Lauriston Stay is nestled in Birch in the beautiful North Essex countryside, where a warm, friendly welcome awaits you. We are ideally located within easy access of the A12 and A120. Whether you want to revisit history in the oldest recorded town, walk in surrounding nature reserves, cycle (we can provide storage for equipment) or just be… there is plenty for everyone. Lauriston Stay is nestled in Birch, ideally located within easy access of the A12 and A120, among the beautiful North Essex countryside. Whether you want to revisit history in the oldest recorded town, walk in surrounding nature reserves, cycle or just be … our location is warm, friendly, and has something for everyone.

Colchester (Camulodunum – meaning “stronghold of Camulos“) was the capital of Roman Britain and its first city. Colchester has plenty to offer and has some great attractions. If you’re interested in local heritage, have a love for animals or a passion for history or art, Colchester has it all. Colchester Zoo, Tiptree Jam Factory & Museum, Layer Marney Tower, Firstsite, Colchester Castle & Park, Mercury Theatre, Beth Chatto Gardens There are many walks, trails, & footpaths. Covering 135 sq miles of beautiful coast & countryside, a perfect way to experience the great outdoors & the wildlife. Essex Wildlife Trust manage a number of sites, with the large reserves of Abberton Reservoir & Fingringhoe Wick. The Colchester Orbital also boasts a 15 mile picturesque walk and cycle route. Whether you’re keen for a short walk after a pub lunch, a stroll around the town, or a long-distance hike, you’ll find something that works. We have many other villages to explore; Maldon, Mersea, Fingringhoe, Kelvedon, Coggeshall, Feering, Tollesbury, Copford Great/Little Braxted, Easthorpe, Chappel, Wakes/Earls Colne, West Bergholt, Halstead. Please understand that Birch is a rural village located approximately 5 miles south-west of Colchester and 17 miles north-east of the county town of Chelmsford. The village is in the borough of Colchester. We do recommend you have your own transport when booking this accommodation.