20 Attractions to Explore Near Markshall Estate

One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings which was once owned by the Cistercian monks at Coggeshall Abbey. The massive roof is supported by an elaborate system of timber posts and beams, with 6 interior bays with aisles. The roof is covered in simple red tiles made by hand. It was one of the oldest surviving iconic buildings in this area.

The East Anglian Railway Museum, based just outside Colchester, Essex, is a Working Museum dedicated to preserving the history of railways in the Eastern Counties. The East Anglian Railway Museum is an open air site based at Chappel and Wakes Colne Railway station. The entire site forms the Museum, which is made up of Station Buildings, Signal Boxes, Goods Shed and Restoration Shed.

Cressing Temple Barns is a site rich in ancient history. Built in the 13th century, the magnificent Grade I listed Barley and Wheat Barns were part of large farmstead built by the Knights Templar. It was amongst the very earliest and largest of the possessions of the Knights Templar in England,[2][3] and is currently open to the public as a visitor site.

A beautiful country park which was covering 100 acres of open space the park is home to Sky Ropes, the fun, family-friendly high ropes adventure course as well as Essex’s longest kid’s play trail. It also includes giant see-saw, climbing forest, tyre swings, sandpits, rope climbers, slides, forts and a water play area, making it a great place for all ages to explore.

Colchester Zoo is a majestic zoological garden that was home to 200 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates, and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species. One of the iconic attraction which was wort visit in this area.

A statement house, of grand design, decorated with ornate terracotta, Layer Marney has been a family home for over 500 years. It was Tower was built in the 1520s by Lord Marney, friend to both Henry VII and Henry VIII. Climb the Tower for magnificent views over the River Blackwater estuary. On the way up stop off to enjoy the huge dolls’ house, built in the Georgian style, see the East Anglian art in the Batte Lay Foundation Art Exhibition and, just before you reach the top, check out the Crown

This majestic castle stands in the heart of its ancient ramparts and medieval park, which have evolved into beautifully landscaped gardens. Privately owned by the Lindsay family, descendants of the Earls of Oxford who built it, Hedingham Castle is not just one place. Romantic, exquisite, significant, magnificent and ageless, it is a haven that has had great meaning for 900 years. Its character is revered and its history is the heritage of us all.

The Colne Valley Railway is a heritage railway on the Essex Suffolk boarder in Castle Hedingham. We have a mile length of track with the picturesque 1950s station in the middle. The railway occupies part of the former Colne Valley and Halstead Railway (CVHR), which opened in stages between 16 April 1860 and 10 May 1863. This part of the railway was a through line from Birdbrook to Wakes Colne.

The Colchester Arts Centre is a located in a venue as unique as the artists that perform there. Events range from jazz music, comedy shows, beer festivals, farmer's markets and folk clubs. Big acts play alongside quirky local events, and you are sure to find plenty of upcoming events in the Arts Centre at every time of year. One of the unique attraction to enjoy your day and also to rejuvinate your mind.

Abberton Reservoir is a wetland site of international importance for wildfowl. It is a pumped-storage reservoir, with water pumped into it from the River Stour. It lies 6 km southwest of Colchester near the village of Layer de la Haye. It lies close to east-coast migration routes and, with its surrounding envelope of pasture and tree plantations, is a welcome sight to tired birds.

Colchester Castle is one of England's most important heritage sites and is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. The keep of the castle is mostly intact and is the largest example of its kind anywhere in Europe, due to its being built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, Colchester. The museum now houses a wonderful museum containing a wealth of history. There is plenty for visitors young and old including interactive exhibits.

Colchester Castle Park is situated to the northeast of Colchester Town Centre and is divided into the Upper Park and Lower Park by the Roman Wall that crosses through it east to west. The park not only encompasses much of Colchester's rich heritage within its boundaries but is much loved and used as a part of present-day life. the park includes historical sites including the Roman Wall, Victorian Bandstand, and the Castle itself. Hollytrees Museum sits within its grounds and tells a social histo

Hollytrees Museum is located in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. This attractive Georgian town house, dating from 1718 houses the town's social history museum, showcasing three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts. This Museum provides a great insight to how life in Colchester has evolved since the house was built.

It was one of the first religious houses in England to adopt Augustinian rule built between 1093 and 1100. The site remains under the care of English Heritage and the modestly sized grounds are free to explore, with benches and grassland providing opportunities for picnics.

Firstsite is the East of England's contemporary visual arts organization. From its spectacular golden building designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, Firstsite presents a varied and challenging program of exhibitions, commissions, residencies, and screenings, in a broad range of media and art forms, by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.

The Museum of Power is a Museum that 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. The museum hosts major events such as the Easter Transport Fest, Classic Vehicle & Vintage Show, American Car Show, and Bike Meet, which see a large array of visiting vintage cars, motorbikes, and American and custom vehicles on display.

Gainsborough’s House is the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough RA and shows an outstanding collection of his work. It is now a museum and gallery, located at 46 Gainsborough Street in Sudbury, Suffolk, England. A varied programme of temporary exhibitions is also on show throughout the year. The house remained as a private residence until 1920, after which time it had various functions including a guest house and antique shop.

A beautiful and Picturesque watermill with a working waterwheel. It was built as a fishing lodge in 1591, converted to a fulling mill around 1640 and then converted to a corn mill in about 1840, which continued working until the 1930s. It is well worth a visit for all the family. The working waterwheel and the grounds give plenty of scope for family fun. The grounds have a pond, wetlands and woods and are home to a variety of wildlife including birds, bats, waterfowl, bugs, and beetles.

The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation is the canalization of the Rivers Chelmer and Blackwater in Essex. It runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex with a footpath along its full length. The waterway passes highlights such as the lock at Paper Mill and All Saints Church in Ulting, joining the sea at Heybridge.

The Combined Military Services Museum holds a nationally important collection of military artefacts. The Museum tells the story of the British fighting force from the English Civil War to the present day with unashamed pride. Spread over three floors the Museum offers the visitor the opportunity to discover our military history in their own time. The collection includes medals, uniforms, firearms, swords and one of the finest displays of Special Forces equipment anywhere in the country.