Mistley Towers Essex
Iconic Georgian twin towers on the River Stour, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into historical ambitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for photography
Mistley Towers Essex
Best Time
Best for photography
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Georgian twin towers on the River Stour, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into historical ambitions.
"Intriguing & distinctive matching pair of towers that have become symbolic of Mistley."
🔑 Key Collection for Entry
Collect keys from Mistley Thorn hotel for tower access. It's a short walk and the visit is brief.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The waterfront offers stunning views, especially with sea mists or reflections on the River Stour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Twin Towers
Mistley Waterfront
Distinctive matching Georgian towers, remnants of a grand church, now symbolic of Mistley.
River Stour Views
Adjacent to the towers
Evocative photo opportunities with the River Stour, especially in sea mists or with reflections.
Norman Family Mausoleum
Churchyard
An intriguing, albeit stark, 'Egyptian-style' black granite mausoleum adding to the site's mystique.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Towers
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Travel Advice
🔑 Key Collection for Entry
Collect keys from Mistley Thorn hotel for tower access. It's a short walk and the visit is brief.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The waterfront offers stunning views, especially with sea mists or reflections on the River Stour.
🚶♀️ Explore the Churchyard
Wander the churchyard for scattered gravestones and the Norman mausoleum.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Park opposite the towers in a small side turning for easy access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔑 Key Collection for Entry
Collect keys from Mistley Thorn hotel for tower access. It's a short walk and the visit is brief.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The waterfront offers stunning views, especially with sea mists or reflections on the River Stour.
🚶♀️ Explore the Churchyard
Wander the churchyard for scattered gravestones and the Norman mausoleum.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Park opposite the towers in a small side turning for easy access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mistley Towers are appreciated for their distinctive architecture and picturesque waterfront location, offering great photo opportunities. However, visitors note that interior access is limited and the towers themselves are in need of repair, making it more of a brief stop than a full-day attraction.
"Could do with some more information at this location, very limited other than the fact that there was previously a church here. The towers themselves are nice and look in good condition, but you can only wonder round the outside."
Andrew Cartwright
"The history behind the two towers that are left standing is that there used to be a church joining them together.
I liked the tower's architecture, other than that there is not much to see or do.
You can enter one of the towers by collecting the keys from he mistley thorn hotel high."
Raif & Vy
"We collected the keys from a nearby hotel...literally a few minutes walk. Parked opposite in a little side turning. Took about 10 minutes to explore. We only had access to one tower and to be honest there wasn't anything inside. The towers are in need of repair. Interesting history though. If you're in the area it's worth a stop off but I wouldn't make a specific journey as not much going on."
Nicole Marshall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Chelmsford, you can drive to Mistley Towers, which is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour journey depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a train from Chelmsford to Manningtree station, which is a short walk or bus ride from Mistley.
Yes, there is parking available opposite the towers in a small side turning. It's convenient for a quick visit.
Yes, you can reach Mistley by train to Manningtree station. From there, it's a short walk or a local bus ride to the towers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can view the towers from the outside at any time. To enter one of the towers, you need to collect keys from the nearby Mistley Thorn hotel.
The churchyard and exterior of the towers are accessible during daylight hours. Interior access is dependent on collecting keys from the Mistley Thorn hotel.
Viewing the towers from the outside is free. There is no stated fee for collecting the keys to enter one of the towers, but it's advisable to check with the Mistley Thorn hotel.
Yes, you can enter one of the towers by collecting the keys from the Mistley Thorn hotel. However, the interior is basic and the towers are in need of repair.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring the architecture and taking photos of the distinctive twin towers. You can also explore the churchyard, see the Norman mausoleum, and enjoy views of the River Stour.
A visit to Mistley Towers is typically short, around 10-15 minutes if you're just viewing from the outside or briefly exploring the churchyard. If you enter a tower, it might take slightly longer.
Reviews suggest the towers are in need of repair, though they are generally in good condition externally.
Absolutely! The towers offer evocative photo opportunities, especially against the backdrop of the River Stour, sea mists, or reflections.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. Visiting when there are sea mists or calm waters on the River Stour will enhance the atmospheric shots.
You can capture wide shots of the towers against the river, close-ups of the architectural details, and scenic views of the surrounding waterfront.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Mistley Towers
Beyond their architectural merit, the towers are steeped in local lore. Legends connect them to the notorious Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, and whispers of hidden tunnels beneath the site add an air of mystery. The towers have also served practical purposes, acting as a beacon for sailors navigating the River Stour. The surrounding churchyard contains scattered gravestones and the notable Norman family mausoleum, described as 'Egyptian-style' black granite, though its style is debated. The site's history is deeply intertwined with the town's development, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
Experiencing Mistley Towers Today
The real draw for many is the picturesque setting on the banks of the River Stour. The towers provide evocative photo opportunities, particularly when shrouded in sea mists or reflected in the calm waters. The area is ideal for leisurely walks, allowing visitors to soak in the historical ambiance and natural beauty. While not an attraction with extensive activities, Mistley Towers offers a unique and memorable stop for those exploring the Essex coastline or interested in Georgian architecture and local history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit