Essex has more than its fair share of National Trust properties.With stunning gardens, immaculately preserved country houses and picturesque villages, make the most of the summer by exploring the Essex countryside. Enjoy discovering abundant wildlife, forest walks and beautiful historic sites as you discover the county’s heritage sites and walk in the footsteps of history.Eastbury Manor HouseA beautiful Elizabethan Tudor manor house with tranquil gardens set in the heart of Barking. Eastbury Manor House may have been used by Guy Fawkes and his accomplices as a meeting place to plan out the Gunpowder Plot. Another legend has it that Lord Monteagle was living at the house when he received the letter that led to the discovery of the plot.Where is it? Eastbury Square, Barking, Essex, IG11 9SNHow long does it take to get there from London? About half an hour by car. A 10-minute walk from Upney station or 20 from Barking station.Is it buggy friendly? Yes. Buggy park on the ground floor as well.Is it dog-friendly? No, apart from assistance dogsIs it bike and scooter-friendly? NoAre there toilets? All on the first floor of the houseAre there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Accessible toilet on the first floor of the house, baby-changing facilities also on the first floorIs there parking? Free parking on the street next to the propertyWhat outdoor amenities are there? Herb garden and walled gardenBourne MillWith pond-dipping equipment free to hire, a bug hotel and an abundance of wildlife Bourne Mill is a young nature-lover’s paradise. There is so much for young guests to do at this National Trust gem - pick up a 50 Things booklet at reception and tick off as many outdoor adventure activities as time will allow.Where is it? Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RTHow long does it take to get there from London? 1 hour 30 minutes by carIs it buggy friendly? YesIs it dog-friendly? Dogs welcome on leadsIs it bike and scooter-friendly? NoAre there toilets? One inside the house and another at the end of the tarmac outside the mill.Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets?Is there parking? Very limited parking on-site but on-road parking available nearby.What outdoor amenities are there? Wetlands, woodland, a pond for pond-dipping, bug hotel, garden, picnic tables.Paycocke’s House And GardenKids will love dressing up in Tudor costume at this 16th-century merchant house in Coggeshall. Paycocke’s House provides a fascinating immersive experience into the Tudor world. Enjoy an idyllic summer picnic in the tranquil cottage garden surrounded by medieval dye plants and rare roses and fuchsias. Why not try your hand at a game of croquet while you’re there?Where is it? 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1NSHow long does it take to get there from London? About 1 hour 30 minutesIs it buggy friendly? YesIs it dog-friendly? Dogs on leads welcome in gardensIs it bike and scooter-friendly? NoAre there toilets? Yes, at Grange Barn, on the first floor of the house and at the entrance.Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Accessible toilet at Grange Barn and at the entrance to the property.Is there parking? Parking available at Grange Barn. Very limited roadside parking.What outdoor amenities are there? Gardens, croquet, outdoor tearoom seating, kitchen garden, river, village tour.Rainham HallAn early-18th century merchant’s house recently restored to its former glory. Situated two minutes walk away from Rainham station, this stunning Georgian gem has tranquil gardens and is surrounded by wild marshland. You might recognise this National Trust treasure from the BBC’s 2019 production of A Christmas Carol.Where is it? The Broadway, Rainham, Havering, London, RM13 9YNHow long does it take to get there from London? About 30 minutesIs it buggy friendly? Rainham Hall recommends storing your buggy in the Brewhouse while visiting the house, but gardens are accessible.Is it dog-friendly? Yes, dogs on leads welcomeIs it bike and scooter-friendly? Not suitable for bikes, likely unsuitable for scootersAre there toilets? Yes, the main toilet block behind the Brewhouse and Stables cafeAre there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Yes, in the Hayloft above the Stables cafeIs there parking? None at Rainham Hall itself but ample parking in Rainham Tesco which has three hours free parking, and additional parking in the council pay and display carparkWhat outdoor amenities are there? Children’s sensory play trail, sensory borders walk, three-acre community garden, woodland.Grange BarnIn the picture-postcard village of Coggeshall sits one of the UK’s oldest timber-framed buildings dating back to the 13th century. Grange Barn would have been used to store and process crops produced by the farms of Coggeshall Abbey, which was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538.Where is it? Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1REHow long does it take to get there from London? Around an hour and a halfIs it buggy friendly? YesIs it dog-friendly? Dogs very welcome both in the barn and in the groundsIs it bike and scooter-friendly? NoAre there toilets? YesAre there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Accessible toilet next to the barnIs there parking? Main carpark 50 metres from the barnWhat outdoor amenities are there? Children’s trail, picnic areas, lawn.
Essex has more than its fair share of National Trust properties.
