10 amazing stately homes and castles in Essex

Keen to step into the past and experience the grandeur of days gone by? Walk into the world of these incredible stately homes, country houses and castles in Essex where there’s no shortage of grandeur and intriguing history waiting to entice and enchant visitors.

Hedingham Castle

The keep at Hedingham Castle has almost nine centuries of history behind it. Four floors can be explored within the keep, including the Banqueting floor which once hosted Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The gorgeous gardens provide a splendid place to stroll, with intriguing sights to be seen throughout the year. Entry costs £7.50 per adult and £5 per child.

Hylands House

Visitors who are seeking grand country houses in Essex are sure to be impressed with Hylands House, a striking Grade II listed property that dates from 1730. The house has undergone extensive restoration and today visitors can marvel at the likes of the gilded Drawing Room and grand Banqueting Room and explore the stunning Hylands Park. Tickets cost £3.80 per adult, with free entry for children younger than 16.

Eastbury Manor House

Eastbury Manor House is a handsome 16th century Tudor merchant’s house which features an original spiral oak staircase, attractive timber beams in the attic and wall paintings dating from the 17th century. You can also see the interesting bee boles within the walled garden. Standard entry costs £4 per adult and £2 per child.

Mountfitchet Castle

You will really feel like you have stepped back in time as you explore the spellbinding sights on offer at Mountfitchet Castle. Ramble through a reconstructed motte and bailey castle and Norman village, taking in sights such as siege weapons and free-roaming animals and exploring the interiors of houses as they would have been in medieval times. In addition to the castle and village you can discover the delights housed within the world’s biggest toy museum and come face to face with life-sized dinosaurs along the way. Entry is £9.95 per adult and £7.95 for children aged 3 to 13.

Layer Marney Tower

A visit to Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England, is an excellent means of enjoying spectacular views towards the Blackwater Estuary. The gardens are great for a picnic outdoors and kids can have lots of fun in the play area and keeping their eyes peeled during the Wildlife Walk. Tickets cost £7 per adult and £4.50 per child.

Audley End House & Gardens

An abundance of treasures await to greet visitors to Audley End House & Gardens, a stunning Jacobean mansion house. Wander from one impressive room to the next and gain insight into the playtime of Victorian children and what daily life was like for the servants who worked in the house. There are also wonderful gardens and extensive grounds to explore as well as the opportunity to meet the stable yard’s resident horses. Tickets cost £15.40 per adult and £9.20 per child aged 5 to 15.

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Valentines Mansion & Gardens is an attractive country house that was constructed around 1696. Recreated Georgian rooms and a Victorian kitchen are just some of the things to see inside, along with artists’ studios that can be explored during open studio days. Beautiful gardens are prefect for exploring and a variety of events to appeal to diverse tastes are also held at the mansion throughout the year. Admission is free, though guided tours can be booked in advance for £4.50 per person.

Southchurch Hall

A visit to the beautiful Grade 1 listed Southchurch Hall is free and provides the opportunity to see a variety of period rooms within this magnificent medieval manor house, covering the Middle Ages as well as the Tudor and Stuart periods. The lovely gardens are also well worth discovering at a leisurely pace.

Castle House

There is no more fitting place to display the works of renowned artist Sir Alfred Munnings than within his own home. Castle House has been set up as an art museum, with paintings displayed throughout the house. Castle House boasts the original Munnings furniture and incorporates a mix of Tudor and Georgian periods, adding to the appeal of this intriguing historic house. Tickets are £6.50 per adult and £1 each for children.

Ingatestone Hall

Ingatestone Hall was constructed on the orders of Sir William Petre who served as Secretary of State during the reign of four Tudor monarchs. This 16th century manor house welcomed Elizabeth I as a visitor. You can admire the attractive oak panelling, furniture, paintings and other items that have been collected within the house over the years, while the gardens which extend over ten acres offer a pleasant place to while away the time on a sunny morning or afternoon. Entry costs £6 per adult and £2.50 for children aged 5 to 16.

Be amazed by these superb stately homes in Essex

Visiting this fantastic collection of historic houses in Essex is a great way to bring some of the past back into the present. Exploring their enticing interiors and beautiful grounds provides an excellent way to engage with history and architecture in an wonderfully entertaining manner.