Holiday rentals in Essex

How to get to Essex holiday lettings

If travelling to Essex holiday lettings by air then the most convenient airport is London Stansted, which is located within the county of Essex. However, Heathrow, Gatwick and other London airports also lie in relatively close proximity to Essex and can be reached by train, coach or London Underground (the eastbound Central line extends into the county). Renting a car from the airport is also an efficient way to reach your final destination with ease.

If arriving by car, your approach will vary depending on where in Essex you're visiting. However, two of the main access roads are the A127 and the M11.

There are many train stations in Essex, with Basildon, Southend and Epping being some of the largest. All routes serve London and some continue further afield.

What to see and do during your Essex visit

Essex is a large and diverse county, meaning that there is a wide variety of attractions and sights to explore. Those looking for a beach getaway should head to Southend. This classic English seaside resort boasts the world's longest pier – at over a kilometre long, there is even a train to take you to the end.

Other Southend attractions include Two Tree Island, a stunning nature reserve situated in the Thames estuary, and Adventure Island, a theme park with rides and attractions catering to thrill-seekers of all ages. For animal lovers or those travelling with children, Colchester Zoo and the Tropical Wings Zoo (which focuses on butterflies) won't disappoint.

There is no shortage of history on hand when you rent Essex holiday homes. The region has several grand estates complete with palaces and gardens to delight the whole family. Some of the most notable and worth visiting are Colchester Castle (which is also a museum), Hedingham Castle (boasting lovely picnic areas and a café) and Mountfitchet Castle (which forms part of a wider Norman settlement).

Fans of the outdoors won't be disappointed either. Epping Forest is a vast area of woodland located to the west of the county which is perfect for long walks, picnics and cycling. Formerly the site of numerous royal residences, the forest is nowadays home to a wealth of protected wildlife species and is thus a special area of conservation.

Art and culture in Essex

There is a world of art and cultural experiences ready to explore from Essex holiday lettings. Southend Central Museum offers intriguing artefacts from the local area as well as a planetarium built by the astronomer Harry Ford. For anyone with a passion for locomotives, there are several museums to choose from. These include the East Anglian Railway Museum and the Museum of Power.

Live performance is also prominent in Essex, with the Civic Theatre, the Palace Theatre, the Lakeside Theatre and many more venues presenting productions of plays, musicals, dance and comedy. Galleries and exhibits are also commonly found in Essex. From your Essex holiday home, you can easily visit Beecroft Gallery (home to contemporary British works) and Firstsite (which has a focus on international artists).

London and Brighton are perfect day trips from Essex holiday lettings

London makes for the perfect day trip from Essex and is easily reached by one of the many London Underground stations serving the county. These include Epping, Loughton, Grange Hill and Chigwell. Many main line trains also depart for Liverpool Street station on a regular basis, so your trip to visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye couldn't be easier.

If the Southend coast awakens a yearning for the British seaside then Brighton can be reached in around an hour by rail or road. From its famous pebbled beach to the numerous restaurants dotted along the Laines, Brighton is a wonderful destination for solo travellers, couples, families or groups.

The best of Essex

Colchester Zoo

This large, modern zoo is home to several rare and endangered species. Get up close and personal with orangutans, elephants, tigers and much more. Fun events occurring throughout the day include a public giraffe feed and animal training sessions.

Tropical Wings Zoo

An interactive zoo with a petting farm, children’s play area, interesting keeper talks and a tropical house with butterflies, Tropical Wings is an excellent choice for a family day out.

Boydells Dairy Farm

Open to the public for visits, this working farm provides fun and educational activities for children and adults alike. Highlights include cow milking and donkey rides.

Castle Park

This beautiful manicured park in Colchester is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. It's also home to regular concerts and music festivals.

Adventure Island

Located in Southend-on-Sea, Adventure Island is an amusement park with 32 exciting rides, numerous restaurants and a gift shop.