Explore Essex Site Hire Brochure

Site Hire at a Glance

www.explore-essex.com

Contents Site Hire: Why Us?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04

Jaywick Martello Tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Our Venues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06

Essex Country Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cudmore Grove Country Park. . . . . 26

Cressing Temple Barns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09

Danbury Country Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

The Barns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Great Notley Country Park. . . . . . . . . 30

Additional Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Hadleigh Country Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

The Tudor Walled Garden. . . . . . . . . . 16

Thorndon Country Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Cressing Event Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Weald Country Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Evening Event Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 What People Say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Discover more: E: events.exploreessex@essex.gov.uk T: 0333 013 8222 W: www.explore-essex.com @exploreessex Site Hire at a Glance

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Explore Essex Site Hire: Why Us?

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Explore Essex

Whether you are a business, charitable organisation or private hirer, Explore Essex has a wide variety of spaces and locations across the county to suit your every events need.

With eight country parks across north, south and mid-Essex, as well as our flagship site at Cressing Temple Barns, we welcome over one million visitors a year to our locations.

All of our sites have excellent access by road, with those in the north of the county close to the A12 and A120, and those in the south close to the A127, A13, and M25. With ease of access to venues, and with ample parking, there is no better place to host that important event.

The Explore Essex Events team are experienced in site hire and have worked with a variety of third-party event organisers on a diverse range of events including: Food and drink festivals, historical re-enactments, vintage fairs, charity races, outdoor theatre productions, festive events, shopping fairs, corporate away days, award ceremonies and outdoor cinema events to name but a few.

Our venues Explore Essex brings together a unique set of hireable event venues owned and run by Essex County Council.

Cressing Temple Barns Braintree CM77 8PD

Cudmore Grove Country Park East Mersea CO5 8UE

Danbury Country Park Danbury CM3 4AW

Great Notley Country Park Great Notley CM77 7FS

Hadleigh Country Park Hadleigh SS7 2PP

Jaywick Martello Tower Clacton-on-Sea CO15 2LF

Marsh Farm Country Park South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5WP

Thorndon North Country Park Brentwood CM13 3RZ

Thorndon South Country Park Brentwood CM13 3LW

Weald Country Park Brentwood CM14 5QS

Essex Outdoors Bradwell Southminster CM0 7QY

Essex Outdoors Danbury Danbury CM3 4AB

Essex Outdoors Harlow Harlow CM20 2QS

Essex Outdoors Mersea Colchester CO5 8SX

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Explore Essex

Saffron Walden

A1 31

M11

Halstead

0

A12

A1

20

Braintree

Colchester

0

M11

Essex Outdoors Harlow

Cressing Temple Barns

Essex Record Office

Maldon

Harlow Essex Outdoors Danbury

Chelmsford A414 Weald Country Park

Danbury Country Park

Brentwood

Clacton Essex Outdoors Mersea

Jaywick Martello Tower

Essex Outdoors Bradwell

Marsh Farm Country Park

Basildon Southend 3

Thorndon Country Park

A127

A1

Epping

Cudmore Grove Country Park

A12

Great Notley Country Park

33 A1

A12

Hadleigh Country Park

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Cressing Temple Barns Discover more: E: events.exploreessex@essex.gov.uk T: 0333 013 8222 W: www.explore-essex.com

Cressing Temple Barns Host your event in a unique and historical setting at Cressing Temple Barns - a site with a rich ancient heritage. Built in the 13th century, the magnificent Grade I listed Barley and Wheat Barns - which are amongst the oldest timber framed buildings in Europe - were part of a large farmstead built by the Knights Templar.

Today, the site offers a perfect mix of heritage and modern facilities for your activity. Our Cressing Temple Barns site regularly plays host to a range of events from historical re-enactment weekends, to seasonal shopping fairs, book festivals, private parties and corporate away days.

With over 1,000 square metres of indoor space spread across two large barns, a choice of historical outbuildings and two large field areas, Cressing Temple Barns is one of our most flexible sites making it perfect

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Explore Essex

for all events from small intimate gatherings in one of our 18th century farm buildings through to the exclusive hire of the full site for outdoor events for over 2,500 attendees.

Located close to major transport links, including the A12 and A120 and just 19 miles from Stansted airport, this established events site is easily accessible and will provide a uniquely beautiful setting to meet all your event needs.

Heritage buildings and gardens: 7.5 acres Total site size: 24 acres Toilets inc. disabled and baby changing facilities Step-free access to both barns, garden and most of the site

Mobility scooter available Car park: 60 cars Overflow car park: 850 cars Visitor centre Covered spaces available Close to amenities, three miles from Braintree Village

Credit: Helen Rollason

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The Barns The large medieval barns can be hired for you to host your event in a beautiful and iconic peaceful setting.

The semi-rural location allows you to get away from corporate spaces and host elegant and exciting events at this stunning site.

Optional exclusive hire of the full historic and prestigious site.

Possibilities for you to bring in audio and visual teams to set up sound, lighting and staging for your event, as well as bringing in external caterers and a bar.

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Explore Essex

The Barley Barn

The Wheat Barn

The oldest of the two barns, the magnificent Barley Barn was constructed in the 1200s.

Our Wheat Barn retains the most authentic barn structure closest to its original 13th century construction.

It is considered to be a masterpiece of Romanesque carpentry, with soaring timbers that give the barn an astonishing, cathedral-like quality.

The timber structure stretches a total of 118 feet and is 45 feet wide.

Site Hire at a Glance

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The Barley Barn

The Wheat Barn

Capacity

600 people

Capacity

500 people

Dimensions

490 sqm

Dimensions

400 sqm

Facilities

4 An iconic location for you to hold large events that will make your event stand out and be memorable 4 Ideal for holding award ceremonies, corporate away days and private celebration events 4 13th century medieval barn hire, with ancient timbers 4 Generous space with impressive acoustics 4 A large and flexible space that can be modified to fit your event 4 Free parking for all guests 4 Tiptree Barn’s Tearoom can provide a variety of options for delegates 4 Access to the Tudor Walled Garden

Accessibility

4 Disabled toilets on-site 4 Step free access to the meeting rooms, barns, Tudor Walled Garden and tea room.

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Explore Essex

Soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful heritage site and find out about its fascinating history. Wander around the Tudor Walled Garden to learn about the Tudor plants and how they were used, or simply relax in the immaculate grounds with a picnic.

Site Hire at a Glance

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The Tudor Walled Garden The Tudor Walled Garden at Cressing Temple Barns is unforgettable as the largest, most comprehensive collection of 16th century plants in the area.

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Explore Essex

Cressing Event Field and additional spaces Large event field, which can be used as an overflow car park if required Alternatively, you can take advantage of the 35,000 square metres of space for you to host your event on Evening event field (1,300 sqm) Free parking Full site hire gives you exclusive access to interesting and flexible spaces such as The Granary, the Tudor Walled Garden and the open area in front of the Craft Barn

Credit: Google Earth

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Evening Event Field Over 1,000 square meters Music license until 11pm seven days a week Corporate away days

Credit: Braintree District Council

Credit: Sophie Franklin

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Explore Essex

What People Say Our clients love: Tiptree Tea Rooms on-site The location The peaceful and special atmosphere

“

The historical elements and architecture of the barns Our co-ordinators and easy booking process Outstanding care and attention to detail

“The team could not have been more attentive; they were on hand for everything and anything we needed”

“Nothing was too much trouble, and Tiptree catering adapted the menu to my Director’s needs. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments, sandwiches, and commented on how much they enjoyed the scones and cream.”

“Just to say my experience of dealing with your staff at Cressing Temple Barns was outstanding, the Events team were so helpful.”

“The venue is stunning and versatile perfect for the various ages ranges we had attending. We were well looked after on the day - the events team seemed to appear when you needed them and with whatever you had asked for. Fabulous!”

“

Site Hire at a Glance

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Jaywick Martello Tower Discover more: E: events.exploreessex@essex.gov.uk T: 0333 013 8222 W: www.explore-essex.com

Jaywick Martello Tower This thriving arts, community and heritage venue is on the beautiful Essex coastline.

The exclusive and intimate heritage venue is a thriving arts heritage space which is perfect for hosting small events. We often welcome groups to Jaywick Martello Tower for workshops, corporate training and private events, specifically chosen for being an interesting space with a unique design.

Close to Clacton-on-Sea, the Martello tower is a perfect space to hold small events in a unique venue rich in history in the north part of the county.

One of only 29 Martello towers built on the east coast of England, the unique site is perfectly positioned for you to host small events such as art workshops, history exhibitions, craft fairs and much more.

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Explore Essex

Perfect for small events Wheelchair lift to first floor Ample outside space Panoramic rooftop space On-site toilets Meeting spaces Seafront venue Free parking

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Essex Country Parks Discover more: E: events.exploreessex@essex.gov.uk T: 0333 013 8222 W: www.explore-essex.com

Cudmore Grove Country Park A nature reserve with over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes, habitat and heritage overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries.

Large nature reserve

The events space has a backdrop of a unique setting, rich in historic features including World War II pillboxes.

Scenic views

Discover the remains of a Tudor Blockhouse Fort and a cliff that has produced 300,000-year-old fossils.

With a children’s play area, plenty of open space and overflow parking, this could be the perfect venue for your event

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Explore Essex

200 parking spaces Stunning beach Children’s play area

Overflow car park: 3,400 sqm Over 100 acres On-site toilets Accessible toilets Baby changing facilities

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Danbury Country Park Danbury is an award-winning 45 acre Grade II listed park and gardens with lakes, ancient woodland, a wildflower meadow and historic features, all set in the remains of the 13th century Danbury Palace.

The park encloses a medium sized field which can be used to install marquees, and a large lake.

The striking oak trees make the perfect route for winter lights exhibitions, or a corporate day away from the busy office and into peaceful surroundings.

The park is known for its historic lakes, ancient woodland, wildflower meadows, formal lawned garden and a Victorian rhododendron collection.

The park is perfect for walks, families with young children and having picnics with friends.

Medium events

This stunning park is perfect for smaller bookings to explore and wander, or relax in the sun.

Accessible toilets

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Explore Essex

100 parking spaces Historic venue 45 acres On-site toilets

Site Hire at a Glance

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Great Notley Country Park If you are looking to host your event in a large outdoor, unique and child-friendly venue then Great Notley Country Park is perfect for your needs.

Small, medium, large events

With ease of access in the middle of the county, situated close to the A120 and the A131, Great Notley is the ideal venue for events large and small.

The site has parking for up to 500 cars, is largely flat and accessible and has a large natural amphitheater on site.

Visitor centre and café

Having hosted events ranging from charity races, dog shows, cross country runs, duathlons races, cinema screenings and firework displays, this popular family park is experienced in every kind of site hire.

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Explore Essex

100 acres Over 500 parking spaces On-site toilets

Accessible toilets Large natural amphitheatre Conference room Children’s play trail

Site Hire at a Glance

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Hadleigh Country Park A large country park in south Essex offering something for everyone. With large amounts of land, idyllic countryside, magnificent views, important historical sites and The Salvation Army café, this park is a top sporting venue after hosting the Olympics cross-country mountain bike event in 2012.

The park has car parking space for over 400 vehicles, plenty of beautiful open space, and has resurfaced footpaths making the site accessible for those using electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

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Explore Essex

Small, medium, large events 370 acres Over 400 parking spaces On-site toilets Cafe on site Accessible toilets Children’s play area

Site Hire at a Glance

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Thorndon Country Park Thorndon North and South County Parks together boast more than 500 acres of tranquil woodlands allow you to hold events with beautiful and diverse backdrops.

Small, medium, large events

Thorndon North is home to the famous Gruffalo Trail while Thorndon South is a more open parkland with plenty of land overlooking stunning countryside and views as far as Canary Wharf.

In summer, an overflow car park is available for a further 500 vehicles.

Visitor centre and café

Loved by families, dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the parks are the perfect place to be enjoyed for both small and large bookings.

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Explore Essex

Over 500 acres North: 290 parking spaces South: 110 parking spaces

Gruffalo trail Children’s play area

Site Hire at a Glance

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Weald Country Park Our largest park boasts more than 500 acres. Close to Brentwood it’s incredibly easy to get to, with plenty of parking and room, this park will never feel crowded.

Small, medium, large events

A stones throw away from the M25 and a short distance from the A12, A127 and A13, Weald Country Park is perfectly located for events of all sizes.

On site toilets

With four car parks and up to 650 parking spaces, Weald has hosted a range of large-scale events, including Race for Life, outdoor cinema screenings, cross country runs, duathlons and races as well as firework displays.

Weald Country Park – which originated as a deer park in the 12th century - is the ideal location and is guaranteed to suit your needs.

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Explore Essex

Over 520 acres Over 600 parking spaces Visitor centre and cafe

Stick Man Play Trail Children’s play area

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Site Hire Made Easy

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Explore Essex - Site Hire at a Glance E: events.exploreessex@essex.gov.uk T: 0333 013 8222 W: www.explore-essex.com

This information is issued by: Essex County Council, Culture and Green Spaces Essex County Council County Hall Chelmsford Essex CM1 1QH

Follow us on: @exploreessex @cressingtemplebarns @essexrecordoffice @jaywickmartellotower Published June 2023