National Trust - Paycocke's House and Garden - Colchester

W W Howe

Situated in the village of Coggeshall near Colchester,Essex this ancient house has a rich history. It was one the home of the Paycock family who were wealthy traders in the cloth industry which was present in much of the local area hundreds of years ago. The house has had many more occupants both before and after and the volunteer guides will fill you in as you are given a tour around the house and gardens.
After the tour there are a few more rooms to visit and information boards giving a further insight into the history of the house and those who resided there.
Entry is free for National Trust members. Membership is from £7.50 a month and gives access to over 500 locations. You can also pay to just visit the house.
There is a tea room and a secondhand bookshop on-site.
During the tour visitors go to the upper floor,due to the age of the house there are only stairs so wheelchair users could only have a partial tour.
Personally,I would allow about two hours for your visit.
There is free street parking nearby on weekends as there's a single yellow line. During the week it would be necessary to park in the nearby village.
If you have time then National Trust's Grange Barn is just five minutes away. It is a huge 800 year old monastic barn again with an interesting history.
There is a ruined Monastery and also a museum in the village, both of those are free to visit.

John Webb

Exquisite. Not your usual stately house. A small home with a depth of history, style and craftsmanship all interestingly put by our guide. The house is only accessible by timed guided tour.
Wonderful carved wood.
Really friendly and welcoming staff/volunteers.
Loved it all.

Marcie Ford

Was lucky enough to visit on a day when the Mid Essex Spinners, Weavers and Dyers was giving a spinning exhibition. Really brought the house to life as it was owned by a fabric merchant. Definitely go on the house tour to get the most of it.

Jackie Seymour

We visited this house in July. A lovely lady called Ann showed us round and gave us the most informative talk about the house and families who previously lived there. Her knowledge was second to none, it really makes a difference and brings things to life. She talked and pointed out things we would never have known had we just wondered round on our own. Ann is an absolute asset to this property, a total expert on its history. Best NT visit in years. Afterwards we sat in the lovely garden and had tea and scones.

Shannon Mead

What a gorgeous place. It was a nice surprise on our way to somewhere else. This building from the early 1400's is a must see. Book your guided tour of the interior in advance, places fill quickly. The garden was stunning. We watched and spoke with two women who were spinning yarn, amazing knowledge and insight. Only downside, no oarking, but what can you expect from a town that old! Many other Listed buildings in the town as well. Worth a day out for the culture and beauty of this town.

Kathleen Owen

Very enthuiastic guides. Coffee shop and fabulous gardens, with lots of garden games that even kept us adults entertained

Sarah Beth Jewellers

A really good tour with a very knowledgable guide.

We were running late due to half of us stuck in traffic and everybody at the house was very accommodating to us with the timings of things. it made our day all the better, Thank You so much.

Even played croquet and quoits in the garden !

kevin mills

This national trust property , has no on site parking, you will either need to park on the street or in a local car park. It is best to book a tour in advance which lasts around 45 mins., the tours are informative and well delivered. There is a nice little cafe on site , a lovely garden and a 2nd hand book shop. The building is a survivor and welll worth a visit.