Essex

Properties and events in Essex

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

7 Queen Street Colchester - One of the city's most interesting buildings.

The Queen Street Brewhouse, 7 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PG
In person
Pre-booking preferred

7 Queen Street Colchester dates from the 14th century. It has been occupied as a business and/or domestic premises for the the last 600 years.

A lecture entitled 'Modern Architecture & the Press'

Broadway, Silver End, Witham, Essex, CM8 3RQ
In person
Pre-booking preferred

A lecture to be given by the acclaimed Dr Jessica Kelly, senior lecturer at London Metropolitan University with a particular interest in mid century architecture and media.

Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve

Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve, rear of Asda Superstore, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve this Heritage Open Days.

Braintree Museum - Braintree, Buildings and Beyond

Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW
In person
Pre-booking not required

Get a unique glimpse into Braintree Museum’s collection and behind the scenes at the Warner Textile Archive showcasing the rich local heritage of textile production, notible historic figures and industry giants.

Christopher Jones House

Christopher Jones House, 21, Kings Head Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EE
In person
Pre-booking not required

This is the home of the master of the Mayflower, a majority of which is still in original condition.

Colne Valley Postal History Museum

109 Head Street, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2AZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A privately owned Postal History Museum in the heart of East Anglia. Hands-on history for everything post and telephone related! New larger premises for 2025!

Explore & Discover: Open House at St. Mary’s Church Old Harlow

Churchgate Street, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0JT
In person
Pre-booking not required

St. Mary’s Church will be open to explore and discover a little bit of history on your doorstep, and enjoy a delicious cream tea.

Foresters

Foresters, 5 Church Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DR
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover what is believed to be the oldest building in Harwich.

Gargoyles to Gables, Honeycomb to Spider's Silk at Willingale

St Christopher's Church, The Street, Willingale, Ongar, Essex, CM5 0SJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Explore Architectural themes from natural to man made with themed floral displays, church tours and bellringing demonstrations. Visit two churches in one churchyard, purchase refreshments and local produce.

Harlowbury Chapel

Harlowbury Manor, Old Road, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0HE
In person
Pre-booking not required

See Harlow's oldest building. A Norman chapel built in 1180 in the grounds of Harlowbury Manor. On the site of an earlier saxon building.

Harwich Lifeboat Museum

Harwich Lifeboat Museum, Angelgate, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover this Local Lifeboat museum this Heritage Open Days.

Harwich Maritime Museum

Harwich Maritime Museum, The Green, Harbour Crescent, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Museum showing Harwich maritime heritage housed in the old Low Lighthouse.

Harwich Museum

Anglia House, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3FN
In person
Pre-booking not required

Harwich is a historic and distinctive town steeped in a wealth of history. Whether you drop in for half an hour or half a day, there is plenty to explore whatever your age and interests and many of you will be taking a walk down memory lane.

Harwich Visitor Information Centre

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH
In person
Pre-booking not required

Town Information Centre & Mayflower exhibition

High Lighthouse

High Lighthouse, West Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

90ft Lighthouse with great views out to sea.

Historic Harwich Walk

Visitor Information Centre, The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover Historic Harwich on this Guided walk.

Mercury Theatre

Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT
In person
Pre-booking required

Colchester's Mercury Theatre reopened in 2021 following a major redevelopment. The theatre takes its name from the Roman messenger god Mercury whose statute was found at Gosbecks, just outside Colchester, in the 1940s.

Parndon Hall

Parndon Hall, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX
In person
Pre-booking required

The former home of Loftus & Elizabeth Arkwright, Parndon Hall was built in 1867. Elizabeth decorated ceilings and doors with paintings, as was the fashion at the time. The Grade II listed house is owned by the hospital and is now mothballed.

Rayleigh Windmill

Rayleigh Windmill, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7ED
In person
Pre-booking not required

Guided Tours, Presentations and Real Life 19th Century Millers!

RDF Radar Tower

Barrack Lane, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NP
In person
Pre-booking not required

WWII Radio Direction Finding (RDF/Radar) Tower