Cressing Temple Barns
Explore England's oldest and largest medieval barns, built by the Knights Templar, alongside a charming Tudor walled garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Cressing Temple Barns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore England's oldest and largest medieval barns, built by the Knights Templar, alongside a charming Tudor walled garden.
"Steeped in history, the barns are very interesting, and the walled garden is beautiful. "
🎟️ Donation Entry
Entry is donation-based, so consider giving generously to support this historic site.
☕ Popular Tea Room
The tea room is very popular, especially on event days. Expect it to be busy!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Barn
Main Barn Area
Marvel at the impressive medieval roof construction of this iconic timber-framed barn.
Little Barn
Main Barn Area
Discover the history and unique features of this well-preserved medieval barn.
Tudor Walled Garden
Garden Area
Wander through a beautifully managed Tudor garden, a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
History Buffs Rejoice!
Garden & Foodie Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Donation Entry
Entry is donation-based, so consider giving generously to support this historic site.
☕ Popular Tea Room
The tea room is very popular, especially on event days. Expect it to be busy!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and walled garden, but not inside the tea room.
🚗 Free Parking
Ample parking is available on-site, often in a field for larger events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Donation Entry
Entry is donation-based, so consider giving generously to support this historic site.
☕ Popular Tea Room
The tea room is very popular, especially on event days. Expect it to be busy!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and walled garden, but not inside the tea room.
🚗 Free Parking
Ample parking is available on-site, often in a field for larger events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cressing Temple Barns for its historically significant and well-preserved medieval barns, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. The beautiful Tudor walled garden and the popular on-site tea room are also highlights, making it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful day out. Some find the site smaller than expected, but the quality of the historical interpretation and the pleasant atmosphere are consistently appreciated.
"This is really worth a visit. It's not a huge site but the barns are really interesting with lots of information of their history,they are well presented and cared for. The walled garden is pretty and well managed. The tea room is modern and busy, very popular. We only had coffees but the food looked good."
Catherine Hancock
"Went to Cressing Foods and Craft day, and it didn't disappoint. Lots of lovely food stalls offered plenty to sample first, which for me is always key—I want to try before I buy 😋. There were also many lovely, quality craft stalls selling all sorts of things.
Cressing Temple Barns is worth a visit any day. It has a lovely tea room, a beautiful walled garden, and the old barns, with information about their history, are very interesting. Parking is also free.
The ticket in advance recommendation is solely for the open days ."
Andrew Gwyther
"We have been to the Helen Rollason Vintage Day twice. Good display of vintage cars, some of them are for sale. There is a tea room on site (NOT dog friendly inside although the grounds and walled garden are) and plenty of parking on the field for events. They do artisanal shopping fairs here in the autumn as well."
Clare Anthony
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cressing Temple Barns is located in Essex. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. The site offers free parking, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Information on direct public transport links is limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from the nearest train station if you are not driving.
There is free parking available on-site. For larger events, parking may be in a designated field.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Cressing Temple Barns is donation-based. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they feel is appropriate to support the upkeep of this historic site.
For general visits, booking in advance is not usually required due to the donation-based entry. However, for specific open days or events, it's always best to check their official website for any ticketing requirements.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's recommended to check the official Cressing Temple Barns website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Yes, Cressing Temple Barns hosts various events throughout the year, including food and craft days, vintage car shows, and artisanal shopping fairs. These events often have specific entry details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historically significant Great Barn and Little Barn, marveling at their medieval timber construction. The site also features a beautiful Tudor walled garden and information displays about the Knights Templar.
Children can enjoy exploring the historic barns and the walled garden. The open spaces also provide room for them to move around.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use. The barns and gardens offer many picturesque opportunities.
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and the walled garden, but they are not permitted inside the tea room.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a popular on-site tea room that serves food and drinks. It's known for its tasty cream teas and other refreshments.
The tea room offers a selection of food, including coffees, and is particularly noted for its delicious cream teas. Food stalls are also present during special events.
While there's a tea room, picnicking might be possible in designated areas, but it's best to confirm on-site or check their guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the sheer scale of the barns and the historical context can be very engaging for curious young minds. Pack some snacks, as the tea room can get busy, and enjoy a day out that's both educational and fun. Remember dogs are welcome in the garden, which can be a bonus for families with furry friends.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a packed lunch to save on dining costs, though the popular tea room does offer tasty treats like cream teas if you wish to indulge. The free parking further adds to the cost-effectiveness of a visit here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvels: Cressing's Medieval Barns
Each barn has its own story and architectural nuances. The Great Barn, built around 1205, is a truly awe-inspiring structure, while the Little Barn, dating from around 1220, offers a slightly different perspective on medieval construction. Information boards throughout the site detail the history of the barns, their original purpose, and their evolution over the centuries, making for an educational and fascinating visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.
A Stroll Through History: The Tudor Walled Garden
This garden is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also a testament to the ongoing care and preservation efforts at the site. It serves as a lovely spot for reflection and offers a different facet of the estate's historical layers. The combination of the ancient barns and the serene garden makes Cressing Temple Barns a well-rounded destination for history and nature lovers alike.
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