Essex Historic and Architectural Properties and Gardens

Castles, Abbeys, Churches, Houses, Estates and Gardens, Industrial Heritage attractions and museums (English Heritage / National Trust / others), many with brief details of disabled access.

Along with the attractions listed on this page you may also find places of interest on the Essex Attractions and Nature pages. We suggest that you also visit the pages for the neighbouring counties to see what else there is in the area.

We support ‘Accessible Countryside for Everyone’ in providing a brief guide as to the access / facilities for the sites listed, where we have them.

Audley End - one of England’s grandest stately homes. Audley End House itself is a magnificent house, built to entertain royalty, and includes a Victorian Service Wing complete with kitchen, laundries and a dairy. restored historic stables recently opened, complete with resident horses and a Victorian groom - English Heritage - Wheelchair loan Mobility Scooter loan Accessible Toilets
www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend

Beeleigh Steam Mill - includes a rare Wentworth beam engine, elephant boiler and circular all-iron steam mill dating from 1845 - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.visitparks.co.uk/places/beeleigh-steam-mill

Beth Chatto Garden - landscaped gardens and Nursery, 7 acres, with a variety of plants and conditions - Elmstead Market, Colchester - Disabled access and facilities please see website
www.bethchatto.co.uk

Bourne Mill - Picturesque watermill with working waterwheel A delightful piece of late Elizabethan playfulness. Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 19th century - National Trust - Colchester - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bournemill

Braintree Museum - Victorian classroom, local cultural and industrial history. The main galleries examine the development of the area from prehistory to the twenty-first century, focusing upon the textile and manufacturing industries - we have no disabled access info (other than 'Visitors acting as carers for people with disabilities may enter the Museum free of charge') 
www.braintreemuseum.co.uk

Bridge Cottage Flatford - restored thatched 16th century cottage, houses John Constable exhibition, near to Flatford Mill - National Trust - Disabled friendly, pushchairs admitted - see website
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford

Bridge End Garden - Restored Victorian garden, a series of seven interlinked gardens, with walled garden and hedge maze - Saffron Walden - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk

Castle House - The Munnings Collection, home, sudios and grounds where Sir Alfred Munnings lived and painted for 40 years - Dedham - Disabled access and facilities but see website
www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk

Chelmsford Cathedral - 15th century building, with perpendicular architecture. Of special interest are “The Tree of Life” painting and other contemporary works of art, tours available - Disabled friendly, see website
 www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

Chelmsford Museum - Local social and natural history, Essex Regiment Museum and industrial heritage, park with play area - Disabled access and facilities see website
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Coggeshall Grange Barn -  13th-century monastic barn, One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, it has a cathedral-like interior and is linked to a local Cistercian abbey - National Trust - Coggeshall, Colchester - Disabled & Pushchair friendly see website
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coggeshall-grange-barn/

Colchester Castle Museum - 11th century castle, largest Norman fortifications in the UK,  under redevelopment, to reopen in 2014 - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.cimuseums.org.uk/castle

Colchester Natural History Museum - A fascinating chance to get closer to nature.  Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change - Disabled friendly, baby changing - see website
www.cimuseums.org.uk/...natural-history-museum

Combined Military Services Museum - military artifacts including world-famous spy collection - Maldon -  Disabled friendly see access statement on website 
www.cmsm.co.uk