Holiday rentals in Essex

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Top-rated holiday rentals in Essex

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Guest favourite
A private decking area features a hot tub surrounded by greenery, inviting relaxation. Two black chairs sit beside a small table, while a white robe and yellow towels are neatly arranged for comfort. A grassed area and patio with a BBQ are visible in the background.
Bungalow
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 390 reviews

Little Gem

Little Gem really does live up to its name. Whether it’s a romantic weekend or a leisurely week by the sea, Little Gem caters for all. With a private garden, hot tub, wood burner & the beach less than a 10 minute walk away. There are a number of restaurants & pubs a few minutes walk away and an award winning fish & chip shop just down the road Dog friendly Can be booked in conjunction with our sister property, "Coastal Gem". Convenient location for guests attending weddings at Villiers Barn

Top guest favourite
The exterior of a converted barn is shown, featuring a rustic design with dark wooden siding and a charming red roof. A gravel driveway leads to a fenced area with plants, while a tree and shrubs decorate the surrounding landscape under a clear blue sky.
Barn
5 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

The Byre at Cold Christmas

Escape to the country and stay in a cosy converted barn with a log burning stove and a secluded sunny patio area with outdoor dining and barbeque. Positioned in the beautiful countryside near Ware town, Cold Christmas has an abundance of lovely walks and is conveniently situated close to Hanbury Manor and Fanhams Hall, both of which offer a variety of amenities including a golf course, health spa and fine dining. Maltons, one of the area's finest restaurants is just at the end of the lane.

Top guest favourite
A shepherd's hut is viewed from the grassy area, showcasing a private terrace with a hot tub. Adjacent seating arrangements and a firepit create an inviting outdoor space. The backdrop features a clear blue sky and open fields, enhancing the sense of privacy.
Shepherd’s hut
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 240 reviews

Stunning Lakeside Shepherd's Hut - Hot Tub & Sauna

A stunning shepherd's hut in a beautiful lakeside location. Set at the back of a working farm & equestrian centre the hut is well-appointed with modern decor. Visitors will have the use of the hut, stunning firepit & BBQ. A beautiful private wood-fired hot tub is attached for your exclusive use. There is also a sauna a few steps away. The lake is well fenced, secure & very private. Visitors are welcome to fish in the very well-stocked specimen Carp lake, with multiple fish approaching 40lb.

Top guest favourite
A charming shepherd's hut, surrounded by lush greenery, features two front doors that open to a welcoming porch area. Outdoor seating is provided on a deck, along with a wood-burning fire pit and a wood-fired hot tub nearby, all set within a serene glade.
Shepherd’s hut
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 553 reviews

Fosters meadow shepherds hut

Luxury interior with high end furnishings, exclusive use of wood fired hot tub, fire pit barbecue. Nestled in a small private glade next to a brook with views over the meadow, and countryside beyond, an abundance of wildlife all around a great place to get away from it all. Wood burning stove, kitchen, shower, toilet, comfy double bed. All wood for stoves included Also now Pizza oven, so don’t forget your pizzas 🍕 We will be on hand to greet you but if you prefer to self check in let us know

Top guest favourite
A serene outdoor space is presented, featuring two loungers on a green lawn beside a tranquil pond. Lush vegetation surrounds the water, and a stone barbecue is visible in the background, framed by a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Guest house
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

Meadow view peaceful countryside lodge with ducks

Private Cosy getaway in the English countryside Whether you want to take advantage of the many local coastal & woodland walks or stroll to the local country pub Or just have some time to yourself & cosy up in the lodge or relax in the garden & feed our ducks You will have the entire lodge to yourself so you will not be disturbed it has its own private entrance as outlined in green on the photos Contactless check in No smoking in the lodge No parties Maldon high street is a 10 min drive

Top guest favourite
A private decking area provides a view of the tranquil lake, surrounded by flourishing greenery. Two wooden lounge chairs are positioned for relaxation, with flower pots enhancing the natural setting. The bright sky and calm water reflect a peaceful atmosphere.
Farm stay
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 376 reviews

Exclusive retreat on a private lake

Enjoy a truly unique stay in this exclusive lodge. Situated on its own private lake, you will have everything you need to enjoy a blissful retreat with award winning country pubs such as The Dog & Pickle only a walk away. Please note: 1. We are strictly a minimum of two night stays. 2. We can only accept infants under 6 months old. 3. There is no swimming or paddle boarding allowed in the lake. NEW FOR 2026 - The Wellness Deck Sauna, Cold Plunge & outdoor shower, ready for use now!

Top guest favourite
A balcony view is captured through bi-fold glass doors, featuring a small round table and two folding chairs. A decorative pumpkin sits at the center, with panoramic sea views of the estuary and boats in the distance, framed by a serene sunset.
Apartment
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 420 reviews

Estuary Views Penthouse with Private Parking

A Beachfront Coastal Retreat with private driveway parking & situated in the sort after area Thorpe Bay. Boasting unspoilt Panoramic Sea Views. Central to Blue Flag Beaches, 2 mins from award winning restaurants, superb location for coastal walks, watching the seabirds & a short walk to the longest Pier in the world. Re-Designed with Bi-Folding Glass doors, bringing the Outside Inside. Intricately Designed embracing tiny details that define our property for a Luxury & cosy stay.

Top guest favourite
A long, polished dining table is set with silver cloches and elegant glassware, positioned beneath a large window. The expansive view reveals lush vineyard rows and greenery framed by soft, natural light. Potted plants add a touch of color to the scene.
Villa
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 246 reviews

Luxury, contemporary vineyard property - 2 adults

Toppesfield Wine Centre is a contemporary ‘Scandi-style villa’ with a large open plan lounge/dining area which has a giant picture window overlooking Toppesfield Vineyard and full height glass sliding doors looking out onto a beautiful garden/ private patio with a large outside dining table and a luxurious day bed. It has a luxury bedroom with superking bed, view over the vineyard, luxury bathroom, tennis court and 4 person jacuzzi (2nd bedroom available via Airbnb 4 person listing)

Guest favourite
The room features a spacious bed with a textured blanket, complemented by a freestanding bath. Natural light fills the space through large doors. A small dressing table and sink area enhance functionality, while ceramic tiles and wood flooring add warmth to the overall decor.
Guest house
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 723 reviews

Boutique countryside cabin

Boutique cabin in countryside setting in the beautiful peaceful village of Little Baddow, a picturesque village in Essex. 10 minutes by car from the city of Chelmsford and 15 minutes from coastal town of Maldon. The village itself has 2 pubs and lots of walking routes nearby. Paper Mill Lock is a pleasant 30 min walk and has water sport facilities and tea room. Footpath maps available. Travel cot or single fold out guest bed avail on request, no additional cost.

Top guest favourite
A single-story cabin featuring light blue siding and a wooden front door adorned with a seasonal wreath. The entrance is framed by potted plants, and the spacious patio is made of stone tiles. A jacuzzi hot tub is visible nearby, enhancing the outdoor area.
Place to stay
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 339 reviews

St George’s Cosy Cabin with Jacuzzi Hot Tub

The cabin is situated behind our house down a privately owned lane surrounded by woods and farmland and consists of 1 double bedroom but can easily sleep 2 adults and 2 small children. Cot, highchair and 2 single airbeds are also available. It boasts a large patio with quality furniture solely for guests' use. The jacuzzi is an added luxury and £15 is requested during your stay if used. There is a large fully stocked fishpond of which guests are welcome to feed.

Top guest favourite
A luxury shepherd's hut is showcased with warm lighting illuminating its exterior. A fire pit with glowing embers is situated in front, accompanied by a wooden chair draped with a blanket. Soft smoke rises gently, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Shepherd’s hut
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 221 reviews

Shepherds Hut in Essex - Chick Pea

You will love this romantic escape in a luxury shepherds hut. With a cosy wood burning stove, underfloor heating for when you need extra cosiness, and a king size bed, kitchen and double rainforest shower. You will find a selection of board games. Outside you have your own private wood fired hot tub and BBQ with countryside views whilst at night you can gaze at the stars on your star gazing bed, which also makes a superb sun bed for catching those rays 💚

Top guest favourite
The exterior of the Ugley Coachhouse showcases a charming dark blue facade with a distinctive roof. A spacious patio area is furnished with comfortable seating, surrounded by greenery. Large glass doors provide access to the interior, allowing natural light to fill the space.
Holiday home
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 174 reviews

3 Ensuite Bedrooms, Large Garden and Private Drive

Enjoy your stay in the newly converted Ugley Coachhouse. The house is on a very quiet lane and is perfect for a relaxing break in the countryside. The village of Stansted and the small town of Saffron Walden are a short drive away as is Bishop's Stortford and Stansted Airport. Perfect for day trips to Cambridge or London. Family and pet friendly.

Popular amenities for Essex holiday rentals

All about Essex

The misconception of Essex as a sort of eastern suburb of London — encouraged by its commuter towns and a much popularised nightlife scene — belies both its ancient history and its natural beauty. Its coastline of broad estuaries backed by thousands of acres of wildlife-rich saltmarsh measures a whopping 350 miles. The former royal hunting enclosure of Epping Forest contains more than 50,000 ancient trees.

Its gentle, green countryside is dotted with olde worlde villages, market towns, and country estates, including the imposing Audley End at Saffron Walden, and the 18th-century Hylands House near Chelmsford. Stour Valley and Dedham Vale are so picturesque they inspired some of Britain’s most beloved painters, while Colchester, once the Roman capital of Britain, can celebrate two thousand years of architecture, including a Norman castle. But yes, Essex locals are also known for their friendliness and their love of a good time. Famous seaside towns like Clacton-on-Sea and Southend, home to the world’s longest pleasure pier, offer plenty of entertainment.

What are the top things to do in Essex?

Harwich

Located on a peninsula at the mouth of the rivers Stour and Orwell, this harbour is best known for its ferries to Holland. But its old town, dating back to the 13th century, is a charming destination itself, with maritime heritage, the wooden Ha’penny Pier, and a pretty beach on Dovercourt Bay. You can also go seal spotting at the nearby Hamford water nature reserve.

Halstead

With the River Colne running prettily through its centre, this market town, full of independent shops and merchants, is a floral delight year round, from its Victorian gardens to its blooming churchyards. Drive 15 minutes in any direction and you’ll come to more attractive villages — Coggeshall, Finchingfield, Earls Colne — while the Norman keep of Hedingham Castle lies just to the north.

Blackwater Estuary

From the Dengie peninsula south of the river to Mersea Island to its north, the vast flat horizons of the Blackwater salt marshes are a place to lose yourself in nature. The estuary’s banks, lakes, and meadows are breeding grounds for wildlife while the surrounding villages, like Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch, and Bradwell-on-Sea, retain their fishing and boat-building traditions.

Destinations to explore

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