The beautiful county of Essex is located just east of London. This sought-after area is home to towns, villages and seaside resorts. Easily reachable via a wealth of transport options, you'll be amazed at the diversity of this eclectic county. Essex holiday accommodation provides the perfect base from which to explore the natural beauty of Epping Forest, the seaside town of Southend and the many castles and historical attractions that adorn the area.
Getting to your Essex accommodation
Getting from London to Essex is easy as the eastbound Central line extends into the county. 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 holiday
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price per night for a holiday rental in Essex?
You can book a holiday home in Essex for as little as £51 per night. Whether you're after something simple or more luxurious, there's a wide range available. HomeToGo helps you filter by price to match your budget.
How many holiday homes are available to book in Essex? And what are the most popular types of holiday lets?
There are 6,501 holiday lettings in Essex to browse and book for your upcoming trip. Nearly a quarter of holiday rentals in Essex are house rentals, making them a top pick among travellers. They’re ideal whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a group getaway. Use HomeToGo to easily find the top-rated holiday rental for your trip.
What is the most searched holiday rental amenity in Essex?
Travellers planning trips to Essex usually search for Pets allowed, Pool, and Hot tub when it comes to holiday home amenities.
Do you offer holiday homes with a swimming pool in Essex?
Yes, 8% of holiday lettings in Essex include access to a swimming pool. They’re ideal for cooling off on sunny days or relaxing poolside, with 550 properties to choose from. Find your perfect poolside getaway on HomeToGo.
What is the best time of year to travel to Essex?
July and August are the best months for sun lovers in Essex.
How do I find deals on holiday lettings in Essex?
You can get fabulous discounts on holiday rentals in Essex with the cost per night for a let starting at just £51 - and HomeToGo has launched plenty of features that mean it's quick and simple to locate the top offers. If you don't have set dates for your break, search with HomeToGo's flexible dates technology to easily look for low-price timings and find discounts of as much as 5%. Additionally, HomeToGo's 'distance from' filter makes it easy to find hidden treasure holiday rentals in lower-price, under-the-radar locales that are just as close to the area of your choice, whether that's the coastline, a swimming lake, winter sports area or town centre. Start your search as soon as possible to take advantage of a wide range of offers and low prices - and do so without worries by ticking HomeToGo's 'free cancellation' filter when searching for holiday accommodation.
What are the pros of finding a holiday letting in Essex with HomeToGo?
From serenity away from the crowds to plenty of room to enjoy with your loved ones, holiday rentals in Essex have a variety of bonuses. HomeToGo provides genuine ratings from verified visitors, and searching is safe, easy, and hassle-free - so with 6,501 offers from 47 providers in the area, you're sure to uncover the perfect type of accommodation with the amenities and features you need in Essex.
Do you offer holiday accommodation for couples in Essex?
Absolutely – couples love the range of holiday lettings available in Essex. Enjoy a romantic retreat with just the right amount of space and charm. Let HomeToGo help you plan your next romantic break.
Can I book a waterfront holiday rental in Essex?
You can book one of 3930 waterfront holiday homes in Essex for a truly scenic break. They're great for beach lovers or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat by the water. Book with HomeToGo for a stay just steps from the water.
Why should I book my holiday rental with HomeToGo?
From seaside cottages to city apartments, HomeToGo has the best holiday rentals out there. With smart filters, tailored recommendations and a Best Price Guarantee, booking is simple and stress-free. Book with confidence and enjoy support every step of the way.
Can I find family-friendly holiday lettings in Essex?
Yes, there are lots of family-friendly holiday homes in Essex. Top options can host groups of up to 7, perfect for holidays with kids or extended family. Use HomeToGo to explore family-friendly holiday cottages with ease.
Can I cancel my holiday rental booking for free?
Worried about changes? Plenty of holiday rentals listed on HomeToGo come with free cancellation options. Look for rentals with free cancellation to keep things stress-free.
Is it possible to rent a holiday home for a weekend getaway in Essex?
Need a weekend getaway in Essex? Lots of holiday rentals offer short stays for a quick and easy break. Many homes offer short stays without long commitments. Discover your ideal holiday home with ease on HomeToGo.
Are there any last-minute holiday rental deals in Essex?
Yes, HomeToGo regularly features last-minute holiday deals in Essex, perfect for spontaneous getaways. With HomeToGo, you can find great value — and save up to 5%, even at short notice. Check today’s offers and grab a holiday cottage at a great price.