Holiday rentals and lettings in Essex

• Diverse accommodation styles: Choose from charming thatched cottages, luxury countryside houses, glamping cabins, and converted barns, each offering unique character and comfort suited to couples, families, and coastal getaway seekers.
• Modern amenities and comforts: Enjoy private hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens, spacious gardens, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly policies across properties, blending contemporary conveniences with countryside charm seamlessly.
• Prime Essex locations: Stay in coastal Walton-on-the-Naze, peaceful Mersea Island, waterfront Burnham-on-Crouch, urban Chelmsford, or rural villages, each offering distinct experiences and attractions for different traveller interests.
• Excellent guest ratings: Properties consistently receive extremely high scores, with guests praising luxurious finishes, breathtaking views, private hot tubs, and the perfect balance of character with modern comforts.
• East England appeal: Located near London with picturesque countryside, charming coastal towns, and rich heritage attractions, Essex combines peaceful settings with convenient access to dining and entertainment options.

Essex holiday rentals span diverse accommodation styles, from charming thatched cottages and luxury countryside houses to innovative glamping pods and quiet rural cabins. Each holiday home offers unique character and comfort. Look out for amenities such as:

• Private hot tubs
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Pet-friendly accommodation
• Enclosed gardens
• Secure parking

If you'd prefer something more rustic, camping in Essex is a great way to get back to nature during your holiday.

What are the best areas to stay in Essex?

The best area to stay depends on your interests: coastal areas like Walton-on-the-Naze offer beach access and seaside charm, while Chelmsford provides urban convenience with countryside proximity. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Essex holiday rentals consistently receive excellent ratings. Guests particularly praise the luxurious finishes, breathtaking countryside and waterfront views, private hot tub experiences, and the peaceful yet well-equipped settings that blend comfort with authentic charm. Here are some of our top-rated holiday rentals and lettings from the past year:

1. Cottage 'Lake House' with garden and parking - 9.6+: This charming two-person cottage makes a great spot for a romantic break. The traditional thatched roof and quiet rural setting add to its rustic appeal.
2. Vacation apartment 'The Cow Shed' with parking - 9.3+: This unique four-person cottage makes the most of period details like exposed beams and sloping roofs. Once used as a cow shed, it seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern comforts.
3. Cottage 'Glass Room' with garden and parking - 9.9+: Guests love the enormous windows in this delightful two-person cottage, letting in plenty of sunshine and showing off the beautiful Ardleigh countryside.

Nestled in the East of England and just a short distance from London, Essex captivates visitors with picturesque countryside, charming coastal towns, and a rich blend of heritage attractions and modern attractions.

✈️What is the best way to get to Essex?

Essex is one of the most accessible counties in England, well connected by air, rail, and road. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The M11, A12 and M25 all pass through or skirt the county, keeping most of Essex within an hour or so of central London.
• By train: Greater Anglia runs frequent services from London Liverpool Street to Chelmsford, Colchester and beyond, while C2C connects London Fenchurch Street to Southend and the coast.
• By air: Essex is home to two of London's airports, London Stansted and London Southend.

🍴Where to eat in Essex?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Lion - Boreham is the best rated restaurant in Essex. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller recommends Le Talbooth in Dedham, Essex: a long-established riverside restaurant in the heart of Constable Country and the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, well loved for its classic fine dining and picturesque setting.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Essex is summer, when Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Southend's beaches and seafronts are at their liveliest.

Summer (June–September)

• Best for: The coast, with Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Southend's beaches and seafronts at their liveliest.
• Weather: Mild to warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, especially along the coast and seafronts.

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Historic towns and shopping, which are enjoyable year-round.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and low-key away from the coast.

Shoulder season (April–May and September–October)

• Best for: The countryside and heritage side of the county, with Dedham Vale and Saffron Walden particularly pretty outside peak season.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer coast.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Essex hosts recommend visiting Southend-on-Sea in the autumn for the annual Seafront Fireworks displays. These spectacular free shows run every Saturday from September until November.

1. Meet the animals at Colchester Zoo
2. Wander through Beth Chatto's Gardens
3. Spend a beach day in Clacton-on-Sea
4. Explore Braintree's quirky named 'gants'
5. Tour the Tiptree Jam Factory

1. Meet the animals at Colchester Zoo

   Kids will enjoy a visit to one of the UK's best-loved zoos, with the chance to try a 'become a keeper for a day' experience and hand-feed an elephant or giraffe.

2. Wander through Beth Chatto's Gardens

   These renowned gardens near Colchester were transformed from overgrown wasteland in 1960 using a 'right plant, right place' philosophy, and remain a delightful visitor attraction today.

3. Spend a beach day in Clacton-on-Sea

   Clacton's seafront and pier offer family fun with sea views, ten-pin bowling and penny arcades, a classic traditional English seaside day out.

4. Explore Braintree's quirky named 'gants'

   The word 'gant' is unique to Braintree, meaning passageway, and the town's oddly-named alleyways make for a fun, curious wander.

5. Tour the Tiptree Jam Factory

   See how Tiptree's famous jams are made on a factory tour in the village of Tiptree, a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.