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Layer Marney Tower
England’s tallest Tudor gatehouse offers visitors magnificent views to the Blackwater estuary and beyond. On a clear day you can even see St Cedd’s Chapel on the Dengie peninsular. As you climb the tower you can pause and admire Manderley – the exquisite dolls house made by Pat Camp. Stop at the History Room to learn more about...
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The Cressing Temple Barns
Cressing Temple takes its unusual name from the medieval monks of the Knights Templar who founded the two vast wooden barns, which form the centrepiece of this delightful rural estate. Nestled to one side of the barns is the Walled Garden. Inspired by an age when gardens combined beauty and functionality, it is the result of painstaking...
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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome was established in September 1916 as a base for 37 (Home Defence) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, which also operated from aerodromes at Rochford (today London Southend International Airport) and Goldhanger (long since disappeared). For two years it played a pivotal role in helping to defend the British mainland from...
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Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker
Come and witness the three lives of the bunker starting with its role as an RAF ROTOR Station, then a brief period as a civil defence centre through to its most recent life as a Regional Government HQ. Designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, possibly even the Prime Minister, their collective task being to organise the survival of...
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Hedingham Castle - Halstead
Hedingham Castle's Norman keep, 110 feet high, was built c.1140 by Aubrey de Vere and is still owned by one of his descendants, The Honourable Thomas Lindsay and his wife Virginia. There are four floors to explore, including a magnificent Banqueting Hall spanned by a remarkable 28 foot arch , one of the largest Norman arches in England. A good...
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St John's Abbey Gate
This pinnacled gatehouse, elaborately decorated in East Anglian 'flushwork', is the sole survivor of the wealthy Benedictine abbey of St John. It was built around 1400 to strengthen the abbey's defences following the Peasants' Revolt. Later part of the mansion of the Royalist Lucas family, the gatehouse was bombarded and stormed by...
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Colchester, St Botolph's Priory
Founded about 1100, St Botolph's was one of the first Augustinian priories in England . An impressive example of early Norman architecture, built in flint and reused Roman brick, the church displays massive circular pillars, round arches and an elaborate west front. It was badly damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War siege of 1648. Read...
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Southend Planetarium
The Southend Planetarium is the only public Planetarium facility in the south-east, outside of London. It presents a range of talks about astronomy and the night sky. All our presentations are given live, giving plenty of opportunity for any questions you may wish to ask, and are generally suitable for ages 7 to adult. Programmes...
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Colchester Museums
Our award-winning Castle Museum is closed temporarily to the public, as we embark on an ambitious programme of redevelopment. Colchester Castle Museum will reopen in spring 2014 – we look forward to welcoming you back across the bridge! Why visit Colchester Castle Museum? A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes you through...
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Hollytrees Museum
In this vibrant museum, history is delivered with humour and fun in mind, making it an ideal venue for families. One room is dedicated to childhood and is like a large playroom, with snakes and ladders incorporated into the floor, a crawling tunnel, 'time out' area for...
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Mountfitchet Castle
Mountfitchet Castle is a unique time capsule. With its commanding position overlooking the Stort Valley, Mountfitchet Castle is situated on its original site which is steeped in history. Formerly an Iron Age hill fort, this historic site was also a Roman signals fort and later a Saxon and Viking settlement before being attacked in 1066 by the...
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Hill Hall
This fine Elizabethan mansion features some of the earliest external Renaissance architectural detail in the country, and two rare and outstanding sets of 16th century wall paintings of mythical and Biblical subjects. Hill Hall has now been divided into private houses, but parts remain open to the public by prior arrangement. Opening Times...
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Upminster Windmill
Upminster Windmill was built by James Nokes, a local farmer, in 1803. It is a Grade II* listed building and in terms of quality, completeness and significance it is widely considered to be amongst the very best remaining English smock mills.It is now preserved and staffed by volunteers so as to keep it open to the public, and it is our ultimate...
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Kingfisher Leisure Centre
Kingfisher Leisure Centre located in Sudbury town centre has so much to offer, where do we start! We opened back in 1987 and the centre still looks fresh and welcoming today, we offer something for all the family, we are leading the way to active living… Our facilities include: The Gym-You can tone up, get fit and stay healthy in our...
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The Henry Moore Foundation
At Perry Green you will find Henry Moore’s former house and studios, as well as outdoor sculpture displays and galleries. Opening times Sculpture grounds and house Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm (studios and gallery from 1pm) All open Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holiday Mondays 10am - 5pm Pre-booking is needed...
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Audley End House and Gardens
King Henry VIII gave Walden Abbey to Sir Thomas Audley, who transformed it into his mansion, Audley End. Despite ups and downs in its fortunes, Audley End remains one of England’s grandest country homes with over 30 lavishly decorated rooms to enjoy and explore. The sumptuous interior is largely due to the third Baron Braybrooke who...
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Clare Castle Country Park
Situated to the south of the picturesque, historic town of Clare, just two minutes' walk from the town centre, Clare Castle Country Park is a beautiful quiet area to relax, play, get close to nature and learn about Clare's fascinating history. The park contains the remains of the 13th Century stone castle keep set upon its 70ft high...
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Coalhouse Fort
The Coalhouse Fort Project was set up in 1983 by a dedicated team of volunteers. Leased from Thurrock Council, with the aim of restoring the fort. The Fort is set within several acres of Green Flag parkland next to the River Thames and is currently undergoing refurbishment. Constructed between 1861 and 1874, the Fort cost an estimated...
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Tilbury Fort
The artillery fort at Tilbury on the Thames estuary protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to World War II. Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort was begun in 1672 under Charles II: it is much the best example of...
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Kentwell Hall
Kentwell Hall is a stately home in Long Melford, Suffolk, England. It includes the hall, outbuildings, and a rare breeds farm and gardens.
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MILTON CHANTRY
The oldest building in Gravesend, Kent, Milton Chantry is all that remains of a leper hospital built in 1322 by Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. It has served in turn as a hospital, Tudor chantry chapel, public house, and Georgian barracks, and its basement was converted for use as a gas decontamination chamber during the Second World War....
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Rye House Gatehouse
Rye House Gatehouse was one of the first brick built buildings in the country. The house formed the hub of what was a large estate for its time. Rye House is also known as one of the finest medieval moated sites in Hertfordshire. It is also an important place in the country's history, the Rye House Plot – the...
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Valentines Mansion and Gardens
Great Days Out at Valentines Come and enjoy our exhibitions, special events and creative workshops, step back in time and explore the recreated Victorian kitchen and Georgian rooms, join us for guided tours and walks, bring the family along for games, activities and discovery trails or simply unwind in our charming Gardener’s Cottage...
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Waltham Abbey Gardens
Waltham Abbey Gardens offer relaxing surroundings rich in history. It’s the reputed burial site of King Harold, after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Some of the remains visible today, including the cloister entry, Abbey gateway, precinct and chapter house walls, and the stone bridge over the Cornmill Stream, give an...
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Royal Gunpowder Mills
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children's Activities. Admission: Adults (16 to 60 years) £9.75 Children (3 to 15 years, under 3 Free) £7.75...
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UPNOR CASTLE
Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards. Despite a brave attempt, it entirely failed to do so in 1667, when the Dutch sailed past it to burn or capture the English fleet at anchor. ...
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Lindsey St James's Chapel
A pretty thatched 13th-century chapel with lancet windows, likely to have been built for use by residents of the nearby Castle of Lindsey. Read more about the history of the chapel. Before You Go Parking: Parking is informal and next to the highway - be aware that vehicles may be passing. Facilities: There are no facilities at the chapel but...
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TEMPLE MANOR
Temple Manor was built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, a military and religious order founded during the Crusades. Located to the west of the River Medway, the hall was designed to provide lodging for dignitaries travelling between Dover and London. Now standing in an industrial estate, the manor is a fine example of a medieval...
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ROCHESTER CASTLE
Strategically placed astride the London Road, guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding. Today it stands as a proud reminder of the history of Rochester along with the cathedral and cobbled streets. Its Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone was built about...
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Fort Amherst - Chatham
Britain’s largest Napoleonic Fortress: come and discover how the dockyard would have been defended Over 300 years of military history with an amazing network of underground passageways, historic buildings and gun emplacements all set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland Take a tour of the incredible tunnel...
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Celtic Harmony Camp - Brickendon
Step into Celtic times for a great day out at Celtic Harmony Camp, an Iron Age village near Hertford. You can try your hand at Longbow Archery, Celtic cookery in the Chieftain Roundhouse, then leaving your food to bake over the hearth, explore the rest of the camp on a woodland trail or listen to a Story around the fire. Make sure you...
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Hertford Museum
Hertford Museum aims to collect, preserve and interpret evidence of the history of the county town and surrounding parishes in the district of East Hertfordshire for the interest, enjoyment and understanding of the local community and other visitors. Since 1903 Hertford Museum has been a much loved local museum, with fascinating objects that tell...
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Imperial War Museum Duxford
'Imperial War Museum Duxford has to be the best museum ever.' Dan Snow, Heritage Magazine Opening times: Open daily except 24, 25 and 26 December. Summer 2011 (19 March 2011 to 29 October 2011) 10.00am - 6.00pm (Last admission 5.00pm) Winter 2011/2012 (30 October 2011 to 16 March 2012) 10.00am - 4.00pm...
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Duxford Chapel
A modest but complete and attractive 14th century chantry chapel, perhaps originally a hospital. Before You Go Parking: No parking on site but restricted on-street parking on Station Road is available close by, and the chapel is adjacent to the car park for Whittlesford Parkway railway station. Facilities: There are no facilities at the chapel...
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Thames Barrier Info and Learning Centre - Woolwich
The Thames Barrier is one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world. It protects 125 square kilometres of central London. That’s 1.25 million people, historic buildings including the Houses of Parliament, offices, power supplies, tube lines and hospitals to name a few. Visiting The Environment Agency...
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Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals in the Essex area, if your looking for a great day out at lush tree and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. These historic buildings also are steeped in rich history and visits to these buildings are extremely educational and informative.
If you cannot find what historical place you like by county level here,
please use the search box for more detailed searches choosing
'historical'.
