Paycocke’s House & Garden - Image 1
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Paycocke's House and Garden

4.6
·557 reviews·Coggeshall, United Kingdom

A beautifully preserved 16th-century Tudor merchant's house with enchanting gardens, offering an intimate glimpse into history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning guided tours

Best for historical insights

CrowdMedium
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Paycocke’s House & Garden - Image 1

Paycocke's House and Garden

Best Time

Morning guided tours

Best for historical insights

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully preserved 16th-century Tudor merchant's house with enchanting gardens, offering an intimate glimpse into history.

4.6
(557 reviews)

"A beautifully quaint country house, lovingly restored with many original features retained."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

No on-site parking. Use the village car park (free for 2 hrs) or try parallel parking nearby.

🗣️ Engage with Volunteers

The staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and knowledgeable. Ask them anything!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tudor Merchant's Home

Tudor Merchant's Home

The House

Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 1509 merchant's home, featuring original features and Tudor architecture.

Miriam Noel Gardens

Miriam Noel Gardens

The Gardens

Wander through delightful gardens designed by Miriam Noel, boasting lavender beds, a small orchard, and a century-old wisteria.

Enthusiastic Guided Tours

Enthusiastic Guided Tours

House and Gardens

Engage with passionate volunteers who offer personalized tours, sharing fascinating stories and answering all your questions.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Charm of a Tudor Gem

Paycocke's House is a beautifully preserved Tudor merchant's home, offering a glimpse into 16th-century life. While small, its lovingly restored interiors and delightful gardens provide a rich historical experience. Arrive early to make the most of the guided tours and tranquil garden paths.

Parking and Accessibility

On-site parking is unavailable, but a nearby village car park offers free two-hour slots, just a short walk away. The house has a disabled-friendly toilet, and volunteers are known for their warmth and helpfulness, ensuring a welcoming visit for most.

Best Times

When
Morning guided tours
Why
Best for historical insights
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon garden strolls
Why
Peaceful garden ambiance
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had a delightful lunch with a view Mrs Salisbury’s tearoom in Coggeshall, Colchester Essex. It is situated at @markshallestate. Plenty of free parking and you don't need to pay entry to the gardens to use the tea room. Within the walled gardens you get gorgeous views across MarksHall Estate. We had a lovely sticky chicken toasted sandwich with salad and chips and the portion was brilliant, this...
@littlemissedenrose
886 likes • 66.4K views

🚗 Parking Strategy

No on-site parking. Use the village car park (free for 2 hrs) or try parallel parking nearby. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Volunteers

The staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and knowledgeable. Ask them anything! Reddit+1

☕ Cozy Cafe Break

Enjoy a cuppa at the cosy cafe, especially lovely when sitting outside in the gardens. Reddit

👗 Tudor Dress-Up Fun

Kids can enjoy dressing up in Tudor outfits in the oldest part of the house. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

No on-site parking. Use the village car park (free for 2 hrs) or try parallel parking nearby. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Volunteers

The staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and knowledgeable. Ask them anything! Reddit+1

☕ Cozy Cafe Break

Enjoy a cuppa at the cosy cafe, especially lovely when sitting outside in the gardens. Reddit

👗 Tudor Dress-Up Fun

Kids can enjoy dressing up in Tudor outfits in the oldest part of the house. Reddit

🎨 Creative Activities

Children can design their own coat of arms, adding a fun, interactive element. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(557 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Paycocke's House for its beautifully preserved Tudor architecture and the warmth of its volunteers. While acknowledged as a smaller property, its charm lies in the intimate historical experience and the delightful gardens. Some note the limited parking and the property's size, but the overall sentiment is highly positive, highlighting the engaging staff and peaceful atmosphere.

"A beautifully quaint country house just a few miles from Colchester. The house dates back from the 1500's and has been lovingly restored by the National Trust with many of the original features retained. Take a guided tour of the grounds and house or just simply wander around the delightful gardens designed by Miriam Noel. It's a small property but includes a cosy cafe (sit outside in the gardens if you can) and a bookshop. There's also a single disabled friendly toilet. Many thanks to John for a fabulous guided tour, although all the staff and volunteers were warm and friendly too. There's no actual parking on site but the local carpark is only a few minutes walk away in the village and you get 2 hours for free. Highly recommended."

Stu Radley

"We had a wonderful time. It's a small property, but the volunteers as very enthusiastic. Thank you Alan, who gave us a mini personalised tour of downstairs, and answered my 8 year old's questions. It's a beautiful place with activities for children and a lovely tea room and garden.
Be aware: there is no designated parking so try the barn nearby or take your chances parallel parking outside!"

Kay Young

"We had a wonderful time at Paycocke’s House.

Highlights:

- Playing croquet on the lawn
- Dressing up in Tudor outfits in the oldest part of the house
- Designing our own coat of arms
- Chatting with the lovely Gilli for an hour or so about spinning yarn and opera.
- Beautiful lavender flower beds, small apple orchard, 100 year old Wisteria.

Well worth a visit if you’re in the area."

James Goodsall

What People Like

Beautifully preserved Tudor house
Warm and knowledgeable volunteers
Delightful gardens

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Small property size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Paycocke's House is located in Coggeshall, near Colchester. While there's no on-site parking, the local village car park is just a few minutes' walk away and offers free parking for up to two hours. Some visitors have also had success with parallel parking outside the property. Reddit

Information on direct public transport links can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes serving Coggeshall or consider a taxi service from Colchester if you are not driving.

The most recommended option is the village car park, which is conveniently located and free for a couple of hours. Be prepared for limited on-street parking options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The house is typically open for guided tours before 2 PM, after which visitors can explore the house independently. It's always best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date opening times and tour schedules. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking a guided tour in advance, especially for the morning slots, is recommended to secure your spot and gain in-depth insights. Reddit

Admission fees can vary. As a National Trust property, members usually get free entry. Non-members should check the National Trust website for current ticket prices. Reddit

National Trust members enjoy free access. For others, it's worth checking the website for any special offers or family ticket options that might be available. Reddit

Yes, the gardens are a significant draw and can be enjoyed independently. Access to the gardens is usually included with house admission.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the beautifully preserved Tudor merchant's home, wander through the charming gardens designed by Miriam Noel, and enjoy the cosy cafe. There are also interactive activities for children, like Tudor dress-up and coat of arms design. Reddit

Absolutely! Children can enjoy dressing up in Tudor outfits and designing their own coats of arms. The gardens also offer space for them to explore. Reddit

As it's a smaller property, a visit usually takes around 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend in the gardens and cafe. Reddit

Yes, enthusiastic volunteers offer guided tours of the house, providing fascinating historical context and personal anecdotes. Reddit+1

The property includes a cosy cafe, a bookshop, and a single disabled-friendly toilet. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cosy cafe on-site where you can enjoy refreshments. Sitting outside in the gardens is particularly recommended if the weather is nice. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light refreshments, cakes, and beverages, perfect for a break during your visit.

Coggeshall village, just a short walk away, offers a selection of pubs and restaurants if you're looking for more substantial meal options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask a volunteer on arrival. Often, photography without flash is permitted in certain areas. TikTok

The gardens, with their lavender beds and wisteria, offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The exterior of the Tudor house itself is also very picturesque. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without prior special arrangement.

Capturing the historic architecture of the house alongside the blooming gardens provides a lovely contrast. The wisteria in bloom is a particular highlight. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Paycocke's House offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. Children can step into history by trying on Tudor outfits and even designing their own coats of arms, making the past tangible and fun. Reddit The gardens provide a safe space for them to explore, and the volunteers are known for being particularly welcoming and patient with younger visitors, often tailoring their tours to answer children's questions. Reddit+1

While the house itself is small, the interactive elements and the charm of the gardens ensure that kids remain entertained. The nearby village also offers amenities, and the free parking for two hours is a practical bonus for families on a day out. Remember to check for any specific family events that might be scheduled.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, Paycocke's House offers a peaceful and enriching experience. The intimate size of the property means you can explore at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed. Engage with the passionate volunteers for insightful historical narratives, or simply find a quiet bench in the beautiful gardens to relax and reflect. Reddit+1 The cafe provides a lovely spot for a coffee and a chat, making it ideal for a leisurely outing. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a dose of history and tranquility away from larger crowds.

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

History buffs will appreciate Paycocke's House for its exceptional preservation and authentic Tudor character. Built in 1509, it offers a direct connection to the life of a wealthy merchant during a pivotal era in English history. The original features and the detailed restoration by the National Trust provide a rich tapestry of architectural and social history. Reddit The guided tours, led by knowledgeable volunteers, are a highlight, offering deep dives into the house's past and the context of its time. Reddit+1 Don't miss the chance to learn about the wool trade and the domestic life of the period.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Tudor Life

Paycocke's House, built in 1509 for Thomas Paycocke, a wealthy wool merchant, stands as a remarkably preserved example of Tudor domestic architecture. The National Trust has lovingly restored the property, retaining many of its original features, offering visitors an authentic peek into the life of a prosperous merchant family during the 16th century. The house's layout, with its distinct rooms and historical artifacts, tells a story of trade, family, and daily routines from centuries past. Reddit

Visitors can choose between a guided tour, led by enthusiastic volunteers who bring the history to life with engaging stories, or a self-guided exploration after 2 PM. The volunteers are a treasure trove of information, often sharing personal anecdotes and answering detailed questions, making the experience more intimate and informative. Reddit+1 The interactive elements, such as Tudor dress-up and coat of arms design for children, add an extra layer of engagement, making it a memorable visit for all ages. Reddit

The Enchanting Gardens

The gardens at Paycocke's House, designed by Miriam Noel, are a delightful complement to the historic house. They offer a tranquil escape with beautifully maintained lavender flower beds, a small apple orchard, and a magnificent 100-year-old wisteria that is a spectacular sight when in bloom. Reddit These gardens provide a serene environment for visitors to wander, relax, and enjoy the seasonal beauty.

Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll, finding a quiet spot to read, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the gardens are a key part of the Paycocke's experience. The addition of a cosy cafe with outdoor seating allows visitors to prolong their stay and enjoy refreshments amidst the floral splendor. Reddit It's a perfect place to unwind after exploring the historical interiors of the house.

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