Essex is a home county found North East of London, on the East coast of England. As one of the oldest counties in England, it is a fantastic place to visit for those interested in the history and heritage of the area. Essex has seen a surge in popularity recently with the rise of television programmes such as The Only Way is Essex. As well as its popular towns, it is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt around London, meaning the abundance of picturesque, rural areas and classic coastlines are kept safe from urban development. Read more
Enjoy all the natural beauty of the Vale of Pewsey from the comfort of The Old Dairy. This welcoming two-bedroom cottage, which sleeps four people and is child and dog-friendly, is on a family-run horse yard a few miles from Marlborough. It's barely 100 metres from the Kennet and Avon Canal, and guests can enjoy gorgeous countryside walks and bike rides along miles of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes. Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath are all within easy reach for a day out, or you can time your visit to coincide with one of the area's many fun events and festivals.
Situated in the rolling Wiltshire countryside in the village of Upper Chute, Dairy Cottage has stunning views and its own south facing garden. It has been sympathetically renovated to a very high standard with great attention to comfort and detail. It sleeps four people in two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom and the other with a shower room. The hotel standard beds can be organised as super king size or twins. The spacious sitting/dining area has beautiful oak beams, a wood burning stove and a Smart TV. The designer kitchen is exceptionally well equipped and the cottage has underfloor heating throughout. There are miles of country walks directly from the door of Dairy Cottage and there is an award winning pub in Lower Chute. The old market towns of Marlborough and Hungerford are close by and the cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury are within easy driving distance as are the World Heritage sites of Stonehenge and Avebury.
The Foreman's House is a luxurious adults-only holiday cottage in Ridgewell, built during the reign of Elizabeth I. This charming retreat combines historic features with modern comforts, accommodating up to five guests in three beautifully designed bedrooms. Just a five-minute walk from the White Horse pub, it is an ideal base for exploring nearby historic towns and attractions, including Saffron Walden markets, Long Melford, Colchester’s Roman ruins, and the delights of Cambridge. Experience a unique blend of luxury, history, and convenience at The Foreman's House for your next unforgettable getaway!
"Belchamp Hall Mill, Belchamp Walter" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Braintree District. The meticulous conversion has preserved much of the mill's original character, featuring stunning brick floors on the ground level and an abundance of exquisite woodwork throughout. On the upper level, the open-plan living space provides a...
"Gin and Toffee Carriage, Thaxted" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Uttlesford District. As you arrive at Gin and Toffee, you are surrounded by a wooden-fenced garden with spectacular views of the farm. Step inside to an open-plan railway carriage with a well-equipped kitchenette, with a mini oven with two hobs, a mini fridge...
"Sea View Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Tendring District. Frinton-on-Sea is a small seaside town resting in the Tendring district of Essex. The town provides a range of shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants for all of your amenities. Discover a number of sandy beaches for those family day trips,...
"Endymion Lodge, Wakes Colne, Colchester" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. Endymion Lodge is one of five detached luxury lodges, located in idyllic countryside on the Wakes Hall Estate in the breath-taking Colne Valley on the Essex/Suffolk border. Each lodge boasts a verandah and the ultimate indulgence – a soothing...
"The Annex" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Colchester District. The village of Thorington is surrounded by splendid Suffolk countryside, close to the Suffolk Heritage Coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh. The village is the home to a local shop and is a great base for exploring this wonderful area. The...
"Aylesbury Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Braintree District. Indulge and delight at this wonderful lodge, with your own private hot tub.. 2 steps to entrance. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living area: Freeview Smart...
"Bramley Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Tendring District. In Essex, between Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester, is the picturesque village of St. Osyth. The village is renowned for its historic sites, such as St. Osyth's Priory, as well as its shoreline, making it the county's most heavily populated...
"The Granary" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. Between Nayland and Hadleigh, close to Colchester, lies a little village called Polstead. The village is home to Polstead Community Shop, the ideal place to stock up on some supplies while dropping by for coffee and cake at the same time. It...
"3 Bed Cottage in Dedham" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Colchester District. Additional information and rules - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 2 twin rooms - 3 bathrooms – 1 en-suite shower room with WC, 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC, 1 separate WC - Electric hob and oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and...
"Vine Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Braintree District. Castle Hedingham is a village in north Essex dating back to medieval times with plenty timber framed cottages dating back to the 15th century.
"2 Bed Cottage in Dedham" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Colchester District. Additional information and rules - Bedrooms - 1 double, 1 single (with additional pull out bed) - Bathoom - Shower room with walk in shower, Cloakroom on the ground floor - Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, dishwasher and fridge -...
"Sunnyside" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Colchester District. A seaside stay but with so much more.. Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living area: Freeview Smart TV Dining area. Kitchen area: Smart TV,...
"Lowal House - UK46054" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Uttlesford District. Large bungalow in a rural location, with lovely walks nearby and lots to do in the area.. All on the Ground Floor: Living room: Smart TV, Woodburner Dining room. Kitchen:...
"21 Skippers Way" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 9 guests in Tendring District. Walton-on-the-Naze is an historic seaside town on the Essex coast offering everything from bird watching to sea fishing. Every Thursday there is a market that offers local produce, fish, flowers and plants. There are also plenty of pubs and...
"Home by the Sea" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Tendring District. The seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea is a great family holiday destination. There are sandy beaches, great for bathing and watersports, a Victorian pier, cliff-top gardens, a fun fair, bowling greens, theatres, a golf course, shopping, leisure...
"The Carriage at High Barn Heritage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Braintree District. The bustling market town of Halstead offers much for the visitor. The town is packed with independent boutiques, shops, family butchers and bakers, cafés, wine bars, pubs and restaurants, along with two supermarkets, ensuring holidaymakers are...
"The Brake Wagon at High Barn Heritage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Braintree District. Halstead is an old-fashioned market town located in Essex's Braintree District. The town's centre is cut through by the River Colne, which offers lovely riverside strolls. Independent boutique stores, family butchers and bakers, cafés,...
"The Woodshed" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Tendring District. Weeley is a tranquil countryside village resting between Colchester and Holland-on-Sea. The village is known for its rich history and scenic surroundings, while its dining options include The Black Boy, Weeley and Bowling Green Table Table....
"B&B 3" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Uttlesford District. Thaxted is a picture-perfect town nestled in the open English countryside in the beautiful county of Essex. Dating back to as early as the 12th century, this historical town lined with striking medieval dwellings exudes both character and...
"Caravan 941" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Tendring District. The seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea is a great family holiday destination. There are sandy beaches, great for bathing and watersports, a Victorian pier, cliff-top gardens, a fun fair, bowling greens, theatres, a golf course, shopping, leisure...
"West Mersea Park" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.... All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living area: Smart TV, Patio Doors Leading To Verandah Dining...
"Partridge - UK48173" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. Lovely barn in a beautiful setting with swimming pool.. Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living area: Freeview TV Dining area. Kitchen area:...
"All Saints Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Uttlesford District. Beautiful thatched house in lovely gardens in the historic town of Saffron Walden.. Ground Floor: Living room: Smart TV, Woodburner Dining room. Kitchen: Electric Oven,...
"Hillcroft" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Chelmsford District. Enjoy a glass of wine, whilst spending time alone with your loved one, admiring the picturesque views of the countryside.. First Floor: Open plan living space. Living area: Freeview TV, DVD...
Popular towns in and around Essex:
CambridgeChelmsfordClacton On SeaClacton-on-SeaClareColchesterDedhamHarwichMaldonSaffron WaldenSudburySuffolk BordersSearch within Eastern England and East Anglia
With one of the longest coastlines in England, Essex is a great place for those who want a classic seaside trip. Towns like Southend-on-Sea offer traditional English pursuits such as sitting on the seafront eating fish and chips or taking a walk along the coast. Southend-on-Sea also has the world's longest pleasure pier, with many amusements and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Home to Adventure Island, a great amusement park, you can let out your inner child on towering rollercoasters and water rapid rides! Other more mellow options include a great Sealife Centre and a Pier Museum that charts the history of the area.
As part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, great areas of Essex are protected from building developments. This makes it a fantastic county to visit for beautiful landscapes and traditional English countryside. Much of the rural area is made up of farmlands, with local produce to sell and woodlands which are great for nature trails and walks. The countryside is also home to many stately houses, quaint villages and historic buildings. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England; a magnificent sight for history buffs. The Audley End House and Gardens is a fantastic day out for those wishing to experience Victorian England at a stately home. With stables full of beautiful horses, exhibitions and a chance to dress up like the workers, it's a fun day out for everyone. Hedingham Castle, a Norman keep, also offers special outdoor events to tourists and visitors, including re-enacted battles, jousts and Shakespeare theatre productions. The gardens surrounding these three places are all beautiful in their own right, with picturesque views and walkways.
Essex is also a great place for art lovers. Home of John Constable, the county has many unique arts-based adventures, aside from the normal art galleries and museums. Head to Harlow for a trail of amazing sculptures from artists known and unknown. Wivenhoe, a small fishing town, is an art-lovers paradise, inspiring and showcasing artists from all disciplines. Gibberd Garden combines nature and art with its beautiful design, courtesy of Sir Frederick Gibberd.
From stately homes, castles and artistic sculptures to stretches of beautiful coastlines, Essex is a great county with options for everyone. Art, history, nature and culture lovers can all be satisfied with what Essex has to offer. For those into popular culture and shows like The Only Way is Essex, there are also a great number of nightclubs and tanning salons to discover!
