Cressing Temple Barns — Attraction in Braintree

08/08/2020: Peaceful, serene, beautiful, and a wealth of medieval history to soak up, particularly an incredible example of the Knights Templar and what they created at this estate. One of the earliest built barns is almost 900 years old! I arrived just after 4pm so I didn't get to avail myself of anything from the Tiptree Tea-room, but I noticed lots of people were sat outside enjoying their treats. It was after I left I realised there is a Medieval walled garden, but I don't believe that was open, (I probably walked around it ha!) with regards to present restrictions re Covid being lifted and certain areas slowly being re-opened. There isn't a gift shop open at present, again re the present restrictions. It was a gorgeous summer's day, which made my afternoon visit all the more lovely. I'll definitely return...

The barns are lovely but we went today for the Christmas craft fair. We went in 2019 and it was lovely. Today's was sadly spoilt though by just too many people. Had to queue to get in the car park for around 25 minutes. The marquees and barns were absolutely rammed to the point where you could barely get near some of the stalls to see anything. The food stalls were a nightmare, huge queues to buy anything and that then meant the whole area was incredibly crowded. We felt very uncomfortable, it wasn't the relaxed, festive experience we'd remembered from our last visit. Even in 'normal' times I'd have felt like that, but at the moment it felt even worse. I would recommend to the organisers for future events to have a limit on ticket sales, I certainly would not go...

Wonderful Tudor gardens, with sympathetic plantings suited to the period. Beautifully tended and very impressive to visit. There is a unique apple orchard with old and rare trees. Seasonal veg available to buy, as well as peat free grown perennials at very good prices. There are huge Temple barns that are among the oldest in the UK. They are used for events and large fairs. The grounds are quite extensive with a Tiptree Tearoom at the entrance to the grounds. Free car parking available at all times. A wonderful place to spend time in a unique setting. Very peaceful and is free to enter when no events etc are scheduled. Have been visiting the site for over 30 years now, and there's always something new to see in the Tudor walled garden. A very special place in...