Cressing Temple Barns
Explore 13th-century Templar barns and a Tudor walled garden in the Essex countryside – a peaceful, historic escape with free public access on non-event days.
Step into medieval England at Cressing Temple Barns, home to two of the world’s oldest timber barns built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. Explore the atmospheric Barley and Wheat Barns, wander the restored Tudor Walled Garden, and soak up centuries of history in the Essex countryside. Open to the public on non-event days, this historic site offers a peaceful, educational visit with a tea room and shop on site.
A brief summary to Cressing Temple Barns
- Witham Rd, Braintree, Cressing, CM77 8PD, GB
- +443330132738
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the official website before visiting, as the site may be closed or ticketed for private events, weddings, or festivals on certain days.
- Visit on a weekday outside of event dates for a quieter experience; the barns and garden are especially atmospheric in the morning light.
- Allow time to explore both the Barley Barn and Wheat Barn, and don’t miss the informative displays inside the Wheat Barn that explain the medieval carpentry.
- Bring a picnic or plan to stop at the Tiptree Barn’s Tearoom; it’s a charming spot to relax after exploring the historic buildings and garden.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
From Braintree or Witham, follow the B1018 (Witham Road) between the two towns; Cressing Temple Barns is clearly signposted on the north side of the road. There is a large, free, hard-surface car park on site with spaces for disabled visitors.
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Public Transport
The nearest railway station is Witham, about 4 miles away; from there, a taxi is the most practical way to reach the site, as local bus services are infrequent and do not stop directly at the entrance.
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Walking
From Cressing village, the site is a 15–20 minute walk along country lanes and footpaths; the route is mostly flat but can be muddy in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Cressing Temple Barns location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Cressing Temple Barns
Timber Giants of the Templars
Standing in the Essex countryside, Cressing Temple Barns preserves two of the oldest and finest surviving timber-framed barns in the world. Built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, the Barley Barn and Wheat Barn are remarkable feats of medieval carpentry, their massive oak frames rising like a cathedral of agriculture. The Barley Barn, often called the 'cathedral of barns', is one of the earliest aisled barns in England, while the Wheat Barn, built around 1250, is the least altered of the two and showcases the original structure in near-pristine condition. Inside, the intricate roof trusses and smoke-blackened timbers tell a story of centuries of grain storage, estate management, and the Templars’ powerful presence in medieval Essex.A Tudor Garden Reborn
The site’s charm extends beyond the barns to the beautifully restored Tudor Walled Garden. Originally laid out around 1500–1600 during the Elizabethan era, this formal garden once served a wealthy manor house that no longer stands. Today’s layout faithfully recreates a Tudor pleasure garden, complete with a knot garden, medicinal herbs, a flowery mead, and a potager. The high brick walls and carefully chosen plants evoke the atmosphere of a Tudor household’s private retreat, where herbs were grown for medicine and cooking, and the garden itself was a place of leisure and contemplation. Seasonal planting ensures the garden changes character throughout the year, offering a peaceful, picturesque spot for a quiet stroll.From Templars to the Public
Cressing Temple’s history begins in 1137, when the land was granted to the Knights Templar by Queen Matilda, wife of King Stephen. It became one of their most important holdings in Essex, supporting a chapel, hall, brewhouse, dairy, smithy, and extensive livestock, including peacocks. After the suppression of the Templars in the early 14th century, the estate passed to the Knights Hospitaller and later to private owners. Over the centuries, the barns and surrounding farm buildings were adapted and used for agriculture, but their historic significance was never forgotten. Today, the site is managed as a public heritage attraction, with the barns and garden open for visitors to explore the craftsmanship and daily life of medieval and Tudor England.Visiting the Site Today
On non-event days, Cressing Temple Barns is open to the public as a free, self-guided heritage site, allowing visitors to wander at their own pace among the barns and garden. Informative displays inside the Wheat Barn explain the construction techniques and history of the buildings, while the surrounding grounds invite leisurely exploration. The site also includes a visitor centre with a small shop and the Tiptree Barn’s Tearoom, where guests can enjoy cream teas, light meals, and refreshments. Free parking is available on-site, and the grounds are largely level and accessible, making it suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility. Occasional events, festivals, and private functions (including weddings) mean the site may be ticketed or closed on certain dates, so checking the official schedule in advance is recommended.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Riverside Retail Park
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
