16 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Essex

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.

Copped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland.

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.

Hadleigh Castle was built about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh but extensively refortified by Edward III during the Hundred Years War, becoming a favourite residence of the ageing king. The castle stands on a bluff overlooking the Leigh Marshes and Thames estuary with a single, large 50ft tower with a 2nd tower and curtain walls about up to their full height. The remains are now preserved by English Heritage and protected under UK law as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.

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.

Hylands Estate is a prestigious grade II* listed public park encompassing 574 acres of historic parkland. The beautifully renovated Neo-Classical elegant villa Hylands House can be hired for any occasion including Weddings, Celebrations and Business Events and is open to the public. Since 1966 the House and its surrounding grounds have been owned and maintained by Chelmsford City Council.

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

Marks Hall Estate is the perfect setting for family adventures with an eco-friendly twist. Managed and cared for by a charitable trust. It Set within a beautiful heritage landscape that extends to over 2,350-acres of north Essex countryside. It was one of the iconic attraction located in a beautiful area which offers you a beautiful time.

Mountfitchet Castle is a National Historic Monument, protected by the Department of the Environment. Within the Castle, complex is the world-famous House on the Hill Museum which offers the visitor an amazing array of over 70,000 toys from the 19th Century to the 1980s. Excellent exhibitions of World War 1 & 2 memorabilia including a Home Front/Blitz display, a Rock 'n' Roll exhibition, film, TV, and theatre.

Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village is an award winning medieval Castle and Norman Village. Within the Castle complex is the world famous House on the Hill Museum which offers the visitor an amazing array of over 70,000 toys from the 19th Century to the 1980's. Excellent exhibitions of World War 1 & 2 memorabilia including a Home Front/Blitz display, a Rock 'n' Roll exhibition, film, TV and theatre. Meet the animals that roam freely through out the 10 acre site which love to be hand fed, wander

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 Naze Tower is an historic 86ft landmark dramatically situated on the cliffs at the Naze. Built by Trinity House in 1720 this octagonal navigation tower has played an important role in maritime history and is grade II* listed, as the only building of its type and era in the country. Today it offers visitors a unique experience of heritage and culture that is fun for all ages.

Prospect Cottage is a house on the coast in Dungeness, Kent. Originally a Victorian fisherman's hut,[1][2] the house was purchased by director and artist Derek Jarman in 1986, and was his home until his death in 1994. its iconic garden stand testament to his defiant spirit, and have the potential to inspire artists and visitors long into the future.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a public display garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society in the English county of Essex. It is one of five public gardens run by the Society, alongside Wisley in Surrey, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, Rosemoor in Devon, and Bridgewater in Greater Manchester. The 360-acre Hyde Hall site encompasses a range of garden styles, from the Dry Garden with drought-resistant plants to the Hilltop Garden with roses and herbaceous borders.

One of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country which is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654ad. The Chapel is used regularly by the nearby Othona Community, and is presently only open on Thursdays and Sundays for private prayer.

This was once one of the largest Augustinian abbeys in the country. The remains of some of the abbey buildings can still be seen today, including the gatehouse and the passage from the cloisters to the sleeping quarters. Its beautiful rose gardens also provide plenty of benches and picnic tables to relax.