Once the eastern kingdom of the Saxons, Essex stretches from Suffolk in the north to London and the Thames estuary in the south. Its proximity to London and the function of many of its settlements as dormitory towns often overshadows the geographic impact of its long coastal reach and the beautiful countryside of its interior.
Things to do in Essex
The 17th century Audley End House at Saffron Walden was once renowned as one of the finest Jacobean houses in England; although now much reduced in size, it still has some stunning architectural features and varied collections to entice visitors.
Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle are popular local attractions, whilst the Essex coastline has great beaches, rivers and estuaries to delight the visitor. At Southend-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze, visitors can enjoy typical seaside fun. The Stour Valley, which forms the border with neighbouring Suffolk, offers pretty countryside, whilst the coastal estuaries provide bird-watchers with amazing opportunities to view species such as curlew, sandpipers, sand martins, waders, gulls and terns.
Top Destinations
Dedham - Close to the town of Manningtree, and in the heart of ‘Constable Country’, Dedham has some of the most beautiful lowland landscape in England, much of it water meadows surrounding the River Stour.
St Osyth - The driest recorded place in the UK, the village of St Osyth has a fine mediaeval abbey, and takes its name from a female saint. The Martello tower on the coast at Point Clear has now been converted into a war museum.
Frinton-on-Sea- A town with a well-established reputation for its conservative nature, Frinton has only recently allowed pubs to open within its environs. A mile-long sandy beach makes it a popular location for swimming, sailing and windsurfing.
Mersea Island- The most easterly inhabited island in the UK, Mersea is situated just off the Essex coast in the estuary of the Blackwater and Colne rivers. Joined to the mainland by a causeway, known as the Strood, the Island is cut off at high tide. The small town of West Mersea and the village of East Mersea, together with the small hamlet of Barrow Hill, are the main areas of population. Commercial activities focus on farming, fishing (particularly oyster gathering) and the leisure boat industry.
Colchester - The oldest recorded town in Britain, Colchester is noted for its Victorian architecture, not least its Jumbo Water Tower - a well-appointed local landmark. Historic Colchester is also the home of Colchester Castle, an 11th century Norman keep, which was built on top of an old Roman temple. By way of contrast, just outside the town are the modern towers of the University of Essex. Colchester was the inspiration for many famous English artists, including John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Alfred Munnings. Other notable locals include (Old) King Cole (of nursery rhyme fame) and Dermot O’Leary.
Maldon- Once a Saxon settlement, Maldon first started to attract leisure visitors in the 18th century, with the growth in interest in saltwater bathing. As with many small towns, Maldon was made more accessible by the extension of the railway - in this case to neighbouring Burnham-on-Crouch. Now the old railway line from Witham to Maldon has become a popular route for walkers and cyclists; whilst the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation - rivers formed into a 14 mile stretch of canal - offer a non-tidal route for leisure sailors. The town is still home to one of the last sea-salt harvesting companies in England.
Stock - Located just six miles from Chelmsford, this small village boasts four pubs within its main boundaries, together with three churches.
Halstead - A popular rural town in the Colne Valley, Halstead derives its name from the Old English meaning ‘safe place’ or ‘place of refuge’. Local visitors can take a riverside walk across the town, or exercise in the nearby Forestry Commission-owned Broaks Wood.
The Beach House is situated just 300m away from the beach and has been lovingly renovated to a high standard. Perfect for a couple, it is set all on one level with luxurious real wood flooring throughout. It has a spacious ...
Turpins Ride, Chalfont St Giles, near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, All Buckinghamshire
Situated in the heart of the Chilterns, Turpins Ride, named after the famed highwayman, is an attractive double fronted, detached chalet-style property, that accommodates up to thirteen guests. Set in a semi-rural location ...
Situated in the Chelmer Valley with stunning views towards the River Chelmer, The Old Calf House is set on the owner’s 500-acre farm with footpaths and bridleways. This single-storey detached farm building is located in ...
Woodlands, Elsenham, near Bishop’s Stortford, Essex, Maldon
Ground floor: Living/dining room with door to veranda/kitchen with breakfast area. Shower room with eco toilet. Steep, open tread stairs to first floor: King size bedroom.Elec CH inc. Woodburner in living room (initial ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
This delightful, holiday cottage is attached to the owner’s period property and its name refers to the stunning floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom. It is set in an AONB in the Dedham Vale where the artist John ...
Boasting panoramic countryside views, Hillcroft is the perfect couple’s countryside retreat. Located in the quaint village of Purleigh in Essex, guests can enjoy numerous walking routes and access to the local pubs. A ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
From its enviable elevated position in Leigh on-Sea overlooking the estuary, Mulberry Cottage is ideal for those looking for a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet it is only 45 minutes from London on the train. ...
Bee Cottage, Langdon Hills, near Thurrock,, Maldon, Essex
All on ground floor: Living room with double bed/dining room. Steps down to kitchen. Steps down to bathroom with roll-top bath, shower attachment and toilet. ...
Dovercourt is a very old town listed within the Domesday Book of 1086, though the nearby historic port of Harwich is better known. Dovercourt Hall is a timber framed building with a wealth of exposed beams and an inglenook ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
The Cart Lodge is a beautifully converted farm building in a peaceful location in St. Osyth. Sensational views across the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries. Peaceful walks and cycling opportunities. The cottage has four ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
Bee Cottage, Langdon Hills, near Thurrock,, Maldon, Essex
All on ground floor: Living room with double bed/dining room. Steps down to kitchen. Steps down to bathroom with roll-top bath, shower attachment and toilet. ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
Dovercourt is a very old town listed within the Domesday Book of 1086, though the nearby historic port of Harwich is better known. Dovercourt Hall is a timber framed building with a wealth of exposed beams and an inglenook ...
Boasting panoramic countryside views, Hillcroft is the perfect couple’s countryside retreat. Located in the quaint village of Purleigh in Essex, guests can enjoy numerous walking routes and access to the local pubs. A ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
From its enviable elevated position in Leigh on-Sea overlooking the estuary, Mulberry Cottage is ideal for those looking for a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet it is only 45 minutes from London on the train. ...
From its enviable elevated position in Leigh on-Sea overlooking the estuary, Mulberry Cottage is ideal for those looking for a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet it is only 45 minutes from London on the train. ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
Situated close to the beach in the coastal town of Dovercourt, about a mile from the port of Harwich, Plum Tree Cottage is a terraced holiday property ideal for families and those looking for a classic seaside break. The ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room with double sofa bed (for alternative sleeping) and wooden floor/kitchen area with beams. 1 double bedroom with beams. 2 steps up and then 2 steps down to bathroom with shower over bath and ...
Saffron Cottage, Langdon Hills, near Thurrock,, Maldon, Essex
Ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen area with beams and wooden floor. 2 steps down to 1 double bedroom. Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet. Mezzanine: 1 twin bedroom. ...
Sea Angel is ideally located opposite the sea, where you can truly appreciate the sea views and wake up to them in the morning when you open the curtains in the master bedroom. The snug and reading room also have ...
A stone’s throw from the beach and offering sea views from nearly every one of its large windows, coastal fans will simply love Sea View. A first floor apartment, it offers an unrivalled glimpse of the sea, and the ...
Tatters Barn, Coggeshall, near Braintree, Essex, Maldon
Nestled on the owner’s working farm, Tatters Barn is a beautifully presented, detached barn conversion, which is located in the countryside of Withies Green, Essex. Decorated and furnished to an excellent standard, this ...
Situated on the on the main promenade and overlooking the glorious beach in Clacton-on-Sea. Nestled quietly next to the owner’s home, The Annexe is a semi-detached bungalow, all on one level, and great for couples ...
The Beach House is situated just 300m away from the beach and has been lovingly renovated to a high standard. Perfect for a couple, it is set all on one level with luxurious real wood flooring throughout. It has a spacious ...
The Cart Lodge, Colne Engaine, near Halstead, Essex, Colchester
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in this detached, former cart lodge, surrounded by beautiful countryside and located in the owners’ grounds in a great rural location. There are vast areas of woodland with walking, birdwatching ...
The Cart Lodge is a beautifully converted farm building in a peaceful location in St. Osyth. Sensational views across the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries. Peaceful walks and cycling opportunities. The cottage has four ...
The Croft, Sible Hedingham, near Halstead, Essex, Colchester
This detached, thatched, Grade II listed holiday cottage dating back to the 15th century has exposed beams and an enclosed garden. Cosy in the winter and cool in the summer, it is perfect for a year-round break. Surrounded ...
This delightful, holiday cottage is attached to the owner’s period property and its name refers to the stunning floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom. It is set in an AONB in the Dedham Vale where the artist John ...
Situated in the Chelmer Valley with stunning views towards the River Chelmer, The Old Calf House is set on the owner’s 500-acre farm with footpaths and bridleways. This single-storey detached farm building is located in ...
Situated in the Chelmer Valley with stunning views towards the River Chelmer, The Old Calf House is set on the owner’s 500-acre farm with footpaths and bridleways. This single-storey detached farm building is located in ...
Turpins Ride, Chalfont St Giles, near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, All Buckinghamshire
Situated in the heart of the Chilterns, Turpins Ride, named after the famed highwayman, is an attractive double fronted, detached chalet-style property, that accommodates up to thirteen guests. Set in a semi-rural location ...
Nestling within 3 acres of grounds, abundant with wildlife, these holiday cottages enjoy far reaching views over rolling countryside. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed at the nearby lake. This is excellent walking and ...
Woodlands, Elsenham, near Bishop’s Stortford, Essex, Maldon
Ground floor: Living/dining room with door to veranda/kitchen with breakfast area. Shower room with eco toilet. Steep, open tread stairs to first floor: King size bedroom.Elec CH inc. Woodburner in living room (initial ...
United Kingdom cottages
