Great Easton Manor

Great Easton Manor House enjoys a wonderful location in the Essex countryside. It sits in the tranquil village of Great Easton, close to Great Dunmow. There are many attractions close by if you can possibly leave this heavenly retreat.

Great Dunmow is an ancient small market town which boasts one of the few remaining High Streets in the country to only have independent retailers. It is very pretty and steeped in history, dating back to the Roman times. It is famous for its ‘Flitch Trials’ which take place every leap year. As mentioned in Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’, couples must convince six local bachelors and six maidens that they have never wished themselves un-wed for a year and a day. If successful, the couple receive a flitch of bacon as a prize. Every third Saturday in September, the town hosts a family carnival, one of the largest rural carnivals in the UK. The Great Dunmow Maltings is an award winning restoration of a Grade II listed building. The town offers great restaurants, boutique shopping, charming pubs and a spa where you can head for some pampering.

There are lots of beautiful walking trails locally or you can head to The Gardens of Easton Lodge, an idyllic haven in a Gothic-style stately home. The gardens have been partially restored to their former glory by a team of dedicated volunteers and the owners of Warwick House. Their Snowdrop Days are lovely with carpets of the beautiful plants to admire. The gardens showcase Harold Peto’s grand garden designs. The Italian garden is always colourful and the walled kitchen garden well-stocked with fruit and vegetables. In 1086 there was a Roman fort on the site and the settlement of Little Easton was documented in the Domesday Book as Estaines Parva. In 1590, Elizabeth I granted the 10,000 acre Manor of Estaines to Henry Maynard as a reward for his duties as Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Treasurer to the Queen. Later his daughter inherited Easton Lodge and the estate and married Lord Brooke, heir to the Warwick title and estate. In 1901 The Countess of Warwick commissioned Harold Peto to redesign the gardens for her. Following her death, the War Office requisitioned Easton Lodge for use and thousands of trees were felled to create Great Dunmow Airfield on the estate. The estate was returned to her son in 1950. Later the west wing was sold, restored and renamed Warwick House. Their gardens were opened in 1985 and ten years later they got permission to restore the Gardens of Easton Lodge. The work was taken over by a trust who to this day are restoring the beauty that was created all those years ago.

The Big Bear Cider Mill was formed in 2015 with a mission to turn a passion for apples into quality hand crafted cider. Back in the 60’s and 70’s Essex orchards were ripped up to make way for gravel pits, with the gravel being known as Essex gold. They purchased a disused pit and regenerated it to a thriving orchard with over twenty varieties of apple and three thousand trees. They harvest the apples in the autumn and ferment them. It is a popular stop. You can also pick fruit at the local Wash Farm or book a day of brewing experience at Bishop Nick.

There are some great sports opportunities available such as hacking across the hills with Maple Pollar Riding Centre in Bishop’s Stortford or clay pigeon shooting in one hundred acres of north Essex countryside and woodland at the Fennes Shooting School with trap towers up to 120 ft. Visitors can pay and play on Monday to Fridays at the Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club.
 

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Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Essex

Get ready for a journey through the wonders of Essex, the county that is like a delightful blend of a history book and a modern-day fairytale! Nestled in the East of England, Essex is a fantastic rollercoaster of experiences that stretch from the outskirts of London to the stunning coastline along the North Sea. Now, picture this: you, your family, your significant other or your favourite friends staying in one of Oliver's Travels' magical cottages, seaside gems or even a manor house! Essex is your playground and Oliver's Travels has the key to your dream stay.

Let the adventure begin at Colchester Castle, a medieval fortress with plenty of stories. Dating back to Roman times, this castle catapults you into the heart of Essex's history. It is surrounded by Castle Park, a picturesque wonderland perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. For those with a green thumb RHS Garden Hyde Hall awaits. This horticultural paradise is a living, breathing masterpiece with landscapes that will make you question if you have accidentally stepped into a painting. Prepare to be swept off your feet by the grandeur of Audley End House and Gardens. This Jacobean mansion boasts opulent interiors and magnificent grounds which are often the venue for outstanding concerts. If you have a thing for vintage aircraft and military vehicles, you will love the Imperial War Museum Duxford. It is a playground for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike, a living testament to Britain's high-flying heritage. Hylands House, with its neoclassical charm, is like the cool kid in the block surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. And then there is the Thames Estuary, a natural landmark and haven for birdwatchers, a serene escape from the chaos of daily life. As the sun sets, Chelmsford wakes up! This city knows how to party with its vibrant nightlife. It also offers parks, cathedrals and shopping districts. Meanwhile, Saffron Walden, with its medieval vibes, invites you to step back in time. Finally, Finchingfield is the most photographed village in England, where duck ponds and thatched cottages steal the show.

Thrill seekers head to Southend-on-Sea for charming beaches and the world's longest pleasure. Windsurfing, paddleboarding and plenty of other aquatic fun is available. Dedham, nestled in Constable Country, is another gem with scenic walks along the River Stour, inspired by landscapes that fueled the creativity of the great John Constable.

Essex, where old meets new and every corner tells a story, offers a wonderful holiday experience.