Pictures of Tollesbury

About Tollesbury

This large sea-faring village sits attractively off a tidal creek where the waters of the Blackwater River enter the sea. It is a large village with much to recommend it to visitors. An exciting part of the landscape is the Marina, here you can see a forest of white sails and other colourful sea-going craft. Woodrolfe Marina offers a wide range of activities including a heated covered swimming pool, and a club with bar, restaurant and tennis courts, making it a popular venue for visitors and locals alike.

The Essex coast is widely acclaimed for its natural beauty and wildlife. Part of its charm is the number of river estuaries flowing into the sea and the patchwork of tiny inlets and creeks which together form a yachting paradise. Come the long days of summer and this important part of the English coastline is crammed with boats from all over England and other parts of the world. Sailors find themselves close to the some of England's finest waterways including the historic River Thames whose river banks are lined with buildings representing many periods of our nations proud history. They also show some of our finest scenery, especially in the loop of Cliveden Reach where beechwoods sweep down to the waters edge. Other rivers include the Crouch, Colne and Deben.

Tollesbury lies opposite windswept Osea Island. It has an excellent sailing cub which welcomes both experts and novices. Tollesbury Wick Marshes, form part of the Essex Wildlife Trust. It is a richly reeded area, home to many wildlife species including the Eider Duck and Brent Goose.

Close to Tollesbury lies the quiet backwater of Tolleshunt D'Arcy, home of the famous D'Arcy Spice Apple which was first introduced in the gardens of Tolleshunt D'Arcy Hall in 1880. This lovely golden apple is full of flavour and will keep right through from November until May. Tolleshunt D'Arcy Hall is a beautiful moated house which dates back to the 15th-century. It lies to the south of the village close to the splendid church of St.Nicholas. Interestingly, this village was the home of Margery Allingham, writer of detective stories, who lived at D'Arcy House from 1935 until she died of cancer in 1966. The well known Red Hill of Tolleshunt D'Arcy is of interest for value as a prehistoric Roman salt making site.

All in all, this picturesque area has a wealth of interest, it has scenic rivers, enchanting creeks, the beauty of the coast, golden beaches and a magnificent swirling ocean. In Tollesbury and its surrounding area you will find something to please every member of the family. For those with or without boats, it makes a marvellous base from which to explore the ravishing delights of Essex.