
Holiday rentals in Essex
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Top-rated holiday rentals in Essex
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The Strawberry Box - luxury eco barn conversion
The Strawberry Box is a luxuriously converted old tractor barn located on our working strawberry farm in rural Suffolk. South facing with extensive views across the rolling countryside, it is self contained and private, perfect for a quiet relaxing holiday, a romantic break or a base for exploring the rich heritage and beautiful villages around us. There are good pubs within comfortable walking distance and footpaths and narrow lanes to explore close by - or just take a wander around the farm.

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.

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

Secluded luxury yurt getaway in rural Essex
You and a loved one+ a couple of open-air rolltop tubs + a yurt = an excellent escapade to Essex. All this is to be experienced at A Swift Escape, an adults-only site set in the far end of a paddock surrounded by fields and trees for a real private vibe. This is a getaway designed for pure serenity—don't expect a busy itinerary, just blissful relaxation. You’ll spend days taking alfresco dips and chilling out on your outdoor decking’s seating while sizzling up snacks on the gas barbecue.

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!

Cottage on the beach
With its own beachside garden and breathtaking uninterrupted views of the wildest of Essex creeks and marshes, the cottage is only to be reached on foot atop a sea wall. The perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The last in a row of westerly facing cottages, perfect to watch the evening sun go down . From the front garden or even laying in bed, watch the tide slip in and out, the fishing boats come and go and live, for a while, in a world moving at a slower pace.

The Round House
Come & spend some time in a unique & tranquil, 18th Century cottage. Situated on the edge of beautiful Finchingfield & surrounded by fields, The Round House is the perfect getaway for cozying up or getting out & about in the gorgeous countryside. With beams galore, a central stacked fireplace with log burner, a compact galley kitchen & dining area. Upstairs is a double bedroom & stunning bathroom. Outside the house is surrounded by garden with amazing views over stunning countryside.

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.

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)

The Granary - Stylish converted farm building
The Granary has been stylishly converted and is situated on a quiet country lane in the picturesque and historic village of Groton. Set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, just a few miles from several picture postcard villages, including Kersey and Lavenham. With miles of quiet lanes and footpaths and pubs within walking distance, it is ideally placed for walkers, cyclists and country lovers. Relax and unwind in this rural idyll - a perfect base for exploring Suffolk.

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.

Unique Tudor Barn conversion.
Circa 1460's self contained barn conversion. Double bed. Shower room. Cosy sitting area with oil burning stove, private entrance, parking, stunning views, use of outdoor sitting area. Chelmsford 10 to 12 minute drive to city centre and railway station. Stansted 20 minute drive away, Broomfield Hospital and Farleigh Hospice 10 minute walk away. Buses to Colchester, Braintree and Chelmsford from outside front door. Chelmsford Park and Ride service is 5 minute drive.
Popular amenities for Essex holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Essex

A fairy-tale luxurious cottage - The Tea Caddy

Perfect cottage provides the perfect escape

The Loft

Luxury Shepherds Hut with outdoor area and hot tub

The Smithy.

Roslyns Studio Apartment

Newly Furnished Annex, very cosy

Little Puckridge
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
- Lakehouse rentals Essex
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- Paddington
- Big Ben
- British Museum
- London Bridge
- Covent Garden
- Marble Arch
- Buckingham Palace
- St Pancras International
- Hampstead Heath
- Natural History Museum
- Tottenham Court Road
- Kings Cross
- The O2
- Wembley Stadium
- Piccadilly Theatre
- Trafalgar Square
- ExCeL London
- Battersea Power Station (disused)
- Emirates Stadium
- Royal Albert Hall
- Russell Square
- Olympia Events
- Camden Market
- Borough Market
- Things to do Essex
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