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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for historical insights
Paycocke's House and Garden
Best Time
Best for historical insights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 16th-century Tudor merchant's house with enchanting gardens, offering an intimate glimpse into history.
"A beautifully quaint country house, lovingly restored with many original features retained."
🚗 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Enthusiastic Guided Tours
House and Gardens
Engage with passionate volunteers who offer personalized tours, sharing fascinating stories and answering all your questions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of a Tudor Gem
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
☕ Cozy Cafe Break
Enjoy a cuppa at the cosy cafe, especially lovely when sitting outside in the gardens.
👗 Tudor Dress-Up Fun
Kids can enjoy dressing up in Tudor outfits in the oldest part of the house.
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.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
The staff and volunteers are incredibly warm and knowledgeable. Ask them anything!
☕ Cozy Cafe Break
Enjoy a cuppa at the cosy cafe, especially lovely when sitting outside in the gardens.
👗 Tudor Dress-Up Fun
Kids can enjoy dressing up in Tudor outfits in the oldest part of the house.
🎨 Creative Activities
Children can design their own coat of arms, adding a fun, interactive element.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, enthusiastic volunteers offer guided tours of the house, providing fascinating historical context and personal anecdotes.
The property includes a cosy cafe, a bookshop, and a single disabled-friendly toilet.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
The gardens, with their lavender beds and wisteria, offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The exterior of the Tudor house itself is also very picturesque.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Tudor Life
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. 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.
The Enchanting Gardens
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. It's a perfect place to unwind after exploring the historical interiors of the house.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit