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!
"Bed in East Bergholt (82398)" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. The scenic village of East Bergholt is nestled in the heart of Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you not only benefit from scenic walks and foodie pubs on your doorstep, but you also have a host of local attractions to suit...
"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...
"The Richmond" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Tendring District. St. Osyth is a quaint village resting between Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester, in Essex. The village is known for historic landmarks, including St. Osyth’s Priory, along with its coastline, standing as the largest concentrated area for tourism in...
"37 Hanbury Gardens" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. Colchester is a historic, large town in the region of Essex. It has been named as one of the fastest growing towns and is claimed to be the oldest town in Britain. Colchester is 50 miles northeast of London with good links by road and by rail,...
"The Acorn" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Tendring District. Indulge in the tranquillity of Essex's countryside and discover the captivating allure of Lawford and its surroundings. Nestled on a peaceful lane, this charming shepherd's hut offers an enchanting escape from the rush of everyday life. Ideal...
"Pippin Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 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 Gate House" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Colchester District. Colchester's Colne Engaine is a picturesque community nestled between Halsread and Wales Colne. The quaint community has a variety of useful features, such as the Five Bells bar, a well-stocked general store, a recreation field, and a green....
"English Oak Lodge at Toppesfield Hall" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Braintree District. Set within 6 acres of private grounds on the Essex/Suffolk border, this wooden lodge offers a luxurious escape to the country. One of a handful of self-catering properties at Toppesfield Hall, this dog-friendly lodge welcomes couples or solo...
"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...
"Bed in Dedham (94016)" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Colchester District. Located in the heart of Constable Country, in Dedham near Flatford on the Suffolk/Essex border, this beautifully renovated cottage offers an idyllic escape from the bustle of everyday life. Located in a no through lane with private parking,...
"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,...
"Oakleaves" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Colchester District. West Mersea is a lovely town located on the small island of Mersea in Essex. Just nine miles south of Colchester, this island has been a settlement for 2000 years and is positioned on the East Coast of England. Explore West Mersea, where you...
"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...
"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...
"Bed in Manningtree (78389)" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Tendring District. Ideal for a couple this one bedroom apartment is well placed for you to enjoy the best that Essex has to offer including some stunning countryside and it s also within easy reach of the coast. Situated on the fringes of the Dedham Vale Natural...
"Woodbell Lodge, Wakes Colne, Colchester" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Colchester District. Woodbell Lodge is one of five detached luxury lodges which are 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...
"The Hatchery" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Braintree District. This stunning holiday home offers guests a truly wonderful stay and every effort has been made to ensure you have everything you could possibly need for a fantastic getaway. This plush pad accommodates up to eight guests across 4 beautiful...
"Silver Birch Lodge at Toppesfield Hall" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Braintree District. Escape to the country and enjoy a truly idyllic stay in this serene wooden lodge. Set within 6 acres of private grounds on the Essex/Suffolk border, this dog-friendly property welcomes couples and small families who love to be immersed in...
"The Granada" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Tendring District. St. Osyth is a quaint village resting between Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester, in Essex. The village is known for historic landmarks, including St. Osyth’s Priory, along with its coastline, standing as the largest concentrated area for tourism in...
"Tannenbaum Barn" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Braintree District.
"The Granary at Hartley Wood Farm" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Tendring District.
"Belchamp Hall Coach House, Belchamp Walter" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Braintree District. Inside, the interior exudes character, featuring high ceilings and exposed beams that reflect its storied past. The ground floor boasts a fabulous open-plan living space complete with a well-equipped kitchen, a generous dining area, and a cosy...
"The Observatory" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Maldon District. Osea is a private island located in the Blackwater Estuary just across the water from Maldon. The island offers a truly unforgettable getaway; from the tidal causeway approach when arriving at the island, to the numerous activities, facilities...
"Bed in Walton on the naze (93784)" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Tendring District. Nestled on the Essex coastline, this holiday home in Walton on the Naze is just a short walk from the beach, offering a perfect seaside getaway. The town is charming with colorful beach huts, peaceful promenades, and stunning beaches for...
Popular towns in and around Essex:
CambridgeChelmsfordClacton On SeaClacton-on-SeaClareColchesterDedhamMaldonSaffron 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!
