Essex

Follow the Thames out of town to the lowlands of the estuary where sleepy villages sit among the waterways that flow past long sandy beaches. Saunter through the handsome university town of Colchester. Considered England’s oldest town, it has an imposing castle, an award-winning zoo and a contemporary visual arts space, Firstsite. Visit pretty Dedham, nestled in a vale in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and straddling part of Constable Country in the Stour Valley. Slurp oysters in West Mersea and promenade down Southend pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world, before slipping back to your smart inn, homely B&B or other unique place to stay, inspected and selected by us.

The White Hart Inn
West Mersea, Essex
From £125 p/n

Inn

6 rooms for 2
Head down the Strood causeway and step back in time for a slice of Mersea Island's old-world charm: beaches, fresh oysters & a charming inn

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32 The Hythe
Maldon, Essex
From £115 p/n

Bed & Breakfast

2 rooms for 2
Come for home baked bread, eggs from the hens, arrays of fresh fruit, and fabulous river views… your hosts do lovely B&B

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Bell Tower Cottage
Little Henny, Essex
From £105 p/n

Self-catering

1 place for 2
A beautiful Bell Tower, part of a Pevsner-listed Georgian house but separate and private, surrounded by gardens and bird-filled woods

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The Sun Inn
Colchester, Essex
From £150 p/n

Inn

7 rooms for 2
Smart country inn in Constable country with lovely rooms and food - grab a picnic, hire a boat and drift along the river Stour

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The Bell Hotel
Stanford-le-Hope, Essex
From £80 p/n

Inn

26 rooms for 2
Hanging lanterns, beams, rugs, open fires in the lively bar - top food in the restaurant. Inviting bedrooms here and up the tiny high street

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