Just show me Essex Cottages
For a wonderful mix of coastal and countryside attractions, our Essex cottages are great for family holidays.
Head to the coast for fun, sun and water sports - over 350 miles long and featuring both remote areas brimming with wildlife and a variety of resorts, many with Blue Flag beaches. Enjoy Clacton's Air Show and music festivals. Don't miss the rides at Southend's Adventure Island on the world's longest pier. Stroll along the prom past colourful beach huts at Frinton-on-Sea. Enjoy bracing cliff-top walks along the 'Sunshine Coast'. Or set sail from Burnham-on-Crouch.
For cute and cuddly encounters, choose from farm parks and Colchester Zoo. Or pack the picnic hamper and explore one of the many country parks such as Cudmore Grove. Rollerworld, steam trains, museums, go-carts - they're all here.
Walk, cycle and ride! Home of Constable Country, it's easy to see why the Essex countryside inspired the great painter some 200 years ago. Trace his steps through the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley and discover rolling farmland, ancient woodlands, rivers and pretty villages. Or, hopfoot it to Hatfield Forest, one of the UK's most untouched medieval woodlands, where rare mammals and birds live in harmony within the trees. You can even bring your pooch along for the adventure by staying at an Essex dog-friendly cottage.
Historic gems near your Essex cottage
Expect lots of stately homes and other ancient treasures. Highlights include the Jacobean manor of Audley End House, the neo-classical-style villa of Hylands House and Estate, Ingatestone Hall, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Hedingham Castle and Layer Marney Tower, an impressive Tudor gatehouse.
Another reason to book an Essex cottage is to sample local delicacies. The seafood bars of West Mersea offer Colchester Native Oysters. Try wines and Oyster Stout from Mersea Island Vineyard, freshly-harvested cockles and whelks at Leigh and make sure you pick up a pot of Tiptree jam.
Take a look at our range of properties that accept pets here.