Tollesbury guidebook
Sightseeing
We enjoy a trip to Hythe Quay to see the barges. You can book a lunch trip on a Maldon barge, or sit in one of the famous local pubs and enjoy the view.
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Maldon
We enjoy a trip to Hythe Quay to see the barges. You can book a lunch trip on a Maldon barge, or sit in one of the famous local pubs and enjoy the view.
Explore the national story of Roman and Norman conquest, Boudiccan revolt and Civil War at Colchester Castle.
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The Castle Museum
Castle ParkExplore the national story of Roman and Norman conquest, Boudiccan revolt and Civil War at Colchester Castle.
Firtsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Housed in a spectacular golden building designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects, Firstsite is both a gallery and community hub - showcasing a wide variety of impressive artworks from internationally recognised artists to more locally relevant exhibitions. It has an in-house cinema, cafe, and shop as well as meeting room and other spaces for hire. In the heart of the building a Roman Mosaic is permanently installed under glass panels.
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Firstsite
Firtsite is Colchester and the East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Housed in a spectacular golden building designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects, Firstsite is both a gallery and community hub - showcasing a wide variety of impressive artworks from internationally recognised artists to more locally relevant exhibitions. It has an in-house cinema, cafe, and shop as well as meeting room and other spaces for hire. In the heart of the building a Roman Mosaic is permanently installed under glass panels.
Beautiful village made famous by Constable which is 40mins drive. Hire a rowing boat and row up the river to Flatford Mill from the famous Haywain painting. Lovely village, pubs and coffee shops.
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Dedham
Beautiful village made famous by Constable which is 40mins drive. Hire a rowing boat and row up the river to Flatford Mill from the famous Haywain painting. Lovely village, pubs and coffee shops.
Made famous by Constable, this is the heart of constable country. There is a visitor centre and coffee shop. Row here from Dedham or walk along the river.
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Flatford mill
Made famous by Constable, this is the heart of constable country. There is a visitor centre and coffee shop. Row here from Dedham or walk along the river.
Our favourite walks
Heybridge Basin is located at the end of the 13 mile Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and contains the sea lock which joins the canal to the Blackwater estuary.
You can walk from here, visit the Wilkins Lock Tearooms or even paddle directly from here along the navigation. There are also two good little pubs.
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Heybridge Basin
Basin RoadHeybridge Basin is located at the end of the 13 mile Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and contains the sea lock which joins the canal to the Blackwater estuary.
You can walk from here, visit the Wilkins Lock Tearooms or even paddle directly from here along the navigation. There are also two good little pubs.
The nature reserve has been worked for decades by traditional methods to help wildlife, so it now boasts a wonderful diversity of species. It is a great loop walk from our door.
Clouded Yellow butterflies flutter above the grassland in summer, noisy Brent Geese gather on the grassland in winter and the majestic Marsh Harrier soars above, coming to roost at dusk.
Walk along the seawall from Tollesbury Marina and you can appreciate the Essex coast, the history which formed it and the wonderful wildlife it supports. Take the permissive path to the bird hide at the lagoon to witness the thousands of wildfowl and waders that gather here over winter to feed on the rich wet grassland, including large flocks of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Wigeon.
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Tollesbury Wick
Woodrolfe RoadThe nature reserve has been worked for decades by traditional methods to help wildlife, so it now boasts a wonderful diversity of species. It is a great loop walk from our door.
Clouded Yellow butterflies flutter above the grassland in summer, noisy Brent Geese gather on the grassland in winter and the majestic Marsh Harrier soars above, coming to roost at dusk.
Walk along the seawall from Tollesbury Marina and you can appreciate the Essex coast, the history which formed it and the wonderful wildlife it supports. Take the permissive path to the bird hide at the lagoon to witness the thousands of wildfowl and waders that gather here over winter to feed on the rich wet grassland, including large flocks of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Wigeon.
We love Goldhanger. It is a pretty village. The Chequers is the best pub in the village. A quick look at an ordinance survey will show walks in every direction. We like to climb the stile at the back of the churchyard or walk to the end of Fish Street and past the park. You can walk here from Tollesbury if you are feeling brave. It is about 8 miles.
Goldhanger
We love Goldhanger. It is a pretty village. The Chequers is the best pub in the village. A quick look at an ordinance survey will show walks in every direction. We like to climb the stile at the back of the churchyard or walk to the end of Fish Street and past the park. You can walk here from Tollesbury if you are feeling brave. It is about 8 miles.
Bird Watching or Walking
Old Hall Farm is an RSPB reserve in walking distance from our cottage. The expanse of untouched terrain here is unusual anywhere in the UK, let alone in the South East.
Old Hall Marshes comprises extensive grazing marshes with brackish water fleets, reedbeds, saltmarsh and two off-shore islands. Breeding species here include avocet, lapwing, redshank, pochard, shoveler and bearded tit. During migration, marsh harriers, wheatears, whinchats and waders can also be seen, making this the perfect spot for avid birdwatchers.
RSPB Old Hall Marshes
Old Hall LaneOld Hall Farm is an RSPB reserve in walking distance from our cottage. The expanse of untouched terrain here is unusual anywhere in the UK, let alone in the South East.
Old Hall Marshes comprises extensive grazing marshes with brackish water fleets, reedbeds, saltmarsh and two off-shore islands. Breeding species here include avocet, lapwing, redshank, pochard, shoveler and bearded tit. During migration, marsh harriers, wheatears, whinchats and waders can also be seen, making this the perfect spot for avid birdwatchers.
Abberton is a great day out for bird watching and walking. There is a lovely park for children and a cafe and shop. Look out for their special events as they run workshops for children.
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Abberton Reservoir
Abberton is a great day out for bird watching and walking. There is a lovely park for children and a cafe and shop. Look out for their special events as they run workshops for children.
The nature reserve is now a SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest), a wildlife haven of over 200 acres (80 hectares) hosting up to 200 species of birds, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 24 species of butterfly, 350 species of flowering plants, as well as Adders, Badgers and many other animals.
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park
The nature reserve is now a SSSI (Site Special Scientific Interest), a wildlife haven of over 200 acres (80 hectares) hosting up to 200 species of birds, 27 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 24 species of butterfly, 350 species of flowering plants, as well as Adders, Badgers and many other animals.
This seawall area is easily accessed from the end of our road. There is a map in our welcome pack.
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Tollesbury Wick
Woodrolfe RoadThis seawall area is easily accessed from the end of our road. There is a map in our welcome pack.
Beeleigh Abbey Gardens
Abbey TurningBeaches
Mersea is a short drive from Tollesbury and is home to a few beaches. This beach is a great one for both the kids and adults. Plenty of sand to be found, ice cream stalls and there are miles of beach walks. We often paddleboard straight from the beach if the weather is good.
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West Mersea Beach
401 Victoria EsplanadeMersea is a short drive from Tollesbury and is home to a few beaches. This beach is a great one for both the kids and adults. Plenty of sand to be found, ice cream stalls and there are miles of beach walks. We often paddleboard straight from the beach if the weather is good.
At the end of our road there is a salt water lido with a little beach. This is a great place for kiddies and adults. You can also use it as a spot to practice paddleboarding or kayaking. There is fixed BBQs and benches. We spend so much time here with our children and as it is set back from the water it is less windy.
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Tollesbury Marina
Woodrolfe RoadAt the end of our road there is a salt water lido with a little beach. This is a great place for kiddies and adults. You can also use it as a spot to practice paddleboarding or kayaking. There is fixed BBQs and benches. We spend so much time here with our children and as it is set back from the water it is less windy.
Family outings
At the eastern end of Mersea Island, at Cudmore Grove you’ll find a natural play park, a sandy beach, impressive views, grassland, meadows for relaxation and walks that will take you past interesting historical sites and an abundance of wildlife.
We love taking the kids here and having a picnic. The park is wooden and set in large sandpits. My son also love looking for fossils on the beach which is know for its prehistoric finds.
The area is rich in historic features, including WWII pillboxes and gun emplacements, the remains of a 16th century blockhouse fort and a cliff that has produced 300,000-year-old fossils, such as monkey, bear and bison.
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Cudmore Grove Country Park
Broman's LaneAt the eastern end of Mersea Island, at Cudmore Grove you’ll find a natural play park, a sandy beach, impressive views, grassland, meadows for relaxation and walks that will take you past interesting historical sites and an abundance of wildlife.
We love taking the kids here and having a picnic. The park is wooden and set in large sandpits. My son also love looking for fossils on the beach which is know for its prehistoric finds.
The area is rich in historic features, including WWII pillboxes and gun emplacements, the remains of a 16th century blockhouse fort and a cliff that has produced 300,000-year-old fossils, such as monkey, bear and bison.
Colchester Zoo is home to 240 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes! Listed as the 11th best zoo around the world.
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Colchester Zoo station
Colchester Zoo is home to 240 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes! Listed as the 11th best zoo around the world.
Lots of things to entertain the kids here but also nice for adults. Good for scooting. Nice walk. Large sandpit and pirates play area. Splash park. Have a tea at the Barge Tea Rooms.
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Promenade Park
Park DriveLots of things to entertain the kids here but also nice for adults. Good for scooting. Nice walk. Large sandpit and pirates play area. Splash park. Have a tea at the Barge Tea Rooms.
Beautiful grounds and gardens for a walk. Children’s treasure hunt / seasonal activities. Nice cafe and shop.
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Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum
Beautiful grounds and gardens for a walk. Children’s treasure hunt / seasonal activities. Nice cafe and shop.
This is a great venue for trying out watersports such as paddleboarding and sailing. Located in nearby Mersea.
Mersea Boating Lake
This is a great venue for trying out watersports such as paddleboarding and sailing. Located in nearby Mersea.
RHS
Although it is 30mins from Tollesbury, thIs RHS garden is a great day out. Many of our guests visit on the way/way home from their stay. Fun for all family with many events and children’s entertainments in the holidays.
Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England. This 365-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought-resistant plants and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders. There’s also a Global Growth Vegetable Garden, which showcases vegetables from around the world, and a Winter Garden that celebrates the delights of wintertime. Free parking, cafe, restaurant, children's play area, gift shop, and garden centre.
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RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Creephedge LaneAlthough it is 30mins from Tollesbury, thIs RHS garden is a great day out. Many of our guests visit on the way/way home from their stay. Fun for all family with many events and children’s entertainments in the holidays.
Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England. This 365-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought-resistant plants and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders. There’s also a Global Growth Vegetable Garden, which showcases vegetables from around the world, and a Winter Garden that celebrates the delights of wintertime. Free parking, cafe, restaurant, children's play area, gift shop, and garden centre.
Paddleboarding / walk
This is one of our favourite paddleboarding spots or walking routes. You can park at Hoe Mill lock and walk or paddle to Paper Mill lock along the navigation. Great for a day when the tides aren’t right in Tollesbury.
Hoe Mill Lock is a less frequented and well-sheltered stretch of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation that’s great for busy times of year and/or stronger winds. It is navigable by motorboat, although very few venture east, leaving the beautiful countryside waterway primarily to paddlers. Heading east, Maldon and the tidal river are just a few locks away. But the hidden gem here is a natural pool of the Chelmer off the canal – it’s only a short stretch, but is totally enclosed by trees so will stay calm in all but the strongest of winds…
Hoe mill lock
This is one of our favourite paddleboarding spots or walking routes. You can park at Hoe Mill lock and walk or paddle to Paper Mill lock along the navigation. Great for a day when the tides aren’t right in Tollesbury.
Hoe Mill Lock is a less frequented and well-sheltered stretch of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation that’s great for busy times of year and/or stronger winds. It is navigable by motorboat, although very few venture east, leaving the beautiful countryside waterway primarily to paddlers. Heading east, Maldon and the tidal river are just a few locks away. But the hidden gem here is a natural pool of the Chelmer off the canal – it’s only a short stretch, but is totally enclosed by trees so will stay calm in all but the strongest of winds…