Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Essex
Haunted Essex
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Ha'Penny Pier in Harwich ©Paul Nixon Photography TDC 2018
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Parade Gound Stairs and Embrasure © Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum, Eastbourne Heritage Service and Jarrold Publishing
With more than 14,000 listed and ancient buildings, Essex can officially call itself the epicentre of all things scary. When better to get up and close and personal with this gory history, than to take a closer look at some of these spooky attractions?
Enter, what is believed to be, one of the oldest towns in Britain at the Hollytrees museum in Colchester. The museum houses two centuries of toys, costume and decorative art. But beware of the ‘White Lady’, who haunts this house and may follow you through the halls. In Manningtree, wander through the town, home to the last witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. In Redoubt Fort, explore the rumours of paranormal activity and follow the ghostly footsteps.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel
Arrive at your hotel and relax before dinner.
Day 2
Haunted Essex
Meet your guide in Colchester, believed to be the oldest town in Britain. Continue with a visit to Hollytrees Museum, near to Colchester Castle. The Museum houses two centuries of toys, costume and decorative arts and is reputed to be haunted by Anne Lisle, also known as the White Lady, whose ghost can often be heard running past the Gun Room. A scenic guided tour follows taking you through Manningtree, once the home of Matthew Hopkins, the last Witchfinder General, famous for the hanging of more than 300 women suspected of witchcraft in the 1700s, and Mistley, by the River Stour where Hopkins’ own ghost is said to haunt Mistley Pond. Then on to the ancient port of Harwich where there is a stop for lunch (included). After lunch, visit the Redoubt Fort, a place of much paranormal activity including sightings of the ghost of a headless soldier, ghostly footsteps that have been heard echoing in the corridors and the sinister feeling of unseen hands. Built in 1808 to defend the Harbour against Napoleonic invasion. Continue via Ramsey Creek and the delightful villages of Great Oakley and Little Oakley where ghostly sightings have reputedly been made. Then through Thorpe-le-Soken, home once of a lady now said to haunt the village inn and thought to be the burial place of Sir William Gull, physician to Queen Victoria, but thought by some to have been Jack the Ripper.
Day 3
Return home
After breakfast start your journey home. If time permits, you may wish to visit Audley End House, one of England’s finest country houses.
Suggested Hotels
Marks Tey Hotel SureStay Hotel Collection by Best Western, Colchester ****
Located close to Colchester, with all local attractions within easy reach and excellent transportation links to East Anglia, London and the M5, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the area. Enjoy contemporary brasserie style food in the restaurant or indulge in the delights of afternoon tea, light bites and relaxed drinks in the Bar & Lounge. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym and tennis courts. There are 110 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, each of them equipped with TV, trouser press, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. This hotel does not have a lift but there are plenty of rooms on the ground floor. Coach parking is available on site.
Holiday Inn Colchester ***
A warm welcome awaits at this hotel, situated in the village of Halstead, three miles from the centre of Colchester. Guests can keep in shape in the gym and indoor pool and relax and treat themselves in the spa, steam room and sauna. The casual, barn-style restaurant serves modern British cuisine and the bar offers drinks and burgers while showing live TV sports. Relax in one of the cosy bedrooms which feature private bathrooms, hairdryer, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. This hotel has coach parking and rooms adapted for disabled use.
Holiday Inn Ipswich ***
This comfortable hotel is located near Ipswich city centre, just off the A12/A14 interchange. There are great event facilities and a fitness centre with indoor pool, spa pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or dinner at the smart Junction Restaurant and go for a refreshing drink at Millers Bar. Each of the spacious bedrooms offers an en-suite bathroom, trouser press, TV and hairdryer. This hotel has 3 rooms adapted for disabled access.
| Dates | 3 days / 2 nights |
| 2024 dates | Prices on request |
| 2025 dates | Prices on request |
Single room supplement available upon request.
