Essex Holidays

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Top destinations in Essex

An airplane flying over a sunset with a sign for London International Airport.

Stansted

Stansted
A street market with a coffee stand and a Lloyds Bank building.

Colchester

Colchester
A historical village with thatched-roof buildings, a wooden fence, and a flagpole.

Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford
A sunset over a beach with a pier extending into the water.

Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea
A calm river reflecting buildings and trees, with a mix of traditional and modern architecture.

Chelmsford

Chelmsford
A pier extending into the water with a sunset in the background.

Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton-on-Sea
A grassy field with ancient stone ruins and a standing stone in the distance.

Basildon

Basildon
A street lined with traditional buildings, a petrol station sign, and a warning sign.

Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden

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

Waltham Close Stansted Airport Bishop's Stortford England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
€115
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (2,858 reviews)
"We stayed here before an early flight. We had booked 2 rooms and checked in around 6pm. One of the rooms still had a full rubbish bin! We were reluctantly given vouchers for 2 free drinks when we pointed this out. There were cleaning staff making noise in the corridor (slamming doors and talking ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

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

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport

Bassingbourn Road, Essex Stansted England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
€116
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (2,532 reviews)
"The hotel itself is excellent but how to get there from the airport is challenging especially if you travelling with big baggage. It is walking distance from the airport but to get there we had to take so many stairs because the lifts were out of use and the airport staff weren't very helpful either, ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

Thremhall Avenue Bishop's Stortford England
Fully refundable
€87
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,356 reviews)
"The room was.clean but not very big for 3.pwople. therewas nowhere to sit except on the bed. The fan didn't work but air conditioning did Breakfast was plentiful and nice. Staff were very helpful on check out."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG
See all 1,626 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 . 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.

Stay near popular Essex attractions

A dense forest with a large tree in the center.

Epping Forest

6.8/10 (6 reviews)
Rent a mountain bike and ride beneath the forest canopy or go bird-watching along the many hiking trails that wind through this ancient forest.
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A garden path leading to a brick wall with a wheelbarrow of vegetables.

Audley End House

8.8/10 (78 reviews)
Visit operating stables, explore formal gardens and discover some local history at one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in Britain.
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A stone commemorative plaque at Castle Park, marking the 100th anniversary of its opening in 1892.

Colchester Castle Park

9.0/10 (164 reviews)
Ride a pedalo on the boating lake, enjoy a game of mini golf or simply spend an afternoon relaxing in Colchester’s most popular public park.
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A blue train labeled "Sir John Betjeman" on a docked train track.

Southend Pier

8.6/10 (220 reviews)
Among the longest in the world, this iron pier protrudes far into the Thames Estuary and is a favorite among local fishermen.
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An amusement park with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a large yellow building.

Adventure Island

8.4/10 (126 reviews)
Home to some of Britain’s most exciting amusement rides, including the infamous Rage rollercoaster, this theme park has attractions for all ages and budgets.
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An elephant walking on rocky terrain with dense green foliage in the background.

Colchester Zoo

9.2/10 (85 reviews)
Feed elephants and giraffes, watch a falconry display and meet the fearsome Komodo dragons at one of the U.K.’s best zoos.
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Clacton-on-Sea Beach

8.2/10 (109 reviews)
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Clacton-on-Sea Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Clacton-on-Sea. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.
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Festival Leisure Park

8.2/10 (25 reviews)
Enjoy a stop at Festival Leisure Park, an entertaining place to visit in Basildon. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
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What to do in Essex

City Cruises 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames Cruise

City Cruises Flexible Sightseeing Cruise

€15
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Flexible Sightseeing Cruise
City Cruises Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

City Cruises Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

€39
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Lunch Cruise on the River Thames
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London with Transport

€147
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London with Transport
See all activities in Essex

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