A New England style wooden holiday lodge. In the foreground are sloping fields while behind the lodge is a wood. Self Catering Holiday Accommodation in Essex

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Essex

To discover this sunny (and that's official) corner of south-east England, rent an Essex holiday cottage to see this land, bounded by the North Sea and Thames Estuary. Essex shares its ancient Anglo-Saxon origins between ancient woodlands, pastoral farmlands and busy estuaries. From the decorative Byzantine frescoes of Copford Church and Layer Marney Tower, which has the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England, Colchester, the earliest Roman settlement in Britain, to the busy port of Harwich, gateway to Europe, and Stansted airport, Essex has seen it all. Forest walks, rides and glades for picnics, and a lake are all to be enjoyed in Hatfield Forest. Visit Audley End House and admire the Adam-design Tea House Bridge and Finchingfield, an authentic chocolate-box village - so don't forget your camera. Real history can still be seen at the medieval bridge in Pleshey, a village which existed long before the Normans arrived.

A 3-storey, wood and glass holiday home in a rural location.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Scarlet Pimpernel is a sophisticated rural cottage offered by Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa in Colchester, Suffolk. The contemporary retreat boasts beautiful views of the golf course and gardens and features open-plan spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light and large balconies.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A modern single storey lodge stands in front of trees overlooking a hedge-lined field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This delightful lodge on Wakes Hall Farm is a haven of peace on 500 acres of private land. Having recently been awarded a five-star AA award, it features an open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting area, a verandah and a hot tub. The historic town of Colchester is 40 minutes away.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A clapperboard thatched holiday cottage in Essex with brick chimney stacks is surrounded by a garden and mature trees
Sleeps
7
Bedrooms
3

Raindrops on Roses is a gorgeous 700-year-old thatched cottage surrounded by countryside near Hatfield Forest. The cottage is perfect for outdoor rural walks and boasts expansive gardens with wonderful views, traditional features such as beams, and a cosy log fire.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
A single storey eco-lodge surrounded by a deck and open fields.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Championship golf courses and spa treatments beckon at Ramson Lodge, a contemporary cottage near the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa in Suffolk. Walks and fresh air also await at the surrounding Constable County Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while lovely views are promised at the cottage.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
Gable end of a 3-storey period house with 2st floor balcony flanked by mature treees
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The Observatory is a delightful holiday cottage located in Essex on Osea Island. It offers a serene escape for those seeking a peaceful getaway. To access the private island, guests can cross over a tidal causeway. Once there, they can enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, a saltwater lido, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and other amenities. The cottage features a comfortable lounge, a well-equipped kitchen diner, and a private balcony with outstanding views of the island. Two stylish bedrooms ensure guests have a restful stay. Its remarkable location makes it an ideal spot for special celebrations or family holidays.

 

 

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
A two-storey Essex holiday cottage overlooking a lawn with a parasol on Osea Island
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Garden House is a warm and inviting Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island located near the waterfront, boasting a charming and cosy atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated, radiating comfort and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious holiday retreat. This holiday home is situated in the central village area of the island, providing convenient access to all the island's attractions while also offering a private and secluded refuge.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

One Manor Beach Cottage is a picturesque, four-bedroom Essex holiday cottage on Osea Island. Nestled by the shingle beach, this spacious coastal retreat provides tranquil, family-friendly accommodations. Unwind in the cosy living spaces with an original wood-burning stove. The cottage is just steps from the water's edge, offering splendid sea views. Enjoy communal facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, cinema room, games room, and more—a remarkable place for special celebrations or family vacations.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a 3-storey holiday cottage on Osea Island overlooking a large lawn with sun lounders beneath a shade of tree
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
6

Rosetti House is a spacious holiday cottage located on Osea Island, near Maldon. The cottage is situated on the ground floor and features a large private garden. It is equipped with a communal pool, tennis court, and cinema room for easy access. The living area has three comfortable sofas and the kitchen-diner seats up to 14 people, making them ideal spaces for gathering.

Osea Island is located in the Blackwater Estuary and offers a memorable escape with its private beach, saltwater lido, heated outdoor pool, gym, and event spaces. The cottage features six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, ensuring comfort and relaxation. It is perfect for special celebrations or family getaways.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A timber-framed holiday cottage on Osea Island with two sun-loungers on its lawn
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Sweet Shop, a charming cottage on Osea Island, is perfect for couples seeking a tranquil getaway. This bijou retreat in the island's village area offers an open living and bedroom space, a well-equipped kitchen, and a shower room. Guests enjoy access to private beaches, a saltwater lido, an outdoor heated pool, a tennis court, a cinema room, a games room, a gym, and four event spaces. The island's communal facilities include a pool, tennis court, The Shack, free bicycles, a lido pool, a cinema and more. Bring up to two dogs for a weekly fee of £30 each. Short breaks are available.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

While known by many outside of the County as the bustling area with wild nightlife and extravagant characters due to certain popular TV shows, Essex itself is a beautiful place steeped in culture and fascinating history. Essex offers its visitors more than 350 miles of coastline, ancient market towns, traditional villages and tiny hamlets nestled within the County’s rolling countryside hills. There are many delightful holiday cottages along the coast and further inland from which visitors will find plenty to see and do during a holiday in this fine and sunny County in the South East of England.

Essex is also known as the ‘sunshine county’, with the Victorian village of St Osyth being recorded as the driest place in the UK. Its excellent location links to Europe’s most desirable locations, such as the City of London and Cambridge. If you’re looking for something completely different, why not hop on the ferry at Harwich to spend a night or two in Germany and the Netherlands?

Essex is one of those England counties all too often overlooked by visitors – and that’s their loss. Essex is fascinating for its culture, historical sites, shoreline, and seaside resorts. There are many attractive landmarks to discover in the area. Southend-on-Sea is a great place to start, with its Pier, the longest in the world – you’ll need to take the train to get to the end! Essex also has some beautiful castles, including Colchester Castle, the largest Norman Keep in Europe.

The town of Colchester itself is known to be the oldest in Britain. Still, it also has some outstanding contemporary buildings, such as ‘Firstsite’, a contemporary visual arts building with lots of exhibitions, a café and a local arts & crafts shop. Even if contemporary art isn’t your thing, the building is worth visiting due to its fascinating and modern architecture that juxtaposes nicely with the nearby Victorian buildings.

There’s an abundance of activities to get involved in during your cottage stay in Essex. The Lee Valley White Water Centre offers one of the best places to experience white water rafting and is used by some of the Olympic kayaking team. For something a bit more relaxed, Great Notley Country Park has bike trails with links to over 15 miles of off-road walking and cycling routes. The park also has bike hire, so you don’t need to worry about bringing yours along with you.

For some retail therapy, head to High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Chelmsford. It’s regarded as one of the biggest shopping centres in Essex, with over 80 stores, and one of the prettiest too, with the River Can flowing peacefully alongside it and a large open park nearby.

Being in a great position in the UK, Essex is home to some of the biggest festivals and events that run throughout the year. V Festival, hosted in Chelmsford, attracts over 180,000 each year, and with household names, it is widely regarded as one of the biggest music festivals in the UK. There are many more festivals, including Chelmsford Blues Festival, Leigh Folk Festival and Colchester Food and Drink Festival - all of which will ensure a stay in an Essex holiday cottage will be anything but dull.