Layer Marney Tower - ideal for family days out in Essex

Visitors to Layer Marney Tower can enjoy climbing to the top of the Tower, wandering through the gardens and following the Wildlife Walk. They may then enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the Tea Room and to buy a souvenir in the shop.

The 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 peninsula. 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 the building's past and see the model of how Layer Marney Tower might have looked had Lord Marney lived to complete his palace. The view from the roof shows the church, outbuildings, play area, gardens, estate and Wildlife Walk.

Layer Marney Tower is a great place to visit for a family day out in Essex - whether you are planning to exhaust the children in the play area or enjoy the tranquility of the gardens. The Tearoom, situated in the Old Stables, offers a range of light lunches as well as tea and cakes. Next door is the shop, stocked with a selection of souvenirs, gifts, cards and local produce.

The Gardens

The romantic gardens at Layer Marney Tower look down the hill to the Tea House and beyond to the Blackwater Estuary. The garden has interest and perfume for much of the year; roses particularly love our heavy clay soil and warm south facing aspect and put on a glorious display throughout the summer. A knot garden harks back to the Tudors who built the house, although the garden doesn't seem to have been significantly developed until the Victorian era. We have some beautiful and unusual trees growing in our lawns on which visitors are welcome to picnic.

Our gardeners can often be found working in the garden and are happy to answer any questions. Future plans include a border of plants the Tudors grew in their gardens, a shady grotto and some new Yew topiary. Come and see the exciting developments!

To keep up to date with the Head Gardener's work in the Layer Marney Tower gardens, click here to read her blog.

Days Out In Essex

The Knot Garden

Highland cattle

View of the Tower from the garden

The Farm

Visitors may enjoy following the Wildlife Trail around the farm at Layer Marney Tower (leaflet available from the shop) Over 47 species of bird were recorded in a winter survey. There are several acres of woodland and extensive hedgerows providing cover and food for small animals and insects. The pond near the entrance has been restored and provides a habitat for newts and frogs and interesting marginal plants.

Pygmy goats and rare breed sheep wander through the parkland. Welsummers, Lakenvelder and Araucana chickns live in the Poultry Palace by the main drive. Highland and Dexter cattle graze in the fields as well as Red Deer.

Guided Tours and Group Visits

Group visits are welcome, please telephone to book. Guided Tours are available for groups, generally led by either Nicholas or Sheila Charrington, these tours can be adapted to suit the needs and interests of the group and give visitors a fascinating insight into the history and background of Layer Marney Tower.

Guided Tours can be arranged throughout the year.