Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree, Essex

Details

Accessibility

"There are two disabled toilets on site. Level access to all areas apart from Stables, Bake House and Granary. A mobility scooter is available to loan if booked in advance." Wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and seating are available on-site."

2026:https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/cressing-temple-barns

"Visitor Centre and Site: Opening times: 09.300am to 4.30pm

Park mobility and accessibility

You can borrow one of our 4×4 (four-wheel drive) All-Terrain Tramper mobility scooters for free.

A member of the park team will provide some basic training on how to use the scooter and provide a number for you to quote when booking.

To book training and any future uses of the scooter please call 03330132738 and select option one or email cressingtemplebarns@essex.gov.uk. Please remember to bring ID to the training induction"

Brief description

"Cressing Temple is the site of three Grade I listed timber-framed buildings; the thirteenth century Barley Barn and Wheat Barn, described by historian Michael Haag as "the two finest Templar-built barns in Europe", and the later Granary building.

The Barley Barn, (English Heritage listing 1123865), is an early thirteenth century (c. 1220) barn modified in later centuries,and is the oldest standing timber-framed barn in the world.  The roof was originally tiled, and would have weighed close to 70 tonnes.

The Wheat Barn (English Heritage listing 1123866) was built in around 1280 in the Romanesque style, and was altered in the early 1500s and 1700s.

The Granary (English Heritage listing 1123867), built sometime just after 1575, is the largest granary in Essex.

Today these are open to the public along with the later Tudor gardens and farm buildings. The barns and walled garden are a popular venue for weddings and civil ceremonies."

Address

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Braintree, Cressing, Essex, CM77 8PD

Email

cressingtemplebarns@essex.gov.uk

Phone

0333 013 2738

Website

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cressing_Temple#cite_note-CressPark-1

https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/cressing-temple-barns

https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do/cressing-temple-barns-p1269791

https://www.facebook.com/cressingtemplebarns/?locale=en_GB

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1002122

Directions

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2026: "Open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (or 5:00 PM depending on the season). [1, 2]

The Barns Tiptree Tea Room is open from 9.30am-4pm for takeaway, retail and outside dining. The Tea Room will open for inside dining from Monday 17 May. Visitor Centre, Shop and Site: Summer Opening times 10.30am-4.30pm; Winter Opening times 10.30am-4.00pm (The changeover date is when the clocks change) " Tiptree Tea Rooms at The Barns, Cressing Temple, Braintree Rd, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD (telephone: 01376 585081)

Transport

Amenities

Free parking

Historic buildings

Café

Picnics allowed  Permitted in designated outdoor areas (barbecues are strictly prohibited)

Dogs on leads allowed

BBQs not allowed

"Shopping at Cressing Temple Barns:

At the newly renovated Cressing Temple Barns Visitor Centre there is a gift shop selling locally sourced craft and gift items, including honey from our own on-site bees. Choose the perfect present from the handpicked range of local wine, chocolate or beer, bird feeders and nesting boxes. Archery sets, games and knights will help to bring the visit to life for our younger visitors. Come and browse at your leisure.  Plants are also available to buy.

Weddings: Contact our Wedding Coordinator to find out more and book a viewing, Tel: 03330 138156 weddings.cressing@essex.gov.uk

Venue Hire: You can hire our barns and conference rooms. To find out about pricing and availability, please contact us Tel: 0333 013 2738 cressingtemplebarns@essex.gov.uk "