Essex holiday rentals

Why visit Essex

• Natural beauty: Essex boasts scenic countryside, lush nature reserves and enchanting forests ideal for leisurely walks and picnics.
• Coastal charm: Discover the stunning coastline with accessible beaches perfect for a seaside retreat.
• Heritage and culture: Immerse in the rich local history and vibrant cultural experiences across its charming towns.
• Family-friendly adventures: Enjoy outdoor activities, urban parks and delightful markets suitable for all ages.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Experience a warm, inviting ambience with cosy settings, perfect for unwinding.

Popular types of accommodation in Essex

Planning a getaway to Essex, England? You’re in for a treat. With charming cottages, private holiday homes, and stylish apartments, there's no shortage of delightful holiday rentals. Explore the stunning coastline with beach access, or immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the region. From picturesque villages to bustling towns, Essex offers an array of experiences that cater to every traveller. Start your search for the perfect house rental today.

• Cottages: The top choice for Essex visitors, offering traditional charm and cosy comforts in a rural setting.
• Private Holiday Homes: A popular option for those seeking a home-away-from-home experience complete with modern amenities.
• Apartments: Ideal for travellers desiring convenience and urban accessibility without compromising on comfort.
• Caravan Parks: Perfect for a laid-back holiday, providing a community feel and easy access to scenic attractions.
• Chalets: A delightful retreat combining rustic appeal with stylish interiors, suited for a relaxing break.**

Top attractions in Essex

Essex offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions. The county is ideal for exploring urban parks, nature reserves and enchanting forests, providing a perfect setting for picnics, hikes and leisurely strolls. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich local heritage and scenic beauty that make Essex a captivating destination for every tourist.

• Audley End House: This magnificent historic house offers a glimpse into the grandeur of 17th-century life, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and engaging exhibitions that highlight its rich history and cultural significance.
• Epping Forest: A vast expanse of ancient woodland, perfect for outdoor adventures such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The forest provides a tranquil escape from urban life, with scenic trails and picturesque picnic spots.
• Leez Priory: A captivating historic site, Leez Priory boasts stunning architecture and beautiful grounds, ideal for exploring the elegance of medieval England while enjoying its cultural atmosphere and historic charm.

Things to do recommended for couples

Discover the charm of Essex with a romantic stroll along the picturesque River Stour, or enjoy a candlelit dinner at a quaint pub in Dedham. Explore the stunning gardens of Hylands Park, perfect for a leisurely afternoon, and don't miss a sunset at the beautiful Mersea Island.

Things to do recommended for families

Families will enjoy the scenic walks along the Essex marshes and visit the local heritage museums, offering engaging, educational experiences suitable for all ages.

Things to do recommended for groups

In Essex, groups can enjoy traditional pub visits, visit local markets, and explore historic landmarks in charming villages. Indulge in hearty meals and scenic walks along the countryside, providing an authentic British experience.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Essex

Whether you're journeying with a group, as a family, with your pets, or seeking an extended stay, be sure to filter according to your essential priorities. Below are some Stayz booking tips to guide you.

• Traveling to Essex with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you'll require, as well as features like a fully equipped kitchen or outdoor areas for group gatherings. Thankfully, you can easily filter for all these options and more on Stayz.
• Traveling to Essex with young kids: Travelling with young children can present its challenges. It's important to prioritise their comfort and safety, along with accessing suitable amenities, like a private swimming pool. Additionally, it's wise to think about your closeness to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Essex: For many, a family holiday wouldn’t be the same without their beloved pet by their side. If this resonates with you, be sure to explore Stayz accommodations that welcome pets. Most of these pet-friendly properties come equipped with feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Essex: If you're in search of holiday rentals offering discounts for stays of a month or more, you've come to the perfect destination. By using the appropriate filters, you can effortlessly locate and benefit from savings on monthly rentals. Don't forget to include amenities such as a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search criteria as well.

Where to stay in Essex

Essex offers an array of experiences from charming towns to scenic countryside retreats. Visitors can enjoy the warm, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with cosy fireplaces and inviting patios. Whether exploring local markets or relishing outdoor adventures, Essex provides a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion in the heart of southeast England.

• Colchester: As one of the oldest recorded towns in Britain, Colchester boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences, making it a perfect spot for tourists. Visitors can explore the picturesque parks and private gardens, or enjoy a day at the local shopping centres and malls. The modern university adds an educational edge to the city, and the historic landmarks scattered throughout provide ample opportunity for discovery and exploration.
• Southend-on-Sea: Renowned for its stunning beaches and lively entertainment, Southend-on-Sea is a delightful coastal city that promises a fun-filled experience for families. The iconic pier, one of the longest in the world, is a must-visit, along with the beautiful sandy beaches that invite relaxation and seaside fun. With a variety of shopping centres and theatres, Southend-on-Sea caters to those seeking both retail therapy and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable visit for all ages.
• Bishop's Stortford: Nestled near the border of Hertfordshire, Bishop's Stortford features a charming mix of historic and modern attractions. This city is perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures, with various parks and recreational areas available. The town’s shopping areas and centres provide a delightful shopping experience, while the nearby historic places and houses offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. With its lovely streets and welcoming atmosphere, Bishop's Stortford is a great place to explore and unwind.

Booking with Stayz is a breeze

Consider saving money on your next holiday by remaining flexible with your travel dates, as prices do tend to vary. Additionally, booking a longer stay can often result in substantial savings. To locate the ideal Stayz property that suits your budget, simply utilise our filters to sort by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Stayz Trips: Effortless planning

Stayz's cutting-edge Trip Board offers you a dedicated platform to plan new journeys, pick up where you last stopped, or review and arrange your travel plans. You can easily access properties you've saved or booked in the sections for Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To get started with Trip Boards, simply visit: https://www.stayz.com.au/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Travel to friendly Essex

The area's history and museums are just some of the reasons to come on holiday to Essex. Well known for its restaurants, shopping and bars, this welcoming city won't disappoint. Many of our holiday rentals offer full kitchens, spacious living quarters and sometimes even a hot tub—perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Sightseeing in and around Essex

Are you searching for things to do while you're in the area? Venture out of your holiday home and experience everything that makes Essex a fun place to get away to. Here are some of the most popular attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Forrester Park Golf Club (10.2 mi / 16.5 km)
• Festival Leisure Park (10.4 mi / 16.7 km)
• Five Lakes Resort (14.6 mi / 23.5 km)
• Bishop's Stortford Golf Club (15.4 mi / 24.8 km)
• Adventure Island (17.4 mi / 28 km)
• Colchester Zoo (17.7 mi / 28.4 km)

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Essex

Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Essex is a great place to get outside. Here are a few of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Hanningfield Reservoir (5.7 mi / 9.2 km)
• Chalkwell Beach (16.1 mi / 26 km)
• Hainault Forest Country Park (16.9 mi / 27.1 km)
• Southend Beach (18.1 mi / 29.2 km)
• Thorpe Bay Beach (18.8 mi / 30.3 km)
• Epping Forest (19.2 mi / 30.8 km)

Travelling to and around Essex

The nearest airport is in London (STN-Stansted), located 14 mi (22.5 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you might consider flying into London (SEN-Southend), which is 15.1 mi (24.3 km) away.

If you prefer to travel by train, Chelmsford Station, Wickford Hatfield Peverel Station and Ingatestone Station are the main stations that serve the city. You can see more of Essex by catching a ride on the metro at Epping Underground Station, Theydon Bois Underground Station or Debden Underground Station.