We have created a list with cool, unusual and unique hotels in Essex, UK. We have also included accommodation in apartments, holiday homes, historic buildings, guest houses, villas, manor houses, country estates, country houses and romantic hotels. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Ella Hofer & Maryna Kravets. Updated January 2024.
Bed and Breakfast.Elegant. Great bar. Popular among couples. Piglets Boutique Country Stay - winner Best B&B and Guest House of the Year - VisitEngland 2023 in Saffron Walden provides adults-only accommodation with a fitness centre, a garden and a bar. This property offers access to a terrace, bowling in the bowling alley, free private parking and free WiFi. You can play billiards, table tennis, and darts at the bed and breakfast. The bed and breakfast offers an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities and luggage storage space. Accommodation for disabled guests is also available at the property. At the bed and breakfast, the units have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and a hair dryer. Some units feature a balcony and/or a patio with pool or garden views. At the bed and breakfast, all units are fitted with bed linen and towels. There is a snack bar, and packed lunches are also available. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Audley End House is 10 km from Piglets Boutique Country Stay - winner Best B&B and Guest House of the Year - VisitEngland 2023, while Stansted Mountfitchet Station is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.Show full description
This luxury bed and breakfast in the countryside stands out with its peaceful rural setting and comfortable beds in the rooms. What makes it unique is the licensed honesty bar, providing guests with a wide selection of drinks including a variety of gins, wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits.
Bed and Breakfast.Elegant. Great views. Popular among couples. Located just 1 mile from the historic village of Castle Hedingham, The Suites at Pannells Ash offer modern and stylish accommodation with free Wi-Fi throughout. Free private parking is possible on site. The property boasts a hot tub located in a secluded part of the garden, overlooking the flower meadow. Freshly baked croissants, pain au raisin and toast, hot from the oven, will be delivered to your room at a time to suit you as part of your Continental-style breakfast. The rooms at The Suites at Pannells Ash boasts a flat-screen TV, and a dining area. We supply eco-friendly toiletries for your use. There is also a shared kitchen for guests to use. It must be booked in advance, please contact the owners regarding price and availability. All rooms include tea/coffee making facilities and mini fridges. The Suites at Pannells Ash are surrounded by farmland, public footpaths and bridleways. There are also plenty of pubs offering lunch and dinner. Nearby attractions include the well preserved Norman Hedingham Castle, just over 1 mile from the property, and Colne Valley Railway, less than 3 miles away.Show full description
The Suites at Pannells Ash is a distinctive self-catering accommodation in Castle Hedingham. It is located in a converted 17th-century building with large en-suite bedrooms and spacious beds.
Country House.Relaxing atmosphere. Nice surroundings. The Pheasant Retreat and Pheasant Lodge and Pheasant Suite are situated in the grounds of Balls Farm, a 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by fields and wildlife. The accommodation has a 5-star Gold Award from the British tourist board. These apartments are situated on the site of a former farm and offers guests a quiet atmosphere and additional privacy. Amenities include free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The Pheasant Retreat has an enormous bath in its private bathroom. The Beth Chatto Gardens are less than 1.5 miles away and Colchester and the University of Essex are less than 3 miles away. Pheasant Suites is located on the edge of the Dedham Vale and 'Constable Country'.Show full description
Pheasant Suites is a luxurious accommodation situated in a 17th-century farmhouse. It provides unique boutique-style suites exclusively for adults. The highlight of this place is the diverse breakfast sausage menu, ensuring a delightful start to the day.
Guest House.Historic. Popular among couples. Ivy Todd cottage, a property with a garden, is situated in Debden, 6.5 km from Audley End House, 13 km from Stansted Mountfitchet Station, as well as 30 km from University of Cambridge. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi. The guest house has family rooms. The guest house provides guests with a terrace, garden views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a toaster, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A fridge and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. At the guest house, every unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the guest house features a selection of packed lunches. Hedingham Castle is 33 km from Ivy Todd cottage, while Freeport Braintree is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 15 km from the accommodation.Show full description
Holiday Home.Lovely property. Nice surroundings. 2 Bedroom Cottage on the Orchard of a Manor House is situated in Colchester, 28 km from Freeport Braintree, 40 km from Chelmsford Train Station, as well as 47 km from The Apex. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 28 km from Hedingham Castle. The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Guests can enjoy a meal on an outdoor dining area while overlooking the garden views. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Guests can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, go cycling, or relax in the garden and use the barbecue facilities. Ickworth House is 48 km from the holiday home, while Colchester Castle is 8.9 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 55 km from 2 Bedroom Cottage on the Orchard of a Manor House.Show full description
Apartment.Very stylish. Gorgeous surroundings. Immaculate barn annexe close to Stansted Airport, a property with a garden and a terrace, is located in Great Dunmow, 18 km from Freeport Braintree, 19 km from Stansted Mountfitchet Station, as well as 21 km from Chelmsford Train Station. This apartment provides free private parking, private check-in and check-out and free WiFi. Outdoor dining is also possible at the apartment. The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views. A private entrance leads guests into the apartment, where they can enjoy some chocolates or cookies. This apartment is allergy-free and non-smoking. Audley End House is 25 km from Immaculate barn annexe close to Stansted Airport, while Hylands Park is 29 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 15 km from the accommodation.Show full description
This beautiful barn annexe near an airport is a charming and well-designed property. It has a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a lovely garden to relax in.
Bed and Breakfast.Charming. Popular among women. The Grade II-listed Jasmine Room offers accommodation in Great Bentley. A Spa bath® and free WiFi is available and free private parking is provided on site. Great Bently Cricket club is next door and Clacton-on-Sea is 13 km away. The suite is fitted with a flat-screen TV with Netflix, tea/coffee making facilities as well as homemade shortbread biscuits, fudge and chocolate truffles. Guests will find a private lounge to relax in and a bathroom on the ground floor with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The upstairs bedroom features original beams and flooring. There is babysitting service at the property. Evening meals and packed lunches are available on request. The beach at Walton on the Naze is 16 km from The Jasmine Room, while Ipswich is 29 km from the property. London Stansted Airport is 70 km away.Show full description
The most charming and cool bed and breakfast in Essex.
Bed and Breakfast.Highly elegant. Great interior design. Situated in Clacton-on-Sea, in a historic building, 300 metres from Clacton Beach, Viva Guest House is a bed and breakfast with a garden and bar. It is set 16 km from Alresford and offers luggage storage space. The bed and breakfast also features free WiFi, free private parking and facilities for disabled guests. At the bed and breakfast, every unit is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. At the bed and breakfast, all units are soundproof. All units have a safety deposit box. The daily breakfast offers continental, Full English/Irish or vegetarian options. You can play billiards and mini-golf at the bed and breakfast, and the area is popular for canoeing and hiking. Windsurfing, cycling and fishing are possible within the area, and Viva Guest House offers water sports facilities. Colchester Castle is 27 km from the accommodation, while Flatford is 30 km from the property. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 81 km from Viva Guest House.Show full description
Holiday Home.Unique. Great bar. Located in Chelmsford, 6.9 km from Chelmsford Train Station and 15 km from Hylands Park, Channels Retreat provides spacious air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio. The property is non-smoking and is set 18 km from Freeport Braintree. This holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 3 bathrooms equipped with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home. The property has an outdoor dining area. A bar can be found on-site. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Stansted Mountfitchet Station is 31 km from the holiday home, while Hedingham Castle is 32 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 27 km from Channels Retreat.Show full description
Holiday Home.Lively. Great views. Set in Finchingfield in the Essex region, Millie's Cottage features a patio. The property is situated 14 km from Hedingham Castle, 17 km from Freeport Braintree and 20 km from Audley End House. In addition to free WiFi, the property also offers a sun terrace as well as a fitness room. The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home. There is also a seating area and a fireplace. Guests at the holiday home can enjoy a continental breakfast. Guests can take advantage of the warm weather with the property's barbecue facilities. Guests at Millie's Cottage can enjoy cycling and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden. Stansted Mountfitchet Station is 24 km from the accommodation, while Chelmsford Train Station is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 21 km from Millie's Cottage.Show full description
This is likely one of the most LIVELY holiday homes in Essex. It also has outstanding views!
Guest House.Historic property. Great location. Situated in Colchester, within 1.5 km of Colchester Castle and 6 km of Colchester Zoo, Baye House provides accommodation with a garden, free WiFi. Featuring a shared lounge, the guest house is close to several noted attractions, around 700 metres from Colchester Institute and around 800 metres from Essex County Hospital. The property is 11 km from Flatford and 2.2 km from Colchester General Hospital. The rooms at the guest house are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. With a shared bathroom, certain rooms at Baye House also have a garden view. All units will provide guests with a fridge. There is a woodland play area for children, and the property is 15 km from the coast. Weston Homes Community Stadium is 3.5 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is London Southend Airport, 38 km from the property.Show full description
I rate this as one of the most HISTORIC guest houses in Essex.
Apartment.Relaxing atmosphere. Great value. The Guest House 1-bedroom guest house with free parking, a property with a garden, is set in Fyfield, 22 km from Stansted Mountfitchet Station, 23 km from Hylands Park, as well as 29 km from Woodford. It is located 19 km from Chelmsford Train Station and provides private check-in and check-out. The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a patio with garden views. The apartment features a sun terrace and a picnic area. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance and is protected by full-day security. Upminster is 29 km from The Guest House 1-bedroom guest house with free parking, while Gants Hill is 37 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted, 24 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
Apartment.Delightful property. Nice interior design. Popular among couples. Located 15 km from Freeport Braintree, The Cartlodge provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is around 30 km from Hylands Park, 30 km from Hedingham Castle and 44 km from Adventure Island. Composed of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, this apartment is equipped with a flat-screen TV with streaming services. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment. The property is non-smoking and is situated 18 km from Chelmsford Train Station. Stansted Mountfitchet Station is 46 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is London Southend Airport, 42 km from The Cartlodge.Show full description
This is the most beautiful and cosy apartment in Essex.
Apartment.Great value. Situated 2 km from Freeport Braintree, Panfield House provides accommodation with a terrace, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and valet parking. Guests staying at this apartment have access to a fully equipped kitchen. Composed of 1 bedroom, this cottage features 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. A flat-screen TV and Blu-ray player are provided. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 20 km from the property.Show full description
Holiday Home.Creative. Superb interior design. Situated in Maldon, 17 km from Chelmsford Train Station and 20 km from Freeport Braintree, The Tower, 1 bed 1850's Tiny House features accommodation with free WiFi in a historic building. It is located 35 km from Hedingham Castle and offers private check-in and check-out. The property is non-smoking and is set 24 km from Hylands Park. The 1-bedroom holiday home has a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with bathrobes. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Guests at the holiday home will be able to enjoy activities in and around Maldon, like cycling. Adventure Island is 38 km from The Tower, 1 bed 1850's Tiny House, while Upminster is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is London Southend Airport, 36 km from the accommodation.Show full description
This might be the most creative and well designed holiday home in Essex. It also has a great location!
Apartment.Great location. Featuring garden views, Mikanda Lodge offers accommodation with a bar and a patio, around 16 km from Alresford. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. Boasting a DVD player, the spacious apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. A minimarket is available at the apartment. The property is non-smoking and is set 24 km from Colchester Castle. The unit is air conditioned and is comprised of a terrace with an outdoor dining area as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance and is protected by full-day security. For guests with children, the apartment features a children's playground and a kids' club. Flatford is 27 km from Mikanda Lodge, while Colchester Zoo is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 78 km from the accommodation.Show full description
Bed and Breakfast.Great bar. Motts Cottage Annex is set in the garden of Motts Cottage in the picturesque village of Stebbing. With free Wi-Fi and free parking, Stansted Airport is just 25 minutes’ drive away. Mott’s Annex offers a spacious room with en suite bathroom, flat-screen LCD TV, large fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Hairdryers and ironing facilities are also available. Guests can also enjoy a full English breakfast every morning. The town of Braintree is just 15 minutes away by car, and Dunmow is only a 5-minute drive away.Show full description
Boutique hotel.Great value. Dating back to the 15th century, this Tudor house and converted stable block is set in the grounds of Channels Estate. The individually designed rooms and suites include original features, such as exposed wooden beams, along with modern comforts. Each en-suite room offers a DVD player and free Wi-Fi. With ironing supplies and a hairdryer, the rooms also include bathrobes, slippers, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk and Costa Coffee. Channels Bar & Brasserie is renowned for its excellent food and friendly service. Channels Hotel guests also receive free access to the nearby Nuffield Health Centre (in Chelmsford's city centre), which features a swimming pool and fitness centre. Channels Hotel is located close to the A12, and just 2 miles from Chelmsford. London Stansted Airport is only 20 minutes away.Show full description
Guest House.Great location. Popular among women. Located in Takeley and only 10 km from Stansted Mountfitchet Station, Highgate Annexe provides accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking. It is set 24 km from Freeport Braintree and features private check-in and check-out. The property is non-smoking and is situated 20 km from Audley End House. The 2-bedroom guest house comes with a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and toaster, and 1 bathroom with walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the guest house. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Guests can also relax in the garden. Chelmsford Train Station is 27 km from the guest house, while Hedingham Castle is 34 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 3 km from Highgate Annexe.Show full description
Apartment.Cosy. Popular among women. Located in Dedham, in a historic building, 34 km from Freeport Braintree, Stream Cottage, 450 year old thatched cottage is an apartment with a garden and terrace. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi. The apartment is located on the ground floor and is equipped with 2 bedrooms, a TV with satellite channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment. The property is non-smoking and is set 37 km from Hedingham Castle. There is also a seating area and a fireplace. A snack bar can be found on-site, and in the warmer months you can make use of the barbecue facilities. Chelmsford Train Station is 46 km from the apartment, while Flatford is 12 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 61 km from Stream Cottage, 450 year old thatched cottage.Show full description
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