Best castles around Flitch Green offer a historical journey through Essex's past. This area, while primarily rural, is surrounded by sites showcasing various periods of fortification. Visitors can explore ancient earthworks, medieval priories, and remnants of Norman strongholds. The region provides a diverse range of historical structures, reflecting centuries of architectural and strategic development.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
An amazing place, not too much to see, brilliant view from the top, have a guided tour to understand why it was here and what it was like back in the day.
0
0
Stebbing is a small, historic village dating from at least the 11th century. A medieval motte & bailey castle stood to the east of the village on what is now called 'The Mount: The church is a grade I listed building and boasts one of only three stone rood screens in Europe. There are many timber buildings throughout the village including Prior's Hall, a grand 16th century house.
0
0
Pretty Essex village centred around the village pond. A lovely spot to stop for a breather or refreshment.
0
0
You can’t see the priory buildings from the road but the lanes leading too it are pretty nice!
0
0
Quaint village, site of a former royal castle, now just the earthworks left (sadly mostly obscured from view and on private property).
0
0
An Augustinian Priory until dissolution in 1556 - much of the original buildings still remain. Well worth a stop and walk around the grounds.
0
0
Pleshey Castle was completed around the turn of the 12th century and was a motte and bailey. These days, nothing much survives, apart from the earthworks, sections of mote, and a 14th-century brick-built bridge. You still get a good sense of the fortification, though.
2
0
Near Flitch Green, you can explore a diverse range of historical structures, including ancient earthworks, medieval priories, and remnants of Norman strongholds. The area offers insights into centuries of architectural and strategic development, from Roman foundations to 13th-century fortifications.
For Norman history, you can visit the Remains of the Norman Castle Mound, which provides insight into its historical significance. Further afield, Hedingham Castle is known as one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in England, and Mountfitchet Castle offers an immersive experience of an 11th-century Norman village.
Yes, Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, offering a unique blend of Roman and Norman history and a deep dive into the area's ancient past.
Pleshey Castle Earthworks and Brick Bridge was originally a 12th-century motte and bailey castle. While mostly ruins today, you can still see the earthworks, sections of the moat, and a 14th-century brick bridge. It played a role in the English Civil War and is open to the public from April to October.
Absolutely. Leez Priory is a historical site that was an Augustinian Priory until its dissolution in 1556. Much of the original buildings still remain, making it well worth exploring its grounds.
Several sites are family-friendly. The Pleshey Castle Earthworks and Brick Bridge and Leez Priory are great for exploring. Additionally, Stebbing Village and Pleshey Village offer historical charm. For an immersive experience, Mountfitchet Castle is a reconstructed Norman village, perfect for a family day out.
The spring and summer months (April to October) are generally ideal for visiting castles, as the weather is more favorable for exploring outdoor sites and grounds. For example, Pleshey Castle is open to the public during this period. Always check specific opening times for individual sites.
Yes, there are various walking and hiking opportunities in the area. You can find several routes, including easy hikes, around Flitch Green that might pass by or lead to historical sites. Explore options like the easy hikes around Flitch Green guide for more details.
Yes, the area offers easy hiking routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. You can find several options in the easy hikes around Flitch Green guide, such as the 'Rumblebees Café – Plunge Pool in the Stream loop from Flitch Green'.
Yes, there are cycling routes in the vicinity that can take you through scenic areas and potentially near historical sites. Check out the cycling around Flitch Green guide for routes like 'Witches Stone – The Compasses Inn loop from Flitch Green' which offers a pleasant ride through the countryside.
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the opportunity to step back in time. They enjoy exploring the earthworks and remnants of ancient fortifications, understanding the strategic significance of sites like the Remains of the Norman Castle Mound, and experiencing the charm of historic villages like Pleshey Village. The blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue is a major draw.
Yes, Pleshey Castle played a role in the English Civil War. Further afield, Hadleigh Castle was crucial in defending the Thames Estuary during the Hundred Years' War, and Tilbury Fort offers insights into centuries of defense strategies.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Flitch Green: