Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 5
141 mi
Variety in types of attractions
Today you will experience the culture of suburban cities. A visit to the museum in the Norman castle, a walk through the picturesque gardens, abbey and a very nice village awaits you.
49.7 mi
1 hr 20 min
11:0045 min
Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle is a powerful fortification built by the Normans after their invasion of Britain. Today, a historical museum has placed its exposition inside its walls. Colchester Castle was built by decree of William the Conqueror. The work lasted almost 50 years, starting around 1070. The foundation of the fortress served as the ruins of the Roman temple of Claudius.
Thanks to the work of archaeologists, today they are available for inspection. The builders of the castle were not too picky when choosing materials stones and bricks from Roman buildings preserved at that time were used. In the Middle Ages the fortress was a prison for criminals and a place for keeping witches exposed.
5.1 mi
15 min
12:001 hr
Beth Chatto's gardens
The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside.
The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs. Light and spacious Tearoom with homemade cakes, light lunches, breakfasts, fresh ground coffee and selection of teas.
5.9 mi
20 min
13:301 hr
The Green Room
The Green Room offers British cuisine. In the menu, pay attention to the delicious salmon, shrimp and pork belly. Be sure to order here a good pudding, ice cream and raspberry sorbet. Guests believe that this place is a good wine, beer or scotch.
10.3 mi
25 min
15:0030 min
Mistley Towers
The Mistley Towers is the only thing left of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1776 by the famous English architect Robert Adam. Rich residents of Mistley, the Rigby family conceived to transform their village into a fashionable resort, where wealthy aristocrats could come. The church that existed at that time did not correspond to the status of a prestigious place. Therefore, Rigby asked Adam to create something original.
The architect did not disappoint their expectations: the temple, built according to his project, was radically different from the sacral buildings that were traditional at that time. In 1870, the main part of the church was destroyed, and the towers were left as navigation signs. Those parts of the towers that adjoined the building were restored, adding columns and making the towers symmetrical.
57 mi
1 hr 30 min
17:1045 min
Wymondham Abbey
Wymondham Abbey is the town's parish church. As well as being an active church with services every day, the Abbey is also a hub for the community for events such as family activities and concerts. In November 2015 the Abbey Experience opens with improved facilities including the display of original artefacts and manuscripts and hands on activities for adults and children to engage in the heritage of this special place.
There is lots to see at the Abbey and Stewards are always on hand to answer questions. The Abbey also has a shop which sells souvenirs, locally made gifts and produce, seasonal products and spiritual books.
11.6 mi
30 min
18:301 hr
Pull's Ferry
Review from visitor: "On the Riverside walk one passes Pull's ferry. It is worthwhile to stop, look at the building and consider that, during the construction of the Cathedral, Pull's ferry was the quay from which a canal ran up to the Cathedral itself to carry the blocks of stone which had been brought from Caen in France to build the cathedral itself."
0.4 mi
5 min
20:001 hr 30 min
Shiki Japanese Restaurant
At Shiki, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine. It is worth visiting this place to try the delicious sushi platter, sashimi and katsu from pork. Have a good evening here and try a good ice cream and delicious tiramisu. Order a great plum wine or good beer.
1.6 mi
10 min
22:0011 hrs
St. Giles House
Tomorrow your day will begin with a visit to the medieval castle which was built by William the Conqueror and was the only royal residence in this part of England. Then you go to the ruined castle which was built in the 12th century. After it, you will visit the tower which was the Tudor Palace with gardens and additional buildings.