The county of Essex in eastern England comprises a total of 12 districts, including Colchester, Basildon and Chelmsford. Audley End House and Gardens is a must-visit during your time here. This stately mansion was once an abbey and today visitors can explore the Victorian nursery, working stables and much more. You will also want to stop by Hedingham Castle and if you are lucky, a vintage fair or medieval jousts may just be on!
With so many things to see and do, you may be planning a short-term stay and will require a comfortable base to rest and relax. Take your pick from these top short-term rentals in Essex, UK, and gear up for a fun-filled trip now!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, decor, availability of dates, and short-term stay rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Historic farmhouse in pastoral setting, Great Oakley (from USD 661)
This charming farmhouse is the perfect choice of accommodation for a family holiday. Washing and drying facilities are available, ensuring that you will never run out of clean clothes. In the fully equipped kitchen, you will find all the basics you require to prepare a full meal. As night falls, why not grab your loved ones and enjoy soaking in the private hot tub together?
To sweeten the deal, a 30% discount is applicable for stays of at least 28 nights!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
rooms are all large with great communal spacesthe outside space is huge also so room for lots of games and activitiesthe huge open plan kitchen & dining area is perfect for entertainingthe dining room has ample space to sit 8-10 and is a great family roomthe kitchen is beautiful and the hot tub topped off the experienceCleanliness:
it’s lovely and clean with beautiful viewsHost:
thank you to the wonderful hostthe hosts were very kind and caring xxgreat host who gave us free rein to treat their home as oursgreat hosting from the owner always on standby to helpamazing house had the best few days owners are lovelyRead more reviewsLocation:
good location very peacefulgreat location which is quiet and privateit is an amazing house in a beautiful locationhad a fantastic time lovely house and location would highly recommendbrilliant place out in the countryside so peaceful and such a lovely house
2. Kingsland Barn, Fingringhoe (from USD 177)
This recently refurbished house provides guests with access to a large lawn, where you can soak in the sunshine or spend some quality bonding time with your family. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome pack consisting of several fresh food items, such as milk and bread, to get you started. A hob, oven and microwave can be found in the kitchen for preparing meals.
If you are intending to stay a minimum of 28 nights, you’ll get a discount of 30%.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very comfortable and super-cleanthe barn is spotlessly clean the grounds were lovelythe barn is very clean and modern and feels like a home away from homeeverything is extremely clean and the furniture/towels/decor all of great qualityHost:
hosts were absolutely fantasticnick is a great hostgreat host and a wonderful propertynick is very responsivelovely spot and very communicative hosts made it all very easyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is so peacefula peaceful location and great accommodationbeautiful place in a lovely locationsuperb location for colchester and the coastan ideal location for exploring the lovely north essex countryside
3. One-bedroom suite with garden access, Frinton-on-Sea (from USD 95)
This cosy suite is the perfect choice for a couple’s getaway. Although it is connected to the main house, you will have your own entrance as well as access to a fenced-off outdoor area. Despite its size, you will find a fully functional kitchen with a fridge, oven and electric hob for all your cooking needs.
Guests who intend to stay for at least 28 nights can benefit from a 20% discount.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were welcomed with flowers and a lovely breakfast hamperhuge double bedroom the bed was so comfy we had a fantastic night's sleepCleanliness:
clean spacious and well presentedvery clean had a great stayvery clean with everything you will needa lovely clean comfortable and cosy annexthe annexe was really clean and well furnishedHost:
jo and karl were very welcoming genuine hoststhe hosts are super friendly toohostess and host very charming and helpfuljo and karl were friendly and welcoming and very quick to respond to any questions we hadwonderful hosts who are there to help if needed but don’t interfereRead more reviewsLocation:
great secluded location but so easy to walk to everythingwonderful place in a great locationexcellent location and a lovely cosy abodeperfect location for visiting lovely frintongood location - about 10 mins from frinton high street
Superhost
4. Cosy barn with beach access, Brightlingsea (from USD 124)
Booking your stay at this barn gives you the best of both worlds. Despite its quiet location, it is just a 0.7-mi (1.13 km) walk from the town’s high street. To complement its modern interior, the property comes decked out with all the conveniences you will need, from a washing machine to a gas cooker and coffee maker.
Planning a short-term stay of at least 28 days? You will be able to benefit from an 18% discount!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the barn itself is very well presented and has everything you need including fast wifithe bedding we found particularly comfortablethe bed is so comfortable and enough space to lounge around or keep busy in the kitchen areathe barn has everything you need comfortable bed good size bathroom very comfy sofa’s and well equipped kitchenCleanliness:
exceptionally clean and comfortable accommodationfeels very spacious super clean and had everything we neededthe bnb was very comfortable clean and cosysuch a lovely stay so clean peaceful and a beautiful spacevery nice well presented and clean property - as per descriptionHost:
lovely hosts and equally lovely accommodationthe hosts were also very welcoming greeted us on arrival and showed us aroundvery friendly hosts thank you bothlincoln was a great hostthe hosts were very friendly helpful and great at communicatingRead more reviewsLocation:
good location with access to plenty of nice local spots for walking and exploringgreat for a get away in a cosy and comfy placeit’s about 10 mins walk to town and many nice walks around highly recommend itgreat cosy accommodation within easy walking distance of harbour and pubsclean contemporary accommodation close to the waterside
5. The Dairy Barn, West Bergholt (from USD 154)
Once a farm building, this property has been converted to a high standard in 2021 and features a modern living space with a full kitchen. Not only can guests prepare meals easily, but they will also find all the comforts of home on site, from a dedicated workspace to washing and drying facilities.
With a 30% discount on stays lasting 28 nights or longer, there’s even more reason to love your stay here!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds are very comfortable as are the two large sofas in the loungea lovely comfortable place in a lovely areaCleanliness:
super clean and fresheverything was spotlessly clean and it had everything we would ever needwhat a lovely place to stay very clean and tidythe property itself is comfortable clean and well servicedgorgeous barn conversion - perfect size for 4 and very clean modern warm and comfortableHost:
easy check-in and helpful hostthe place was soo nice and the host was lovelycaroline was an excellent host and was responsive with getting us settled incaroline was a brilliant host and made us feel very welcomegreat host and fantastic communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
quiet location easy parkinglovely location off a quiet lane in a quiet but well supplied villagegreat cosy little place near a barna beautiful property in a lovely village locationa beautiful barn conversion in a great location
6. Family-friendly home with electric fireplace, Colchester (from USD 183)
This family home comes equipped with all the essentials for comfort and entertainment, including an HDTV well as a selection of books, toys and board games for children. With all the cooking basics and silverware provided in the kitchen, you won’t have to worry about where your next meal is coming from!
Planning a stay of at least 28 nights? Get the best deal with a 20% discount!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good wifi and comfortable seating and bedstons of space a lovely garden a fully stocked kitchenher place is comfortable and had everything we needed for our long stayperfect for our stay plenty of room for children to play everything we neededCleanliness:
clean and tidy and family friendlywe didn’t use the bath as it didn’t look cleanwe left the house as clean and tidy as we found itthe rooms are big and very cleanHost:
the host and their family are lovely welcoming peoplelovely hosts who would do anything for youhelpful and super responsive hostgen is a very considerate host who had always timely responded to my questionsshe was also responsive during our stay when we needed to clarify or request anything additionalRead more reviewsLocation:
easy walk to townpleasant stay in a lovely quiet locationgreat roomy house with a fantastic garden and a great location; 10 minutes walk to townwould be a great place to stay for summervery well equipped nice sleepy neighborhood with a reasonable walk to colchester
7. Hall Lane Hideaway, Walton-on-the-Naze (from USD 110)
Enjoy a 15% discount when you book a stay of at least 28 days at Hall Lane Hideaway. On top of that, this property is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for guests who are planning an extended stay with a fur baby. You will find all the necessary comforts on the property, from a washing machine to an indoor fireplace.
As a bonus, you will be able to partake in alfresco dining in the private back garden!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent flat warm and comfortableCleanliness:
clean and warm with everything you need for a comfortable staythe place is well decorated clean stylish and very cosybeautiful place; lovely and clean and beautiful touches through outclean and comfortable with everything you need for a pleasant stayHost:
owner very helpful and thoughtfuleverything provided you could possibly want and an impressive response from our lovely hostthank you sam for being a super hostsam is an amazing host and we had a lovely timeexcellent host and communicationRead more reviewsLocation:
gorgeous flat in great locationif you are visiting this location we would definitely recommend staying herefantastic location minutes from the long sandy beachesperfect location – just a short walk to the beach and to the high streeta lovely place to stay - and only a very short walk to the beach
8. Firs Folly, West Mersea (from USD 86)
This self-contained annexe comes with its own front door and parking space for optimal privacy. The property benefits from a central heating system and air conditioning to keep you comfortable in any weather. You can make use of the fully equipped kitchen to prepare meals as and when you need to fill your stomach. What’s best, guests who book a stay of 28 nights or longer can benefit from a 15% discount!
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely space and really helpful host :-)nice accommodation and aileen is a great hostvery helpful and made our longer stay more comfortablevery accurate description and really helpful information prior to our arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for west mersea drinks and shoppinga lovely place to stay near the shore frontgreat place to stay - no faults and great location
9. Broadgates, High Roding (from USD 1260)
This private oasis consists of a main house and a cottage to accommodate up to 12 guests. Throughout your stay, you can make use of the games room, outdoor pool and tennis court for entertainment, making it a summer to remember! The full kitchen is complemented by outdoor seating options that make alfresco dining possible. Even better, a monthly discount of 15% is applicable for stays with a minimum of 28 nights.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi signal is pretty weak but we found the best spots to connect to spotifyplenty of space beautiful garden great facilitiesRead more reviewsHost:
host was friendly and informativecarmel is a very responsive host i couldn’t have asked for moregreat host really helpful and lovely house to stay ata very special stay amazing place and great hostsbit of palace and just right for a fun weekend- lovely host
Enjoy an extended stay in Essex
If you are planning a trip to historic Essex this year, you will need a comfortable base to see and do it all from. Take your pick from these top short-term rentals in Essex, UK, and get ready for an unforgettable time!
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