Great Horkesley: The Best Of Both Worlds

In the beautiful “Constable Country” of North East Essex, Great Horkesley has the most picturesque setting. However, that’s not the only reason to love this charming historic village: it’s also just three miles from the thriving city of Colchester. If you’re looking for a work-life balance that brings town and country together, you’ve come to the right village.

Great Horkesley may be close to Colchester, but it’s no suburb. The village has its own character and community feel – as you’d expect from a place that’s been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

If you want to combine vibrant city life with a slower pace when it suits you, Great Horkesley could be your perfect new home.

Great Horkesley, Essex

Stunning Location

Great Horkesley sits on the edge of the lovely Dedham Vale National Landscape with its wildlife-rich water meadows and lush green spaces. The River Stour winds through this gorgeous countryside, bringing opportunities for boating, fishing and leisurely riverside walks. It’s easy to see how this beautiful valley inspired landscape artist John Constable, and Alfred Munnings painted his local surroundings as well as his famous horse portraits.

The village has been part of this landscape for a long time. Its name is Saxon (from horkaslay, meaning “farm land for herds”) but there’s evidence of Bronze Age industry here. The Romans built the road that leads to Colchester (then Camulodunum), which is still locally known as “The Causeway”, a relic of the boggy terrain before farmers drained it.

Today’s village is a friendly place to live, well-served by everyday amenities and with excellent transport links to Colchester and from there, to London. There’s a real sense of community in Great Horkesley, found everywhere from the Great Horkesley & Lexden Cricket Club to the welcoming Yew Tree pub.

Colchester

Colchester may be over 2,000 years old – it was the capital of Roman Britain – but it still has a fresh and modern feel. It’s compact enough to be easily walkable, its old streets filled with appealing places to eat, drink and shop.

There’s plenty to do in Colchester. Find out more about the city’s history at Colchester Castle Museum, housed in the Norman keep which is built on the foundations of a Roman temple. Enjoy exploring the other museums and galleries in the city, including Firstsite, a contemporary visual arts space.

You can visit Britain’s only remaining Roman circus or browse the pretty streets of the city’s Dutch Quarter. For a family day out, head for Colchester Zoo, where 155 different species share 60 acres of landscaped parkland.

Easy Connections

On your doorstep

Great Horkesley and Colchester are surprisingly close to the sea, and Blue-Flagged Brightlingsea Beach is just half an hour’s drive. Come here for a traditional family day at the seaside or a bracing stroll along the prom in the winter. West Mersea is a pretty village just outside Colchester, famous for its oysters and colourful beach huts. The shallow waters are perfect for a paddle.

If you and your family love a weekend walk, there are some beautiful inland routes near Great Horkesley. Follow the Wivenhoe Trail along the River Colne or explore the Stour Valley Path, one section at a time (the full route is 60 miles!). Get to know your local city by walking the Colchester Orbital, which uses a network of paths to create a varied 15-mile route.

High Woods Country Park is a lovely place to spend a day, with well-marked footpaths and cycle trails through the trees. The park has plenty of family facilities and a programme of events. Blow away the cobwebs at Cudmore Grove Country Park in Mersea Island: sea breezes, sea birds, and fascinating historic features are what to look out for.

It’s about three miles into Colchester from Great Horkesley. You can either drive into the centre along The Causeway or catch one of the regular buses into the city. The bus journey typically takes between 13 and 18 minutes.

Once you’re in Colchester, the world’s your oyster. It’s just 47 minutes by train into London Liverpool Street, or pick up the coach service to Stansted Airport. There’s also a 43-minute train journey from Colchester to the ferry port at Harwich (about 23 miles from Great Horkesley if you prefer to drive).

Schools and education

There’s a primary school in Great Horkesley, Bishop William Ward School, which has a pre-school attached to it, Tiddlywinks. Fee-paying Littlegarth School also has a nursery. For secondary education and sixth form, most pupils from Great Horkesley travel into Colchester where there’s a choice of schools and colleges including independent options. Looking further into the future? The University of Essex has a campus in Colchester.