Layer Marney Tower
Built around 1520. Layer Marney Tower, 6 miles south of Colchester off the B1022 Maldon Road, is the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in England. The building is principally the creation of Henry, the first Lord Marney, a close friend of Henry VIII. Lord Marney died in 1523, and his son, John, continued the building work but died just two years later, leaving no male heirs to continue the family line or the construction.
Henry VIII was so impressed by the building he came to stay in 1522. As the Palace was never finished it must have been a building site.
The house came to the Charrington family in the mid 20th century and has been occupied by the Charrington family ever since. Today it is a family residence, conference centre, wedding venue and visitor attraction.
The 80ft tower is well worth the climb for the spectacular view of the Essex countryside it offers. Available hire for functions. Minimum group size of 25. Coach parking available. Tearoom seats 34. Toilets and limited access for people with disabilities.
key
Prices
Adults £7.00 Children (3-15) £4.50 Family ticket £20.00 Group visits and guided tours throughout the year, by arrangement. Guided tours Per person £12.00 Minimum charge for a group £240.00 Group visits Per person £6.00 Minimum group size 20.
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Thu 2 May 2013 - Sun 30 Jun 2013 | Wed 12:00 to 17:00 | Sun 12:00 to 17:00 |
| Mon 1 Jul 2013 - Sat 31 Aug 2013 | Mon - Thu 12:00 to 17:00 | Sun 12:00 to 17:00 |
| Sun 1 - Sun 29 Sep 2013 | Wed 12:00 to 17:00 | Sun 12:00 to 17:00 |
| Notes | 12noon-5pm April, May, June and September, Weds & Suns. July & August, Sun-Thurs. |
Image GalleryContact
Layer Marney TowerTel: 01206 330784
info@layermarneytower.co.uk
www.layermarneytower.co.uk
email a friend
Hotels and B&Bs
Self-Catering Places
AttractionsVenue
Layer Marney TowerLayer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US
See location on Google maps.Map reference: TL 928174 Lat: 51.82194 Long: 0.79613
By Road:
Directions from the A12
From London and the West: Leave the A12 at the Kelvedon turning (B1024). Drive through Kelvedon, crossing the river, and at the top of the hill turn right by the Old Anchor Pub, to Maldon and Tiptree (B1023). Follow this road for about two miles to a T-junction. Turn left to Colchester (B1022). Turn right after 2 miles, at the signpost to Layer Marney Tower. There is a sharp corner almost immediately, followed soon after by a left turning signed to Layer Marney Tower which you should take. At the first cross-roads turn right (signed), and drive for about 1/4 mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.
From Ipswich and the East: Turn off the A12 at the Halstead exit (B1124). At the roundabout take the first exit left. (You will pass a sign for Layer Marney Tower that says follow the signs to Maldon). At the next roundabout take the third exit to Maldon, Tollgate Retail Park and Colchester Zoo, passing Sainsburys on your right. You will now go over three small roundabouts: at the first go straight over, at the second turn left, and at the third, a double roundabout, turn right to Maldon (B1022). After two miles you will see, on the right, the entrance to Birch Quarry, and soon after a turning on the left signed to Layer Marney Tower. Take this turning, go straight over the cross-roads and follow the lane for 1/4 mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.
Public Transport:
From Colchester Bus 75 from Bus Station stand 9 to Smythe's Green, hourly service (2 hourly Sundays) 20 mins walk by roads from Smythe's Green, map advisable.
Timetables and information can be accessed via the public transport information partnership Traveline South East. Traveline allows you to plan journeys from and to a postcode, postal address, town or village, named station or stop, or point of interest.
Call 0871 200 2233 to speak to an operator and plan your journey, or log onto www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk and simply type in where you are travelling from and to for a detailed trip summary.
Parking : free
Nearest station : 6 miles (9.7 kms) from Kelvedon station
No photography inside the house. Suitable for functions. Park & woodland for sports, corporate events, open air concerts, team building, balloon festivals & helicopter landing. Film location. Suitablity for the Disabled: Partial. WC. Refreshments/Cafe/Tearoom: Licensed. Restaurant: Licensed. Guided Tours: By arrangement - about 1½ hrs. Parking: Cars & Coaches ample. Suitability for Dogs: Guide dogs only. Accommodation: Glamping. Civil Wedding License: Wedding ceremonies & receptions.
Group Visits
Educational Visits
