# Layer Marney Tower, Colchester — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info

> England's tallest Tudor gatehouse offers families a glimpse into historic grandeur, with peaceful gardens to explore and a dedicated play area where children can burn off energy while parents soak up the heritage.

Source: https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/layer-marney-tower (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version.

Farmstay

# Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower, Roundbush Road

[View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4834027371417431979&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Photo: [Layer Marney Tower Weddings](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/109945655466688482759)

**In short:** Layer Marney Tower is a farmstay in Colchester, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5 Google reviews.

Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places

## About Layer Marney Tower

England's tallest Tudor gatehouse offers families a glimpse into historic grandeur, with peaceful gardens to explore and a dedicated play area where children can burn off energy while parents soak up the heritage.

## What's nearby

- BRB Autoservices 450m away
- Allard Office Furniture 450m away

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

## Photos

Photos via Google

## Opening hours

**Monday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Tuesday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Wednesday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Thursday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Friday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Saturday** Closed

**Sunday** Closed

## What visitors say

[Hannah Bolingbroke](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116611291528464362952/reviews) ★★★★★

We stayed at the Layer Marney Tower in the canvas lodges. It's our 11th year visiting a Feather Down Farm. I don't even know where to start, so I'll start with Nick. What a gentlemen. Nick has to be one of the most loveliest people I have ever met. He was so warm, welcoming, endearing, and friendly. I loved hearing about the family history and his parents' love story. Anne was just as delightful, so friendly, and welcoming for the whole weekend. Thank you, Anne. We also bumped into a lovely lady called Maggie who lives in the cottage, and again, super friendly. We were lucky enough, by pure chance, to pick a weekend when the Opera was on. We didn't watch the Opera, but we did hear it. It sounded beautiful. The grounds are stunning and a pleasure to explore, with a couple of childrens play areas and a tea room. There is also a beautiful church full of history and a 'must' visit. We attended a church service this morning (Sunday), and again, everyone was so welcoming and friendly, even with small children in tow. The tents are perfectly located in the woods, and the lodges themselves have had a couple of unique touches to make them that little bit different from the other feather downs. I have fallen in love with this place, I loved every single minute, as did the kids. It's by far my favourite one we have visited and will be returning. Well done to Nick and his family for creating the most amazing place to visit and make family memories that will last a lifetime. This is a true testament of your hard work and dedication.

· via Google

[Hendriek Bartelds](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116649319557252121252/reviews) ★★★★★

I wish I could have given more stars. The feather down concept really speaks to us but our experience unfortunately hasn’t been the best for us. The recommendations we gave to the Dutch feather down company where to keep up the great vibe and fun, but to put more effort in to keeping the tents clean (insects, biscuits from former guests and leaking toilet) and fix the showers long term.

· via Google

[Stephen Richard Boyle](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112566302174749224174/reviews) ★★★★★

Loved it. We stayed in the glamping tents that are like old safari tents. We had a 2 year old as well. The tent located in a wood and opposite a field full of deer. The tents has a wood stove, kitchen and toilet. It has a hot tub and shower outside. The hot tub is wood fired (wood included) The tent was great, it did get cold at night however it was still an amazing experience. If you get up early you can follow Nick and help feed the animals (chickens, lambs, deer and sheep). Nick was very interested and knowledgeable about the processes. You can also visit the grounds and go up the tower. The place is lovely and they have a small play area and café. On one of the nights there was a wedding so you could hear music in the distance, if you sleep normally it is not a problem, however if your a very light sleeper you might want some ear plugs. There was no electric in the tents, so it was great to go back to basics. Overall it was an excellent experience, great location and brilliant staff. Recommended if you like camping. Wicked!

· via Google

[See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d91d16a33f1d9b:0xd075cbfdc783b725!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

People say this wedding venue offers beautiful grounds and a stunning historic building, providing a magical backdrop for special events. They also highlight the exceptional and caring staff, who ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Guests mention the venue offers great value for money.

Summary via Google

## At a glance

**Address** East Court Layer Marney Tower, Roundbush Road, Colchester, CO5 9US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.8244790%2C0.7960691)

**Category** Castles & Palaces

**Guest rating** 4.6 / 5 (5 reviews)

**Suitable for** All Ages

**Setting** Indoor & outdoor

**Good for children** Yes

**Toilets on site** Yes

**Destination** Colchester

[More attractions in Colchester](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions)

★ 4.6 (5 reviews)

[Visit official website](https://www.layermarneytower.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction)

[01206 330 784](tel:01206330784)

(please mention staycation.co.uk when calling)

### Quick Facts

**Destination** Colchester

**Postcode** CO5 9US

**Parking** Paid on-site

**Wheelchair access** ✅ Yes

**Payment** Cards, Contactless

**Plus Code** 9F32RQFW+QC

[Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d91d16a33f1d9b:0xd075cbfdc783b725!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d91d16a33f1d9b:0xd075cbfdc783b725!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d91d16a33f1d9b:0xd075cbfdc783b725!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

### 🏨 Places to stay near Colchester

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices.

[Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DColchester%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom)

Affiliate link

[Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping)

## Quick answers

### What are the opening hours of Layer Marney Tower?

Layer Marney Tower is open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun closed (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go).

### Is Layer Marney Tower any good?

Layer Marney Tower is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5 Google reviews.

### Is Layer Marney Tower good for children?

Yes, Layer Marney Tower is listed as good for children.

### Is Layer Marney Tower indoors or outdoors?

Layer Marney Tower has both indoor and outdoor areas.

### What ages is Layer Marney Tower suitable for?

Layer Marney Tower suits all ages.

### How do I contact Layer Marney Tower?

Call Layer Marney Tower on +44 1420 80804.

## More near Layer Marney Tower

### Hotels & B&Bs nearby

- [Woodview Bed & Breakfast ★ 4.6 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels/woodview-bed-breakfast)
- [Five Lakes Resort ★ 4.3 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/maldon/hotels/five-lakes-resort)
- [Prested Hall ★ 4.5 · 3.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/coggeshall/hotels/prested-hall)
- [Travelodge Colchester Feering ★ 3.8 · 3.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels/travelodge-colchester-feering)

### Holiday cottages nearby

- [Baytree Cottages - Baytree Cottage 1 ★ 5.0 · 1.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/baytree-cottages-baytree-cottage-1-31049)
- [Country Escape at The Granary 2.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/country-escape-at-the-granary-uk33514)
- [Easthorpe Retreat 2.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/easthorpe-retreat-uk10678)
- [Ryeland Hut 2.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/ryeland-hut-qu7632)

### Campsites nearby

- [Rockinghams Farm Glamping and Camping ★ 4.5 · 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/rockinghams-farm-glamping-and-camping)
- [Tey Brook Orchard ★ 5.0 · 5.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/tey-brook-orchard)
- [Firs Chase Caravan Park ★ 4.2 · 5.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/essex/camping/firs-chase-caravan-park)
- [Colchester Country Park ★ 4.2 · 5.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/colchester-country-park)

### Things to do nearby

- [Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve ★ 4.6 · 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/abberton-reservoir-nature-reserve)
- [Colchester Zoo ★ 4.7 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/colchester-zoo)
- [Jungle Adventure ★ 3.4 · 4.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/jungle-adventure)
- [Woodup Pool ★ 4.8 · 5.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/maldon/attractions/woodup-pool)
