Paycocke's House
Essex, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
25 West St, Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1NS
Telephone 01376 561305
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Limited accessible parking on the street outside the house; visitors advised to park in the village car park in Stoneham Street, a few minutes' walk away (free for two hours).
- Access
- Ground floor of the house and the garden accessible; level access over a raised threshold with a ramp available; first floor by steps only; one manual wheelchair to borrow; drop-off in front of the house.
- Facilities
- Tea-room on the ground floor selling sandwiches, cakes and cream teas; second-hand bookshop on the ground floor; accessible toilet with baby changing near the garden entrance plus a toilet on the first floor.
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed in the garden on a lead at all times; assistance dogs only in the house and tea-room.
- Safety
- Steps within the garden, though an accessible route is available; the first floor of the house is reached by steps only; poor mobile reception.
Paycocke's House is a timber-framed merchant's house in Coggeshall, built around 1500 by a wealthy wool merchant, and reviewers describe it as remarkably well preserved with an ornately decorated Tudor front elevation. It wasn't built as a home in the conventional sense but as a kind of showcase for Thomas Paycocke's wool business, and that commercial history comes through on the guided tour. A peaceful cottage garden sits alongside the house.
Worth the trip
The ornately decorated Tudor front elevation, singled out as the house's most striking architectural feature.
Before you go
Entry is free, but tours inside the house need to be booked at least 24 hours in advance - turning up on the day may mean missing the interior.
Reviewers consistently praise Paycocke's House as a remarkably well-preserved Tudor merchant's house with finely detailed panelling and a peaceful cottage garden, located in the attractive town of Coggeshall. Guided tours and special themed weekends, such as a Tudor reenactment event, are highlighted as adding depth to the visit. There is no on-site parking, though nearby town car parks with free periods are mentioned as a short, pleasant walk away. One reviewer felt the ticket price was a little high for the size of the property, though most describe it as a fine, characterful example of its type.
Timber-framed merchant's house in Coggeshall, built around 1500 by a wealthy wool merchant
“History.”- Phil Crosgray, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We used the Stoneham Street parking area and enjoyed a pleasant short walk to the house, passing the attractive buildings around the centre of Coggeshall.” - Andrew Thomas
- Guided tours
- “Great guided tour 👌 Excellent place to visit Free to enter, but before two tours only inside the house buy tickets 24 hrs before” - Phil Crosgray
- Facilities
- “It's a small property but includes a cosy cafe (sit outside in the gardens if you can) and a bookshop.” - Stu Radley
Common questions about Paycocke's House
Where is Paycocke's House?
Paycocke's House is in Essex, England, at 25 West St, Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1NS.
Do you need a ticket to visit Paycocke's House?
Yes - Paycocke's House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Paycocke's House?
The ornately decorated Tudor front elevation, singled out as the house's most striking architectural feature.
Is Paycocke's House a ruin or still intact?
Paycocke's House is largely intact - Timber-framed merchant's house in Coggeshall, built around 1500 by a wealthy wool merchant.
