Best Essex Heritage Walks

This historical mill is one of the most attractive and fascinating in East Anglia.

Once a major mill site, working up until the early 20th century, Beeleigh Steam Mill includes a rare Wentworth beam engine, elephant boiler and circular all-iron steam mill dating from 1845.

Set on a channel of the River Chelmer, various routes offer scope for a long walk or shorter stroll.

Start in Maldon and walk towards the mill for a good hike, or park close by and enjoy the river and mill views with the family.

Remember to check opening times if you’d like to peek inside the mill, it is only open on particular dates. However, it makes for an excellent walk any time.

Discover a full circular walk taking in Beeleigh Falls.

Granted to the Knights Templar in 1137, Cressing Temple Barns is of significant historic interest for its unique buildings and garden.

Internationally renowned for their impressive and remarkably well preserved medieval carpentry, the barns provide a remarkable insight into the building techniques of the time and a glimpse into the lives of the people who built them.

Nestled in the grounds, the walled garden has been faithfully recreated as a Tudor pleasure garden. A place of beauty and tranquillity, sure to delight anyone with an interest in horticulture or history, and perfect for young children to run, jump and hide! This year we celebrate 30 years since the gardens reopened to the public.

Take an easy stroll around the site and soak up the atmosphere, book a table at Tiptree Tea Rooms or bring a picnic. Well behaved dogs on leads ae welcome.

Plan your visit.

Cudmore Grove Country Park is rich in historic features including World War II pillboxes, the remains of a Tudor blockhouse fort and a cliff that has produced 300,000-year-old fossils.

With the 80th anniversary of VE Day in mind, visit the park and take in the two-mile WWII trail to learn more about the impact on the Essex coast.

At the outbreak of World War II, the island became part of the front line for invasion and was heavily fortified. Along with other coastal resorts, the island drew in evacuees from London, though as the war progressed, these were moved to safer settlements further inland. 2000 troops were stationed on the island to guard against invasion.

Children can climb the pillboxes and enjoy the marine themed play area. Or walk the sea wall and spot the waders and migratory birds at low tide.

Take a picnic and step onto the beach – or try the refreshment kiosk at weekends.

Plan your visit.

Download the World War II walking trail or view it on GoJauntly.

Discover the history of the manor houses that helped shape the parks as they are today.

What you see at Thorndon is the result of centuries of human involvement. Today the park is a treasure trove of extensive open space, wildlife habitat and history. Once it was home to a grand Tudor mansion and the home of the Petre family.

Wander through this historic parkland and precious woods and imagine how it once was with the Heritage Trail (funded by National Lottery Heritage and Land of the Fanns). Unearth gems about the history of the park and some of the veteran trees along the way including Cedar of Lebanon planted by the 8^th Lord Petre.

Choose from the standard or longer route and read the interpretation boards along the way to find out more. Park at Thorndon South car park.

Plan your visit.

Download the Heritage trail.

Start at the Belvedere car park and choose one of three routes to discover more about the heritage of Weald and the conservation work taking place to restore the landscape along the way.

Choose from 2k, 3.25k and 4k and begin by imagining the great Weald Hall, which has been the subject of a recent archaeological dig.

Take in the Belvedere Mound and the remains of the 18th century folly, and revel in the stunning blooms including bluebells, foxgloves, azaleas and rhododendrons – from the former planted gardens.

Take in the site of a former Iron Age fort, head to the tree plantation at Chestnut Avenue or  straight to lake and deer enclosure – all with a story to tell.

There truly is something for everyone at Weald Country Park.

Plan your visit.

Download the Heritage Walking Trail.

Read more about the archaeological dig at Weald to uncover the old hall that took place last summer.