Welcome back to Marks Tey Hotel

Just 14 mins from Mars Tey Hotel, The Putt in the Park is a newly build an adventure golf course and clubhouse cafe, set in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Colchester Castle Park. 

This exciting and challenging putting course has been specially designed to suit all abilities from the novice to the experienced golfer so the whole family can have some fun.

Just 23 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel, Beth Chatto's Gardens began in 1960 and were created by Beth Chatto OBE award winning plant-women, author and lecturer. The legacy of Beth's vision has now been passed on to her granddaughter Julie Boulton, who runs this family business.

The grounds beautifully harmonize with the surrounding countryside. Its an inspiration place 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 as well as Tea Room and Coffee shop.

Dedham - just 15 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel, is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Dedham Vale, on Essex-Suffolk border. 

It's quaint High Street has an abundance of independent shops, cosy pubs and quintessential tearooms, including the famous Wilkin and Sons. 

It was here that Britain’s greatest landscape artist John Constable lived and painted, walking along the pretty River Stour on his way to school.

A short walk from the heart of the village you'll find the riverbanks of the River Stour, where you can hire the boat or book a kayaking tour offered by local company.

Just 10 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel, Marks Hall Estate is a beautiful heritage landscape that extends to over 2,350 acres of Essex countryside. The estate includes broadleaved woodlands, a world-class Arboretum showcasing a collection of rare trees from across the globe, The Wild Wood family play area, relaxing lakes, a Walled Garden featuring the longest herbaceous border in the county and much more. Ideal destination for whole family including your four legged friends as park offers interesting events program throughout the year, including Woof weekends. Visit their website for more info.

Just 25 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel, Jimmys Farm is wildlife park has something for everyone. There's unusual breeds, a butterfly enclosure and even a pub in the woods. You may even encounter Steve McQueen, that infamous escaping meerkat featured on the popular TV series. There's also a restaurant, farm shop and gift shops so a great day out for all the family.

You can even purchase the Animal Expedience and have a go at feeding, grooming, bathing animals which will be great fun for all ages.

The great new addition to the farm is newly build monkey enclosure, which is now open to public.

Layer Marney Tower is located just 12 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel and it is the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK, a magnificent building standing 80 feet tall within stunning grounds.
Events run throughout the year, often on Bank holidays or weekends, are always a fun mix of historic and contemporary activities, for more details please visit  the website.
 

Just 15 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel Wilkin & Sons Limited is a manufacturer of preserves, marmalades and associated products established in Tiptree in 1885, and known for its "Tiptree" brand of fruit preserves.

The Visitor Center features a tearoom, shop, and museum about the company's history, jam-making, and village life.

You can find here great selection of conserves and jams, gins, puds all approved by Her Majesty The Queen.

Colchester Zoo, just 15 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel, is home to over 220 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes.

During your visit you will see species from around the world and learn more about them! 

Colchester Zoo also has many undercover areas so you can stay warm and dry on even the wettest of days. Walk through 24m tunnel as sealions swim overhead or stop by the Rajang's Forest and see if you can hang for as long as an orangutan. There are  many more fun and interactive areas to discover! 

Mersea lies just 10 miles from the Marks Tey Hotel, you can walk round the entire island in 5 hours when you'll encounter sandy beaches, meadows, grassland and wildlife in abundance.

Stop off for a bite, there's numerous seafood options available, after all, Mersea oysters are famous the world over.

Go crabbing off the jetty or take the foot ferry from the Cudmore Grove Country Park across to nearby Brightlingsea, with it's pretty promenade and small town centre.

But be sure to check the tide times though as the road in and out floods twice daily.

Just 15 mins drive from Marks Tey Hotel,High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's beauty spots. The Grounds include woodland, open spaces (ideal for picnics), a lake and wildflower meadows. Along with marshy areas, High Woods provides the right habitat for thousands of different birds and mammals. It's free for humans too. It's a perfect place not to be missed by dog walkers, cyclists and families too as park offers children play area too. 

After a long walk you can sit down and rest at the Parks own Cafe and enjoy some refreshments.