Discover Earls Colne: History, River Landscape and Nature

Earls Colne combines remarkable historic sites with a landscape shaped by the River Colne and numerous footpaths. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for a stay combining culture and nature will find a range of inspiration for planning their trip here: ecclesiastical architecture, a Norman priory, a museum dedicated to local history and paths through the surrounding landscape.

Historic sites with a history of their own

The Parish Church of St Andrew features structural elements from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, as well as an older origin. The roof of the nave also dates from the 16th century. This building therefore allows several historical periods to be traced at a single location, without reducing its history to one specific date.

Earls Colne Priory is a well-documented Norman priory. The historical records span from its foundation in the 12th century to its destruction in the 16th century. The priory lies 500 metres east of the village of Earls Colne, on the western bank of the River Colne. Its location connects the historic site with the riverside landscape that helps shape the character of the surrounding area.

Another distinctive feature is the Earls Colne Quaker Meeting House. Worship has taken place at this site since the 1670s. The present building was probably constructed around 1733 and replaced an earlier building dating from 1674. The service takes place every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.; everyone is welcome. For those interested in religious and local history, this is a specific appointment to include in their trip planning.

Museum, River Colne and paths through the landscape

At the Old Water Tower, 1 Reuben Walk, the Earls Colne Heritage Museum operates and manages a museum dedicated to local history. Together with the Parish Church of St Andrew, Meeting House and Priory, this creates a cultural focus that can easily be complemented by a stay involving walks.

The River Colne winds through the grounds of Colne Valley Golf Club. South of Park Lane in Earls Colne, there is also the Brickfield and Long Meadow Local Nature Reserve. Earls Colne has many footpaths along which the surrounding landscape can be explored. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on historic discoveries, outdoor routes or a combination of both.

Getting there and planning the right trip

Earls Colne can be reached via the A1124. For travelling by train, it is important to know that Braintree station is the nearest railway station to Earls Colne. These reference points help you incorporate your journey into your plans at an early stage and tailor your search for a holiday apartment or holiday home to your preferred type of stay.

If you would like to include other places in your trip planning alongside Earls Colne, you can also compare Burnham-On-Crouch, Stock, Southminster, North Weald Bassett, Gosfield, Great Easton, Clavering or West Mersea.

For the wider travel overview: Essex.