Luxury holidays in Essex

Expansive countryside dotted with vineyards, forest and wildlife is not what you’d expect to find 30 minutes from London — yet Essex is a county that’s fine-tuned to the art of surprise. Its mediaeval market towns, such as Saffron Walden and Colchester, exude a quiet cobblestone charm. And traditional seaside resorts such as Southend-on-Sea and Clacton bring lashings of nostalgia to days at the coast.

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Areas in Essex

When to go

Essex is a year-round destination, but its rural and coastal highlights come into their own in spring and summer, from April to September.

Getting there

  • Planes

    London Stansted is the county’s closest international airport with flights from many European destinations. Long-haul arrivals touch down at London Heathrow or Gatwick airports, each around two hours away by car.

  • Trains

    Essex is well connected by rail, with London’s Liverpool Street station being just under an hour away from many of the county’s towns. It also has a handful of Underground stations, along the far reaches of the Central Line.

  • Automobiles

    Essex has strong rail links; but if you’re looking to explore the salt marshes or some of the county’s more rural areas, a set of wheels will come in handy.