Just a short train ride away from London lies a small village that was once home to royals – but you might not have even heard of it. There are still signs of the village’s history that visitors can see today. Pleshey, in Essex, is home to a historic castle which dates back to the 12th century.

The castle has become a popular tourist attraction along with other historic elements of the town, such as its 14th-century church and several timber-framed houses. Pleshey is small, but it’s home to a thriving community with a pub and several small businesses and shops. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and it has plenty of walking routes for those keen to get out into nature. For those interested in its royal history, the Normans built a motte-and-bailey castle in the late 11th century, and the moat is still one of the largest of its kind in Great Britain. The village was also once owned by royalty, as William the Conqueror gave Pleshey to Geoffrey de Mandeville in the 11th century, who then converted it into a strong military stronghold.

The earth and motte structure in Pleshey, near Chelmsford, is one of the best preserved of its type in England.

While all of its buildings are long gone, its medieval earthworks have survived intact thanks to them never having been rebuilt in stone. A 15th-century brick bridge over the motte moat is also still standing.

Essex is sometimes viewed as a very commercial county, full of nightclubs and bars. This is not the case in this adorable Essex village, where residents live a calm and peaceful life. 

Pleshey is a charming village that offers a serene atmosphere among nature, says Essex Live. It is a desirable place to live, with stunning views and lovely country walks available. The average cost to buy a home in Pleshey is around £930,000 over the last year, says RightMove.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Pleshey over the last year were 77% up on the previous year and 51% down on the 2017 peak of £1,900,000.

These costs reflect the demand for this picturesque location and the quality of lifestyle it offers. 

Pleshey is not commercialised at all, making it the perfect peaceful retreat for city workers.

If you’re looking for a trip to a quiet place which offers history, nature and a slow pace of life, this could be the ideal spot for you.