Essex Holidays

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  • Better together

    Save up to €185 when you book a flight and hotel together*

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    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package

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Top destinations in Essex

Colchester showing markets and signage as well as a large group of people
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Colchester

Colchester

Top Flight + Hotel Deals in Essex

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Kicking Dickey

The Kicking Dickey

2.5 out of 5
Price was €150, price is now €150 per person
€150
per person
10 May - 13 May
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Dublin (DUB) to London (STN)
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Staff were friendly, good tea and coffee facilities. However, cobwebs hanging over the bed and shower needed replacing, the base was covered in black mould

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

The North Hill Hotel

The North Hill Hotel

3 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was €316, price is now €222 per person
€222
per person
10 May - 13 May
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Dublin (DUB) to London (STN)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
Small but adequate & clean room. V good cooked breakfast. Hotel frontage & reception clean & bright.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG

3 out of 5
Price was €161, price is now €151 per person
€151
per person
10 May - 13 May
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Dublin (DUB) to London (STN)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
We spent 3 days at the hotel,l was so impressed with friendly staff nothing was to much trouble. Rooms were clean and bright a nicely decorated. The complimentary breakfast was excellent so much choice. We had 2 evenings meal at the inn and wasn’t disappointed with any of them. I would recommend this holiday inn express as lm not easily pleased and l certainly was there.5*

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Things to do in Essex

Essex is perfect for outdoor and family adventures, offering a variety of activities such as seaside fun, delightful cottage breaks, and scenic walks. Visitors can enjoy vibrant shopping centres and recreational areas while exploring exciting sights. Whether you're after a leisurely sightseeing experience or thrilling attractions, Essex has something to captivate everyone.

Shopping

In Essex, visit the Eastgate Shopping Centre for a lively atmosphere with various shops and entertainment options. Explore the unique finds at Battlesbridge Antiques and Craft Centre, or head to Freeport Outlet Village for great deals on brand-name items in a family-friendly setting.

Recreation

Enjoy a captivating performance at Mercury Theatre, where romance and culture blend seamlessly. For a unique twist on recreation, Topgolf Chigwell offers thrilling golf experiences in an outdoor setting. To unwind, visit Lee Valley Park for serene walks and rejuvenating moments in nature.

Adventure

At Delta Force Paintball in Billericay, immerse yourself in thrilling paintball battles amidst lush woodlands. For water enthusiasts, Festival Wakeboard Park offers an exhilarating experience with wakeboarding and fun water activities for the whole family. Meanwhile, Xtreme Gaming provides an exciting arcade adventure zone filled with games for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Essex at The Royal Oak, a charming pub offering a romantic atmosphere and lively entertainment vibes. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the local culture as the night unfolds.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Essex

Essex, a fantastic destination for outdoor adventures and family holidays, boasts a variety of attractions including urban parks, nature reserves, and historic houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture while enjoying the beautiful Essex countryside. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or outdoor experiences, Essex offers a delightful blend of nature and history to explore, making it an ideal spot for all types of travellers.

  • University of Essex: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, known for its innovative approach to education and research. The campus boasts contemporary architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet afternoon of study.
  • Audley End House: Step back in time at this magnificent historic estate, where you can explore stunning gardens and opulent rooms filled with rich history. The house is a fine example of Jacobean architecture, offering a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy in centuries past.
  • Colchester Castle Park: Enjoy a peaceful retreat in this charming park, home to friendly locals and a wealth of historical significance. Explore the remains of the castle and its surrounding gardens, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks amidst nature.

Tips to save on your trip to Essex

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Essex.
  • Consider traveling to Essex during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Essex

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport

4 out of 5
Waltham Close Stansted Airport Bishop's Stortford England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €104 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
€104
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,620 reviews)
Reception was very quick. Room was clean. We arrived late, slept and left at 5am

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport

3 out of 5
Bassingbourn Road, Essex Stansted England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €115 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€115
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (2,320 reviews)
Clean staff very polite and friendly especially Faye who booked us in at check in, very helpful, professional and friendly.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport
Novotel London Stansted Airport

Novotel London Stansted Airport

4 out of 5
Round Coppice Road Stansted England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €97 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
€97
6 Mar - 7 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,155 reviews)
Friendly welcoming staff. Spotlessly clean

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Novotel London Stansted Airport
See all 1,481 properties in Essex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Essex holiday package cost?
Custom build your Essex package from just €150. Pick from any combination of hotels, flights and rental cars to put together the escape you've been dreaming about. Be sure to add on a few experiences or activities!
How do I get a cheap travel package to Essex?
Combining your flight and hotel with Expedia won't just save valuable time — it'll save you money too. An Essex holiday package makes it simple to create your dream adventure. With more than 550 airlines across the world to pick from, finding flights that suit your busy schedule won't be a challenge. In addition to that, we have over 1,000,000 hotel options globally to take your pick of. Now that's what we call choice. Whatever your budget, Expedia brings the world within your reach.
Where should I stay in Essex?
There's no better place to begin your Essex adventure than in Colchester. Colchester Zoo ought to be at the top of your must-see list here.
What are the top hotels in Essex?
For properties in Clacton-on-Sea with comfy beds and friendly service, you can't top Fryatt Hotel And Bar and The Grosvenor House. If you plan to explore Colchester as well, you can look forward to a relaxing night's sleep at Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, an IHG Hotel or Novotel London Stansted Airport.
How far in advance should I book my Essex holiday?
While not all airlines advertise tickets early, you can usually compare international fares on Expedia up to a year in advance. This is the time you'll score some fantastic bargains. If you're booking last minute, you could still be in luck. Sometimes the cheapest prices emerge a few weeks before departure.
What does an Expedia Essex travel package include?
That's up to you. You can select from a range of Essex bundles, such as a flight, hotel and rental car. You can also book a hotel with a flight, or a rental car with a flight. Once you've made your booking, you can add on the fun stuff like activities and tours. Whatever your Essex trip looks like, you'll save!
What should I know before booking an Essex travel package?
Bundling your bookings into an Essex holiday package is the most convenient way to organise your trip. Not only that, you'll get great discounts just for combining your hotels, flights and car rentals. Once you've booked, why not add on a tour or an activity?
Can I choose my airline with an Essex Expedia holiday package?
Yes, definitely. Expedia has more than 550 airline partners to choose from across the world. With so many choices, finding the ideal carrier to bring you to Essex will be a breeze.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my Essex holiday package?
Plans can change in a flash, so yes, you can. You may be able to amend or cancel your Essex holiday package for free within 24 hours of booking. For older bookings, you can still make the necessary changes, but your hotel, car rental company or airline may charge a fee. Looking for more information? Take a look at our Customer Service Portal. We're here to help make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.