Much maligned by elements of the press and reality television, Essex is actually delightfully rural and historically fascinating, and it’s got a long stretch of coastline intricately featuring estuaries, peninsulas, and some very beautiful beaches. The county also has some very charming centres, but most of the best places to stay in Essex are outside the towns and cities, in tiny villages and hamlets, or in picturesque rural spots. We have discovered plenty of country house hotels, elegant conversions and spa hotels, but also a good range of rural pubs-with-rooms.
The history of Essex is easily traced back to the Iron Age. The Romans took what was to become Colchester, and now it’s one of the county’s historic centres, with its ties to Boudicca and Roman ruins including the original Roman walls, and William the Conqueror's castle. Today it’s also a pretty market town, with a very impressive collection of museums and galleries, historic architecture, and even a zoo.
Several of Essex’s other centres have historic treasures to rival Colchester — the UK’s best preserved Norman keep in Hedingham Castle, Southend Pier, and the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, which was the UK’s entry into the International Exhibition of Modern Architecture in 1932. Even the county's beach towns and resorts are historic! Maldon was regularly under attack by the Vikings; Southend has the world’s longest pleasure pier at 2.16kms; and the historic port of Harwich is where The Mayflower was launched from.
Because so much of the region is classed as commuter belt, the majority of its towns and centres are easily reached by train from London, so the best places to stay in Essex are ideal for a quick getaway from the capital.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
Essex (Essex)
A charming country cottage set in quiet surrounds just minutes from Stansted Airport. Three cosy rooms are traditionally dressed with cast iron beds, beamed ceilings, white washed walls and wooden floors. A characterful choice for airport stay overs.
Chelmsford (Essex )
A quaint country Inn with an atmospheric pub and five charming rooms. Traditionally dressed throughout - think beamed ceilings, fireplaces and well placed antiques. The popular restaurant and bar boasts a fantastic selection of ales chosen by the knowledgable owner.
Essex (Essex )
A quintessentially British pub set in a 600 year old building, rammed full of character and history. The charming restaurant (serving excellent gastro dishes) is adorned with hanging copper pots and framed with a heavily beamed ceiling. The rooms are individually designed and delightfully cosy.
Essex
Restaurant with rooms in a small Essex village. The fantastic restaurant offers modern British fine dining without any fuss. Colourful & cosy rooms are on the small side but provide modern luxuries; fluffy robes, power showers & underfloor heating. Appeals to those after an authentic experience.
Essex
Popular restaurant with rooms on the Stour Estuary with great food and good local walking. The Mistley Thorn has simple rooms but offers good value, especially with dinner.
Essex
A small luxury hotel offering easy access to Stansted Airport. Smart rooms feature sink-in-to beds (the best are four-posters), free standing copper baths and crisp white linen. A cosy bar and contemporary British restaurant are a welcome respite. A very comfortable option for a stop over.
Colchester (Essex)
A smart country house with beautifully designed rooms mixing traditional features such as beamed ceilings and classical wallpaper with floor to ceiling windows, luxury bathrooms and a superb restaurant. The service is unsurprisingly on point too.
Southend
Recently renovated, the Seven Hotel takes advantage of a superb positioning overlooking the sea. Contemporary and chic, the hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms as well as an excellent restaurant.
Chelmsford (Essex)
Long been run as a pub, the Lion Inn has now taken on a new form with an extensive conversion turning it into a restaurant with rooms. The rooms vary in style from the more traditional in the original building to slick and contemporary in the new. The restaurant is ever popular with the locals.
Essex (Essex)
An award winning pub boasting a secluded setting in a pretty part of rural Essex. Five beautifully designed rooms, located in the adjoining coach house, are immaculately styled and feature bold classic prints. The food is fabulous and service warm. The ideal rural escape.
Colchester (ESSEX)
An opulent hotel in the heart of Colchester located in an elegant Georgian building. Rooms are spacious and traditionally dressed. Plump for a suite for some serious luxury including a glistening free-standing copper bath. The restaurant has been Michelin recommended. A superb stay.
Essex
Relaxed pub with rooms in rural Essex. Run by restaurant royalty, expect delicious yet great-value F&B; the rustic yet chic restaurant & outdoor terrace are both fantastic. Boutique-style rooms feature colourful contemporary decor with cosy touches & inviting beds. Perfect English countryside pub.
Southend (Southend-On-Sea)
Laden with carefully chosen design features, bold floral patterns and eye-catching artwork for a bold yet delicately chic aesthetic. The restaurant serves high-end British cuisine and there's a wellness centre for a little indulgence. A boutique English seaside escape.
Essex (Essex)
A charming waterfront hotel overlooking the quayside at old Harwich. Contemporary rooms capture the views over the working harbour. The fish restaurant is modern, lively and popular with the locals. A great stay on the East Anglian coast.
Dedham
A charming 15th-century pub with seven rooms, situated in the heart of Constable's hometown. Rooms are comfortable and quirky some with four-poster beds, fireplaces and others a more modern feel. Excellent restaurant with regularly changing menu featuring the best seasonal produce.
Essex
Grand Italianate country house hotel with a spoiling spa set on a 100-acre estate. Elegant interiors and a swish new cocktail bar set the scene; rooms look out over manicured gardens & parkland. Dine at the modern British restaurant or indulge in traditional Afternoon Tea. Restful & relaxing.
