Britain's What's On Event Guide

Gray's Summer House

Heritage Open Day: Gray's Summer House in Castle Park in Colchester was built by the town's MP Charles Gray in 1731. The building is in the form of a miniature Greek temple with an interior decorated with plaster medallions. Charles Gray (1696-1782) was a lawyer, antiquary and politician who served as Colchester's MP in the reigns of George II and George III. In 1726, following his marriage to Sarah Creffield, he became the owner of Colchester Castle and was responsible for the landscaping of its grounds, including the creation of a raised terrace on the north side of the Castle. At the west end of this terrace is a small classical building known as Gray's Summer House. This building is not open regularly and this is therefore a very rare opportunity to view its interior. It has recently been refurbished.

Visitors can also enjoy the spectacular gardens surrounding Colchester Castle.