Searching for a self-catering cottage in Essex to rent?  Whether you want to rent a farm cottage in the Essex countryside, a rural retreat, a bargain-break cheap cottage or a coastal cottage, find one of the UK’s best selections of holiday cottages in Essex on Country Cottages Online.
 

Why Book a Holiday Cottage in Essex?

Essex in East Anglia has lots to offer for cottage holidays.  Whether you choose to rent a log cabin, a country cottage with a hot tub or even a large country house, you should find Essex an inviting holiday destination.

Located in the South East of England, neighbouring Kent, Suffolk and Hertfordshire, Essex is one of the home counties bordering London and has a number of naturally beautiful coastal and rural areas, making this area a joy to explore on a self-catering break.
 

What is there to See and Do on a Cottage Break in Essex?

• Visit a Vineyard on holiday: Essex’s fascinating vineyards are a well kept secret.  There are a number of vineyards in Essex including one near Billericay and Chelmsford.  A visit to a vineyard with a chance to taste some Essex wine makes for a great day out for adults.  South Woodham Ferrers, Maldon and the Chelmsford area are all good central bases for visiting vineyards in Essex.
   
• Enjoy a spot of Shopping: Whether you rent a cottage, a pine lodge or an apartment, Essex is a great part of England to enjoy shopping.  The main towns such as Chelmsford and Colchester have superb high street shopping centres and Lakeside in Thurrock is an enormous purpose built shopping centre. Antiques are big in Essex. Visit Battlesbridge near Wickford for a complete village dedicated to antiques and a lovely place to stay. Antique fairs are also held regularly in Coggeshall and other parts of north Essex.
   
• Explore the Essex countryside: from woodland parks to unspoilt countryside, Essex is home to some beautiful areas including the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Some of the most scenic parts of rural Essex are found in the north of the county.
   
• Visit the coastline: whether you want to visit a cheerful seaside town whilst taking a vacation or want to unwind a tranquil coastal village, Essex has a beautiful coastline to discover on holiday.
   

Want to Discover Coastal Essex on a Self-Catering Break?

Essex is home to some vibrant large seaside towns such as Southend on Sea with its pier, fun fair rides, amusements and attractions.  Clacton on Sea offers similar appeal.  Essex’s beaches are popular in summer time, and the county has some good sandy beaches. Frinton on Sea and Walton on the Naze are well known traditional Essex beach resorts with good sandy beaches. Rent a cottage or apartment in coastal Essex and enjoy exploring some of the best of the seaside on a break away.  Mersea Island is an interesting placed to visit, and is accessible by tidal causeway so timing your visit right is essential.

If you like the idea of a holiday by the river or estuary, Essex offers this too.  Well worth a visit are Maylandsea with its brightly coloured beach huts by the River Blackwater, Burnham on Crouch with its olde worlde charm and river views over the Crouch, are more tranquil Essex towns with attractive waterside locations.  Maldon is another attractive spot along the Blackwater Estuary that offers ample historical charm, and a quay from which historical Thames barge cruises depart.  Taking a boat trip can be one of the best ways to see the beautiful Essex coastline. Most of the small towns around the coast and river estuaries offer sailing via local yacht clubs.
  
Near Maldon is Heybridge Basin which is a very pretty spot with barges, a marina and two very good food pubs.  During the summer, there is a large outdoor water splash park which is particularly popular with children.  Maldon has lots to offer for family self-catering breaks.
 

Discover the Best of the Essex Countryside on a Cottage Break

The northern parts of Essex are known for being particularly pretty with beautiful winding lanes, country cottages and historical towns and villages.  Some of the best towns and places to visit in the Essex countryside include the pretty historical town of Coggeshall with its vast array of historical and timber-framed listed buildings  (some of which date back as far as the 1500s).  Thaxted with its olde worlde medieval high street, Guildhall and restored windmill, the rural village of Dedham with its riverside walks and close proximity to Constable Country and Suffolk.  

Want More Information on Holidays in Essex?

If you want more ideas and inspiration, read our Guide to Cottage Holidays in Essex.

Find the Best Self-Catering Accommodation in Essex for you

Wherever you opt to rent a holiday cottage along the Essex coast, a rural retreat along the Essex/Suffolk border, a private farm cottage hidden in the countryside, a lodge in a charming Essex town or a log cabin, we hope you have a wonderful time discovering why the only way is Essex on a self-catering break.