Holiday rentals in Essex

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Top-rated holiday rentals in Essex

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Guest favourite
Guest house
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 458 reviews

Luxury Apartment in West Hanningfield + Tennis.

A self contained cottage with the use of a Tennis Court and a beautiful private walled garden which is accessed through patio doors from the living space. It’s set in unspoilt peaceful countryside yet only a 5 minute drive into Stock Village with its four outstanding pubs, cafe and Greenwood’s Hotel and Spa. There is The Ship pub in West Hanningfield and The Windmill pub in South Hanningfield. The vibrant Chelmsford City Centre is a 10 minute drive and the RHS Hyde Hall is a 5 minute drive away.

Superhost
The exterior of a charming stone building is showcased, featuring a steeply pitched roof and a tall, narrow bell tower. Flanked by well-maintained gardens, colorful flower pots add vibrant touches around the entrance. A cobblestone pathway leads up to the inviting entryway.
Home
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 205 reviews

Stunning 4 bed Church Conversion in Billericay

*CLOSE TO LEIGH ON SEA AND SOUTHEND* -UNIQUE 4 BEDROOM , 2 BATH HOME WITH HUGE VOLUME LIVING AREA AND NEW FULLY FITTED KITCHEN .FULLY HEATED. SET IN LOVELY QUIET RURAL SETTING OVERLOOKING FIELDS YET WITHIN EASY DRIVE OF THE ATTRACTIVE MARKET TOWN OF BILLERICAY. GOOD RAIL FACILITIES TO LONDON ( LIVERPOOL STREET ) AND SOUTHEND AIRPORT WITHIN 25 MINUTES DRIVE. FACILITIES FOR HORSE RIDING , FISHING ,CYCLING ALL WITHIN EASY REACH AS ARE CHILDRENS' ACTIVITIES SHOPPING CENTRE / LEISURE PARK NEARBY

Top guest favourite
A wood-fired hot tub is situated on a wooden deck surrounded by lush greenery. The tub features a smooth, curved edge and is equipped with fixtures for water control. A chimney extends from the side, blending harmoniously with the natural setting.
Shepherd’s hut
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 557 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
Flat
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 294 reviews

Magnificent private flat in Grade 1-listed Tower

A charming apartment located within the Grade 1 listed Layer Marney Tower! This apartment is situated within the main building of the Tower but benefits from its own private entrance and is completely self-contained. The apartment comprises an entrance lobby with a small kitchenette (microwave, fridge, kettle, tableware for 2), a 5-piece modern bathroom (shower, bath, toilet, sink, bidet) and a magnificent master bedroom with a huge four-poster bed. A perfect romantic getaway in the country!

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, 174 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
An elegantly designed bedroom features a spacious super king bed adorned with soft linens and stacked towels. A freestanding bath is positioned nearby, complemented by wooden wall accents. A cozy robe hangs in the background, while soft lighting contributes to a serene atmosphere.
Farm stay
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 378 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 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, 247 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)

Top guest favourite
Barn
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

Spacious Essex Barn: Cinema, Bar & Tennis Court

Welcome to our private barn conversion, tucked away in peaceful South Essex countryside. Just 20 mins from Southend-on-Sea’s 7 miles of beaches, pier, amusements & Adventure Island, and 10 mins from Southend Airport. We are also 5 mins from Apton Hall Wedding venue. Enjoy exclusive use of the barn with a cinema room, bar/lounge with pool table, games room with table tennis & gym, plus a tennis court. 4 great pubs/restaurants within 10 mins & beautiful countryside walks nearby!

Guest favourite
Guest house
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 726 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
Place to stay
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 346 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
Shepherd’s hut
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviews

Shepherds Hut in Essex - Pea Pod

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

Guest favourite
An aerial view of a traditional Mongolian yurt situated on a spacious wooden deck. Two open-air roll-top tubs are positioned nearby, alongside a dining table and comfortable seating areas. The surrounding grass and gentle hills provide a serene countryside backdrop.
Yurt
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 329 reviews

Luxury Yurt + Outdoor Bath | Romantic Escape

Escape to your own private luxury yurt in the Essex countryside. Designed for couples, this secluded retreat offers complete privacy, open air rolltop baths and peaceful countryside views. Unwind on your private decking, soak under the sky and switch off completely. Set within an adults only site, enjoy slow mornings, sunset drinks and cosy evenings. The perfect place to relax, reconnect and enjoy a romantic escape away from everything.

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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