Wix

Located in a small valley just 2 miles south of the Stour Estuary, Wix is a charming village in the Tendring district of Essex.  Once an important crossroads on the route to Harwich, Wix is now a peaceful rural destination with a fascinating past and easy access to scenic countryside walks.

Wix’s name originates from the Old English word wic, meaning “dairy farm,” and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Wica.  By the 12th century, Wix was home to a Benedictine nunnery, founded during the reign of Henry I by Walter Mascherell and his family.  Known as Wix Priory, this small convent played a significant role in village life for over 400 years until its suppression by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525.  Today, traces of the priory remain in the north wall of St. Mary’s Church, which itself dates back to Norman times and features a unique detached belfry with a single bell.

In 1961, archaeological digs uncovered stone coffins from the priory site, one believed to belong to Alexander de Wix, a founder of the priory. These finds are linked to Colchester Castle Museum and the churchyard bellhouse.

St. Mary’s Church – A beautiful Norman church with medieval additions and a detached belfry.
Historic Wix Priory Site – Explore the area where the Benedictine nunnery once stood.
Village Amenities – The Waggon at Wix pub offers food and live music on weekends, and there’s a local shop on Colchester Road.

Wix is surrounded by public footpaths and bridleways, making it ideal for walkers:
Local Footpaths – Numerous Public Rights of Way crisscross the parish, connecting Wix to Bradfield, Great Oakley, and Wrabness.
Essex Way – Wix lies close to the final stretch of this 81-mile long-distance trail from Epping to Harwich, offering estuary views and varied terrain.
Wrabness & Stour Wood Loop – A popular route nearby (4–7 km), combining woodland paths and estuary views, with options to visit Grayson Perry’s “House for Essex”.
Bradfield & Wix Circular – A gentle countryside walk linking two historic villages via quiet lanes and farmland.