Self-catering holidays in Essex, England

Essex is a county in East Anglia - one of the eastern counties of England. It has much to offer holidaymakers in many different ways. There is a collection of lively seaside towns which range from Leigh on Sea which has an old section that is full of character and most pleasant for days out to the superb sandy beaches of north Essex at Walton-on-the-Naze and Frinton-on-Sea. Sailing is a favourite pastime along the coast and rivers between south and north Essex.

Inland, the countryside is mainly flat and fertile. Numerous footpaths and bridleways provide a host of lovely places to walk, often with a country pub not too far away to rest weary and thirsty hikers. The many towns and villages offer fascinating histories and attractive streets.  In the south where Essex joins greater London, there are superb shopping centres and green leafy suburbs. There is an enormous number of activities on offer; go-karting, horse racing, car racing, antique centres, gardens to visit, the zoo at Colchester, hot air ballooning, gliding, horse riding, family adventure parks and much more. A self-catering break in Essex could be an enthralling and exciting experience depending on personal interests. Most self catering breaks are in rural cottages and houses although holiday flats and log cabins or timber lodges are also available to rent. One of the really nice facts about a stay in Essex is that there is a good number of period properties to rent for break. See cottages to rent for self catering breaks in Essex.

Seaside towns in Essex

The seaside resorts of Southend and Clacton continue to attract visitors particularly in the summer time, looking for a self catering stay by the seaside.  Although not officially on the coast, Maldon is a pretty town with an interesting quayside and sits on the Blackwater estuary.  Another attractive estuary town, within driving distance of South Woodham Ferrers is Burnham on Crouch, on the Crouch estuary. 

Pretty Villages, Countryside and Historical Places of Essex

There are a number of pretty villages in the Essex countryside to visit whilst taking a self catering break.  Not too far from South Woodham Ferrers and Maldon is Battlesbridge, a pretty historical village which is a large antiques centre.  If you want to do some antique shopping whilst on a self catering break Battlesbridge with its array of antique shops and tea shops could be a good choice.  Colchester in the North of Essex with its roman connections is an interesting historical place complete with a castle and a zoo.   There are some particularly picturesque historical villages and towns near Colchester including Coggeshall and Dedham.  Thaxted is another pretty characterful Essex town.

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• Self catering accommodation for holidays in Essex

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