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Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex

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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

About Layer Marney Tower

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.


Facilities and amenities

All lodges include their own private separate shower, while site facilities include an honesty shop, a pond and a pizza oven. The deer barn is a perfect venue for events, including weddings.

The nearby town of Kelvedon is just a 15 minute drive from the site, perfect for shopping and meals out.

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Adult only

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Allow commercial vans

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Allow pets

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Bike hire

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Café / restaurant

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Communal BBQ

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Disabled facilities

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Drinking water

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Electric hookups

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Entertainment

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Family friendly

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Fires allowed

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Fishing

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Games room

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Glamping

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Golf

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Horse riding

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Hot tub

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Internet access

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Kids club

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Kids playground

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Laundry

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Near beach

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Near pub

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Open year round

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Peaceful

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RV pitches

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Shop

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Showers

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Swimming pool

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Toilets

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TV room

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Vineyard

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Water hookups

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Watersports

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W.C. disposal


A note from the site themselves...

Sheila and Nick will welcome you to their farm estate in the Essex countryside. Nick will introduce you to his array of animals at feeding time each morning, then you can relax in your private hot tub, spoil some chickens and let their place be your escape from modern-day living.

Our mission at Feather Down is to help you reconnect to nature and each other, away from everyday life.


Map and address

Park address

Layer Marney Tower,

Roundbush Road, Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

Coordinates

51.8229, 0.7976 | TL 92 17

View on Google Maps

Layer Marney Tower is ideal for...

Older children (13+)

Young children


There are 6 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Canvas Lodge with Outdoor Shower at Layer Marney Tower

6 x Canvas Lodge with Outdoor Shower

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.


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FAQ

Arrival is between 4pm and 6pm. If you expect to arrive later than this, please do inform the farmer as there is no on-site reception. Check out is 10:30am unless a late checkout has been pre-booked and agreed.

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at this site, sorry.

Yes. You can fit a travel cot in the accommodation. You can also hire one from the site for a small fee. Due to limited space, only one cot per lodge is allowed.

The wood-fired stove inside of the accommodation will keep it warm and cosy. It is important to regularly add some wood. During the night, the site would recommend bringing warm pyjamas and perhaps some extra blankets and a hot water bottle.

You can see the site map and overall layout by clicking here.


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:

  • Aberton Reservoir (10 minutes)
  • National Trust Grange Barn (20 minutes)
  • Mersea Island (20 minutes)
  • Constable Country (40 minutes)
  • Clacton-on-Sea (an hour)
The listing for Layer Marney Tower was last updated on April 28th, 2024 at 7:40 AM

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