where to stay

We recommend the White Hart Inn on Mersea Island and the Sun Inn in Dedham, and Layer Marney Tower itself.

In Colchester, we recommend Peake's House, (a beautiful half-timbered Landmark Trust House), The North Hill Hotel, Baye House, the George Hotel and Greyfrairs Hotel.

Other places to stay that we haven't checked out include Woodview B&B, Apple Tree Cottages, Wivenhoe House Hotel, and the Woolpack Inn in Coggeshall.

The Blue Anchor in Feering is full for the Opera Festival.

Wooden boats docked along a calm river under leafy trees.