Welcome to Manningtree
Manningtree is the small market town found on the tidal Estaury of the River Stour.
Being on the Eastern edge of Dedham Vale Manningtree is the gateway into the area of outstanding natural beauty known as Constable Country.
Manningtree itself is not short of picturesque scenery both natural and man-made, be that the rolling countryside walks through to Flatford Mill, the greensward along the shore of the stour looking out toward Suffolk or the High Street containing many period buildings with Georgian facades all protected within the local conservation area.
There's a little something for everyone here. Young families move here for the excellent schooling, both Primary and Secondary. Listed as one of the best places to live in 2019 we're firmly on the radar for the commuter with a wealth of modern executive housing and Intercity train links back to London Liverpool Street and Stratford of under an hour. And, what a place to retire! Gorgeous surroundings and all the services that you'll need within easy reach as you grow old. There's no wonder that property prices here are prime. Manningtree is sought after from a wide demographic and far reaching geographical locations.
There's a great deal of history here to explore too.
Famously Manningtree is renowned for claiming to be Britain's smallest town. Of just 19 hectares, the main town is compact but the parishes of nearby Lawford (West) and Mistley (West) have expanded right to the boundaries of Manningtree town and the whole area is now often referred to as Manningtree.
Manningtree itself thrived from the early wool trade (C15) and there's plenty of evidence that as activities around the port expanded that other trades and markets developed and there are reminisents of old smugglers tunnels from the water through to some of the properties in town.
The High Street which runs parallel to the river retains its period feel with many of the buildings being Grade II listed. On the market Cross in the High Street is a sculpture of the Manningtree OX which is even mentioned in Henry IV by William Shakespeare. Notable buildings include the town library which was orginally built a s a public hall for the purposes of a corn exchange and was later used around 1900 for public entertainment, up the hill a short stroll at South Street you'll find our Methodist Church which is thought to be the oldest still standing in Essex.
Famous residents included Margaret Thather and from more medieval times (circa 1965), Matthew Hopkins, thw witch-finder general. Much of Mr Hopkins' activity in his 'field' was conducted publically on The Green a short stroll from the town centre at South Street and, to this day, this area is wonderfully atmospheric. 'Essex Days Out' provide guided walks of Mistley and Manningtree so if you're interested in learning more of the towns darker activities, this is well worth your time!
Modern Day Manningtree
Visitor and local residents are spoilt for choice where it comes to great cafes and places to eat and drink. Personally we love the position and outlook of the restaurant at the Crown overlooking the water; Lucca is a fantastic Italian and the Old Red Lion on the Green at South Street is a welcoming pub that has just been renovated - unusually you can bring your own takeaway food! We have a library, a gallery and also a performing theatre.
Most of the High Street shops are local independents and we'd urge you to support them as much as you can - the owners put their lives and soul into their businesses here and their shops really contribute the charm of the town centre. Being a market town originally we're pleased to say that there's still a market operating two days a week to this day and the town is not shy to hold events from time to time from the sailing club's Regatta, the annual mud race and even a vintage collectibles market. The locals really do cherish and value the town where they live and work and seek to see it thrive.
A short stroll from the town centre towards Mistley will lead you to 'The Walls', a popular greensward that straddles the river Stour where you can take in the breath-taking views of the Stour towards suffolk, relax with an ice-cream and meet our famous swans.
Transport links are good too...
As we mentioned Manningtree station is part of the Intercity London to Norwich line and we're also connected to Chelmsford, Ipswich and Harwich.
The A12 is in within reasonable distance whether you pick up the A14 or the A120 and regular bus services to all of the town's mentioned above means that all of the local area really is at your fingertips.
Oh... yes, one last thing to mention. There's a wonderful little Estate Agent found in The Lane, just off the High Street, you should really pop in there for a coffee and a chat!
Have we missed something? We'd love to hear from you.
Please email us with your Business details, points of interest and local history and we'd be glad to add it here.
Photo credit: AJDRONEOGRAPHY
Explore Manningtree
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