Name: Layer Marney Tower
Rating: 5.0

Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Contact

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Description

Layer Marney Tower is a historic Tudor palace near Colchester, built in the 1520s by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, Lord Privy Seal to Henry VIII. Although never completed, it remains one of the most sophisticated Tudor buildings of its time, known for its striking terracotta detailing and grand design. Today, it is a unique heritage attraction offering history, learning, and special events in a beautiful rural setting.

Visitors can explore the impressive Tudor front façade, the Long Gallery (former stable block), the refurbished church with family effigy tombs, and the courtyard incorporating a medieval Essex barn. The site is also a recognised educational venue, offering school programmes, outward-bound learning, and Forest School activities throughout the year. Additional features include glamour camping tents hidden in the woods, a Tudor apartment for overnight stays, and a wide range of seasonal events and celebrations.

Entry prices are £12.00 for adults, £7.00 for ages 13+ and students, and free for children under 13. The venue is also available for private celebrations, dinners, picnics, and BBQs, with licensed alcohol service and spaces suitable for both large and intimate events.

Layer Marney Tower offers a memorable blend of Tudor history, countryside charm, and cultural discovery. The peaceful setting and well-preserved architecture make it ideal for relaxed exploration and learning. It’s a must-visit attraction for history lovers, families, schools, and anyone looking for a distinctive heritage experience in Essex.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Learning: Winners of a Sandford Award, we take our educational offer very seriously. Open all year round for schools and groups. Our Tudor buildings are used to offer an exciting range of educational programmes covering all Key stages and also outward-bound and Forest School activities.
Staying: Hidden in the woods are 6 Glamour Camping tents, with real beds, running water and proper lavatories! In the Tudor buildings we have an apartment that sleeps two people, occasionally available through AirBnB.
Events: Layer Marney Tower has lots of new events taking place next year. Make sure you are part of them. We will be putting all sorts of different events up on our Event page, as the details start coming in.

Website

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults: £12.00
Children: Under 13 Free
13+/Students: £7.00

Pricing URL: https://www.layermarneytower.co.uk/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

A Celebration needs somewhere special and Layer Marney Tower is very special. It has beautiful buildings, a large garden, fabulous views, excellent catering by Bouquet Garni and a helpful team who will help you organise a wonderful celebration. We have a licence to serve alcohol.
Layer Marney Tower has the prefect spaces for Dinners, Dances, Picnics on the Lawn or Summer BBQ. The Long Gallery can take up to 140 people seated for a meal and more can be accommodated in the Essex Barn. There are also smaller Dining Rooms for the more intimate gatherings.

Open 11am to 5 pm

Address: Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, UK

Post Code: CO5 9US

Council: Colchester

County: Essex

FROM LONDON

Turn off the A12 at the Halstead exit (B1124). At the roundabout take the third exit left. (You will pass a sign for Layer Marney Tower that says follow the signs to Maldon). At the roundabout, take third exit to Maldon and Colchester Zoo.
You will now go over four small roundabouts: at the first straight over, at the second turn 1st left, at the third turn right, at the fourth take 2nd exit onto Warren Lane following signs to Maldon. At the T junction 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 of a mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.

FROM IPSWICH

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 roundabout, take third exit to Maldon and Colchester Zoo.
You will now go over four small roundabouts: at the first straight over, at the second turn 1st left, at the third turn right, at the fourth take 2nd exit onto Warren Lane following signs to Maldon. At the T junction 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 of a mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.