Layer Marney Tower

Welcome to Layer Marney Tower

England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower stands within the Essex landscape, commanding views to the River Blackwater and beyond. Built in the reign of Henry VIII by Henry, Lord Marney, Layer Marney Tower is a statement house, that shows its original owner was rich, powerful and a friend of the King. The ornate terracotta decorations are of Italian design, the extravagant use of glass, diaper patterns in the brick work and its commanding height, add to its grandeur and importance.

Although this is a stunning and imposing building, Layer Marney Tower remains a family home, skilfully adapted for wedding ceremonies and receptions, conferences, parties, school groups and general visitors.

Visitors have been welcomed to Layer Marney Tower for over 500 years and we warmly welcome you to come and visit and find out more.

Layer Marney Tower is midway between Colchester and Tiptree, just off the B1022 road. Follow the brown tourist signs. Use the post code CO5 9US in your Sat Nav. We are in within easy reach of Stansted, London and the M25.


From London and the West

Leave the A12 at the Kelvedon turning (B1024). Drive through Kelvedon, crossing the river, and at the top of the hill turn right by the Old Anchor pub, to Maldon and Tiptree (B1023). Follow this road for about two miles to a T-junction. Turn left to Colchester (B1022). Turn right after 2 miles, at the signpost to Layer Marney Tower. There is a sharp corner almost immediately, followed soon after by a left turning signed to Layer Marney Tower which you should take. At the first cross-roads turn right (signed), and drive for about 1/4 mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.

From Ipswich and the East

Turn off the A12 at the Halstead exit (B1124). At the roundabout take the first exit left. (You will pass a sign for Layer Marney Tower that says follow the signs to Maldon). At the next roundabout take the third exit to Maldon, Tollgate Retail Park and Colchester Zoo, passing Sainsburys on your right. You will now go over three small roundabouts: at the first go straight over, at the second turn left, and at the third, a double roundabout, turn right to Maldon. Follow the road for just over a mile to a T-junction. Turn right to Maldon (B1022). After two miles you will see, on the right, the entrance to Birch Quarry, and soon after a turning on the left signed to Layer Marney Tower. Take this turning, go straight over the cross-roads and follow the lane for 1/4 of a mile. The entrance gates to Layer Marney Tower are on the right.

Mainline Railway Staions  Marks Tey and Colchester are nearby.