and made his garden at Marsh Lane, Harlow, from the 1950s until has death in 1984. It is sited on the side of a small valley and planned as a series of rooms. Glades, groves, pools and alleys provide settings for some 50 sculptures, architectural salvage, large ceramic pots, a gazebo and a moated castle. It is recognised as an important contribution to 20th century garden design.

6. Hedingham Castle & Gardens

The mighty Castle of the de Veres’, Earls of Oxford, has stood as a potent symbol of their power since 1130. More than just a day out, a visit to Hedingham is the perfect way to enjoy the very best of historic Essex. Norman and Georgian landscape scenery, historic buildings, spectacular views and beautiful woodland gardens. Tea room and Keep shop. A feast for all the senses and a treat for the whole family.

7. Hylands House & Estate

Hylands House is a beautifully restored Grade II* listed villa, dating back to 1730, set in 574 acres of historical landscaped parkland. The Stables Visitor Centre houses a large Gift Shop, Huttons Courtyard Café, Artists’ Studios and a second hand bookshop. There are two exquisite formal gardens; the One World Garden and the Pleasure Gardens. Guided tours and talks of the House and the gardens are available for groups. Special events are held throughout the year.

8. RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Nestled in the heart of Essex with spectacular views of the rolling countryside, Hyde Hall has a unique character and charm. With an eclectic mix of horticultural styles from quintessential roses to naturalistic swathes of grasses a visit to this inspiration garden is unforgettable in any season. Whether you want relax and unwind or expend some energy, it’s the perfect place for a day out with family and friends. Facilities include a café, restaurant, gift shop and plant centre.

9. Ingatestone Hall

An imposing 16th century mansion in 11 acres of grounds built by Sir Wil-liam Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor Monarchs, and still occupied by his descendants. Elizabeth I stayed here on her royal progress of 1561. The house largely retains its original Tudor form and appearance (including two priest hiding places) and is filled with family portraits, furniture and memorabilia accumulated over the centuries. Available to visit or for private hire.

10. Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower is a magnificent Tudor Palace, built to rival Hampton Court, by Henry Marney, Lord Privy Seal to Henry VIII. Climb to the top of the Tower to enjoy magnificent views over the Blackwater Estuary, explore the medieval barn, gardens and church with its effigy tombs and fifteenth century wall painting. Tea Room and Gift Shop. See web site for Special Events programme. Guided Tours with the owners available.

11. Marks Hall

With over 200 acres of gardens and arboretum there is a different tree in leaf and a different plant in bloom every day of the year at Marks Hall. In summer there is the stunning combination of contemporary landscaping and traditional planting in the Walled Garden; in winter the lakeside Millennium Walk is planted for structure, colour and scent on the shortest days of the year. The Visitor Centre, with tea shop, gift shop and plant centre, is housed in a glorious Essex barn alongside the stream.

12. Spencers Garden

Romantic walled garden laid out by Lady Anne Spencer, grand-daughter of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, overflowing with spectacle following Tom Stuart-Smith’s renovation. Huge tumbling wisteria, armies of “true blue” Lord Butler delphiniums (“Rab” lived here), dazzling herbaceous borders, and a rich variety of roses. Vibrant formal clover garden, wildlife gardens and an orchard of rare Essex varieties. The walled garden is surrounded by a 100-acre estate with abundant ancient trees and a Victorian woodland garden in the river valley below.

13. Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Valentines Mansion is a 300 year old grade II* listed country house with stunning historic gardens. Visitors can enjoy restored period rooms including Georgian bedchamber, Victorian kitchen and the newly opened Regency Parlour, as well as a dedicated Family Room for our younger visitors and a gift shop. There area whole host of unique features to enjoy outdoors at Valentines – the Old Englishwalled garden, Victorian rose garden and the new Dry Garden, opened by Her Majesty The Queen in March 2012, as well as the Gardener’s Cottage Café.