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Feather Down
Options & pricesDiscover Layer Marney Tower in Essex, the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England with 500 years of history, privately owned by Nick and Sheila. Nick will introduce you to his menagerie of animals during feeding time each morning - join him in the Tower’s courtyard before he sets off each day at 8am. Your cosy canvas hideaways are nestled in birch, ash and alder trees that you’ll share with pheasants, woodpeckers, deer and owls. All in all, it's the ideal spot for a family holiday that allows you to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of life in the Essex countryside.
Layer Marney Tower is well placed for you to explore some little-known gems of the Essex coastline, one of the longest of any county in England. If you like bird watching, Abberton Reservoir is just a ten-minute drive away. Colchester the first city in England, founded in Roman times is well worth a visit, both for its history and for its zoo, recently voted one of the best in the country. Oyster lovers will already know all about Mersea Island. Constable country is a short drive away at Dedham Vale, where you can see where the Haywain was painted, one of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery.
During your stay, you will have free access to the Tower, when it is open, where you can learn about the ups and downs in its history, join in the fun and get a stunning view all the way to the sea from the top. For the adventurous, rent a bike, fly your kites, organise your own cricket or football in the big fields or climb up the farm’s spider web frame, the choice is yours! Some tents come with a hot tub, a truly indulgent way to get back to nature. When the sun sets, grab some marshmallows from the honesty shop and gather around the campfire. Book youself the treat to make pizza or a stew over the open fire. After a long day of exploration, you can collapse into your comfy bed for a good night’s sleep at one of the best places for a family holiday in Essex.
Hot tub
Honesty shop
Pizza oven
Dogs not allowed
What animals will you find on this farm?
Sheep
Chickens
Deer
Including wood for the wood-burning stove
Including welcome package with bed-linen, towels, candles, matches, washing-up liquid and other basic items
One of the world's best family holidays
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Pizza night
The farmer will usually fire up the pizza oven during your stay. Everyone gathers round to tell their stories of the day’s adventures and invent pizza toppings you’ll never find on the high street
Highlight
Ask the farmer
The farm tour is a must if it’s on offer during your stay. But you don’t wait till then. The farmer will be delighted to tell you more about farm life at any time.
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The farm shop
It’s great for the basics and usually even better for local produce and low food miles. And every Feather Down farm shop operates on an honesty basis.
Meet your hosts
We are Nick and Sheila and together with our team (and our menagerie of animals), we will welcome you to the beautiful Layer Marney Tower.
Dip into your private hot tub, spoil some chickens and let our place be your escape from modern-day living.
Mersea Island
Colchester
The Essex salt marsh coast
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