Looking to take a luxurious self-catering break in Essex?  A break in Essex, whether in a traditional luxury cottage or in a unique, unusual property, could be a great choice.  The delights of Essex for self-catering holidays are not well known but this county has plenty to offer.  There are some beautiful country villages and towns in rural Essex as well as a fascinating and charming coastline.  The seaside resort of Southend is probably Essex’s best known attraction with its lively cheerful air, fairground rides, pier and promenade but Essex’s more elegant destinations tend to be well kept secrets.
 

Discover Some of the Best of Rural Essex on a Luxury Cottage Break:

The North of Essex is particularly charming and can be recommended for those looking to enjoy some time in the country.

• Thaxted has some interesting historical buildings including a timber clad Guildhall and an attractive windmill.  This is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing drink in a café or a meal in a country pub.

• Perhaps Essex’s prettiest village is Finchingfield, a small pretty village which centres around a charming duck pond.  Said to be one of the most photographed villages in Essex, visit and it is easy to see why!  Walk along Duck End to find the village windmill.

• Great Dunmow is an attractive market town set amongst some stunning countryside.  There are some good shops, pubs and restaurants.

• Colchester and the surrounding area offer some attractive places to visit.  Colchester itself is well worth a visit.  This town’s claim to fame is that it is Britain’s oldest town and was a central place for the Roman Empire.  Colchester Castle is a fascinating place to visit and the town offers excellent shopping, bars, cafes and restaurants.  What’s more, some of Essex’s most charming villages are found near to Colchester.  Colchester Zoo is certain to be a hit with younger visitors who fancy monkeying around.

• Great Bentley with its extensive village green is a lovely place for a stroll.  A good little restaurant called Restaurant 43 offers plenty of bling factor and good quality fare.

• Another gem near Colchester is Coggeshall with its historical buildings and clock tower, this is a special little place.  Enjoy meandering around the charming streets and taking it easy in the tea rooms.

• Another pretty little village near Colchester is Dedham.  This village is a delightful place in the heart of Constable Country and is chockfull of historical houses.  There are some great boutique shops too, a quaint teashop and an interesting arts and crafts centre.

Soak up Some of the Best of Coastal Essex on a Luxury Self-Catering Holiday:

Essex’s coastline can be great for walking and relaxing by the waterside.

Maldon: Families with children should head for Maldon.  This town has extensive family friendly facilities at Promenade Park where there is an outdoor water splash park which is free to use, a play ship and an ornamental lake.  This place is popular with families and those with dogs.  Walk further on past the park and you can enjoy walks by the quayside next to historical barges or head in to town where there are shops, cafes and restaurants. 

• Near to Maldon is Heybridge Basin.  The area at Heybridge Basin is by the canal side and a great place for walks next to the waterways.  For this reason it is not recommended for families with small children.  This is a great place for romantic walks.

For somewhere truly unique and exclusive how about Osea Island? Osea Island isn’t open to the public as it is a private island but book self-catering accommodation on the island and you can explore its delights all you like!

A walker’s paradise, Essex boasts the popular Essex way which crosses the county from south west to north east as well as many more coastal and countryside trails. The diverse coastline, also the longest of any English county can also provide you with plenty of entertainment with traditional seaside resorts and historic maritime towns. Blue flag beaches, exciting boat trips and fresh seafood restaurants await your arrival to Essex. Whether you opt to stay in unique luxurious self-catering accommodation or in a luxury cottage in Essex, have a fabulous time!