Layer Marney Tower site is tucked beside the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England with 500 years of history, just south of Colchester. Sleeping up to six, stay in a fully-furnished canvas tent - some are even complete with a glorious hot tub. A unique glamping experience for all the family by the Essex coastline. Close by to attractions like Mersea Island and the seaside resort of Clacton. Don't forget to help feed the animals in the morning!
Steeped in Tudor history close to a number of Roman attractions
Idyllically located on a working farm, meet Peggy and Darcy the horses!
Luxury glamping safari lodges with outdoor showers and toasty wood burning stoves
This farm is steeped in Tudor history and set just 20 minutes from the tiny estuary sanctuary of Mersea Island. If you're looking to just refuel your batteries and take things slow, this is the place to do it, but Layer Marney Tower is also well placed for stepping out in Roman areas of Essex. Between the birch, ash and alder trees you'll find a set of six luxurious lodges, all fully furnished and arranged to give you space and privacy. Your main neighbours will be pheasants, woodpeckers, muntjac deer and owls, which love to spend time at the farm. Some lodges even enjoy the complete luxury of a private hot tub Guests can get to know Peggy and Darcy - a pair of magnificent black horses, hob nob with the rare Castle Milk Moorit sheep breed and, in the magical springtime, help baby lambs grow strong with bottled milk. The tower has its own claim to fame and a rich history - it's the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England- dating all the way back to the time when Henry VIII of the many wives was on the throne. It's been featured on Channel 4 thanks to its unique features.
Layer Marney Tower is open from 29/03 to 31/10.
Max 6 people
Sleeping six, these canvas lodges have a double bedroom, cupboard beds and bunk beds. Fully furnished to a high standard and equipped with the kitchen essentials and a wood burning stove. Feel at one with nature with your own private outdoor shower.
Layer Marney puts on its own activity programme and it welcomes guests to join in. Plus, browsing the tower, when it's open, is a fun attraction right here on your doorstep. You can hop on for a tractor ride of the farm, on offer weekdays between July and August.
Colchester 20 minutes away is absolutely immersed in Roman history, something that you can see in every straight Roman-built road that meets the town. You can uncover more of its history at Colchester Castle, and perhaps a few ghosts in this reputedly haunted spot.
Or, take the little ones to the Colchester Zoo where they'll say hello to 260 rare species and you might be lucky enough to see cute baby penguins.
Other nearby attractions:
East Mersea, Colchester, East Mersea (7.6 miles)
Small, dog friendly ensuite glamping site with an onsite cafe and shop. Just a 15 minute walk to the coast!
Pebmarsh, (10.8 miles)
Luxury ensuite safari tents with pizza ovens on a family site with countryside views and a 19-acre fishing lake.
Maldon, (6.7 miles)
Family park on the banks of the Blackwater Estuary. Onsite entertainment, a snack hut, a cafe and restaurant!