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.
Set in 2½-acre grounds with abundant wildlifeEnjoy a relaxing, rural holiday surrounded by 2½ acres of landscaped and natural gardens in one of these two properties which offer a fantastic location for a romantic ...
The Bull Pen is a lovingly restored barn conversion in the delightful village of Lawford close to the Suffolk and Essex borders. Ideally placed to explore both counties whilst enjoying a luxurious base, comprising open ...
Sandy Ridge at Holland-on-Sea is a detached, well-furnished, spacious holiday house, located in a quiet road opposite the beach. A perfect setting for a family holiday by the sea. With its own splendid private outdoor ...
Set in 2½-acre grounds with abundant wildlifeEnjoy a relaxing, rural holiday surrounded by 2½ acres of landscaped and natural gardens in one of these two properties which offer a fantastic location for a romantic ...
Spacious and comfortably furnished, this terraced holiday property sits on the edge of a private residential park, and boasts an enclosed garden and private parking. Perfect for a coastal break with family or friends, it ...
Boasting sea views from most rooms and a delightful balcony overlooking the beach, Bay View lives up to its name. This 3-storey, semi-detached townhouse, adjacent to the owners home, is located on the coast in ...
Hycliffe is a tastefully furnished, single storey detached holiday property with the beach a few yards away and extensive sea views over Point Clear Bay and the bird sanctuary. Known as the sunshine coast, this part of ...
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 detached barn conversion, accessed by a rough track, is tucked away in the heart of the countryside and offers great holiday accommodation. There are vast areas of woodland and stunning scenery where you can enjoy ...
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 ...
Located in the peaceful village of Boxted in the Dedham Vale, Farthings is a single-storey holiday home with valley views from the garden. One of a pair, furnished and equipped to a very high standard, the property has ...
Walnut Cottage, Takeley, near Bishops Stortford, Essex, Maldon
Dating back to 1897, Walnut Cottage has been lovingly restored to provide a cosy holiday retreat. An ideal base to explore the delights of Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Set in a quiet location adjoining ...
The Cart Lodge, Colne Engaine, near Halstead, Essex, Colchester
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in this detached, former cart lodge, awarded with a Visit Britain Gold Award, it is set in a peaceful, rural location in the owners’ grounds, surrounded by beautiful countryside of the Colne ...
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 ...
Boasting sea views from most rooms and a delightful balcony overlooking the beach, Bay View lives up to its name. This 3-storey, semi-detached townhouse, adjacent to the owners home, is located on the coast in ...
Beaches is a single-storey holiday property, which is in a separate, self-contained, part of the owner’s home, situated in Manningtree, Essex. Just a few yards from the Stour Estuary and beach, this property is the ...
Located in the peaceful village of Boxted in the Dedham Vale, Farthings is a single-storey holiday home with valley views from the garden. One of a pair, furnished and equipped to a very high standard, the property has ...
This detached barn conversion, accessed by a rough track, is tucked away in the heart of the countryside and offers great holiday accommodation. There are vast areas of woodland and stunning scenery where you can enjoy ...
Spacious and comfortably furnished, this terraced holiday property sits on the edge of a private residential park, and boasts an enclosed garden and private parking. Perfect for a coastal break with family or friends, it ...
Spacious and comfortably furnished, this terraced holiday property sits on the edge of a private residential park, and boasts an enclosed garden and private parking. Perfect for a coastal break with family or friends, it ...
Hycliffe is a tastefully furnished, single storey detached holiday property with the beach a few yards away and extensive sea views over Point Clear Bay and the bird sanctuary. Known as the sunshine coast, this part of ...
Lower Granary, Wimbish, near Saffron Walden , Essex, Maldon
All on ground floor: Living room with double sofa bed/dining room/kitchen area. 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin. Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet. Separate 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 ...
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. ...
Sandy Ridge at Holland-on-Sea is a detached, well-furnished, spacious holiday house, located in a quiet road opposite the beach. A perfect setting for a family holiday by the sea. With its own splendid private outdoor ...
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 Bull Pen is a lovingly restored barn conversion in the delightful village of Lawford close to the Suffolk and Essex borders. Ideally placed to explore both counties whilst enjoying a luxurious base, comprising open ...
The Cart Lodge, Colne Engaine, near Halstead, Essex, Colchester
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in this detached, former cart lodge, awarded with a Visit Britain Gold Award, it is set in a peaceful, rural location in the owners’ grounds, surrounded by beautiful countryside of the Colne ...
The Cart Lodge, Colne Engaine, near Halstead, Essex, Colchester
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in this detached, former cart lodge, awarded with a Visit Britain Gold Award, it is set in a peaceful, rural location in the owners’ grounds, surrounded by beautiful countryside of the Colne ...
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 ...
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 ...
Set in 2½-acre grounds with abundant wildlifeEnjoy a relaxing, rural holiday surrounded by 2½ acres of landscaped and natural gardens in one of these two properties which offer a fantastic location for a romantic ...
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 ...
Set in 2½-acre grounds with abundant wildlifeEnjoy a relaxing, rural holiday surrounded by 2½ acres of landscaped and natural gardens in one of these two properties which offer a fantastic location for a romantic ...
Walnut Cottage, Takeley, near Bishops Stortford, Essex, Maldon
Dating back to 1897, Walnut Cottage has been lovingly restored to provide a cosy holiday retreat. An ideal base to explore the delights of Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Set in a quiet location adjoining ...
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 ...
United Kingdom cottages
