Essex Holidays

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Your Essex Holiday

Make putting together your next getaway a breeze with an Essex holiday package. If it's family-friendly attractions, views and nature you're searching for, the city of Southend-on-Sea is waiting for you. A trip to Essex wouldn't be complete without getting to some of its best cities, starting with Bishop's Stortford. Some of the top attractions here include Hatfield Forest Country Park and The Henry Moore Foundation. Stansted is another favourite city with Essex travellers. Visitors to this city love Hatfield Forest Country Park and The Henry Moore Foundation. Expedia has everything you need when it comes to planning your Essex holiday. From accommodation and flights, to car rentals and activities, we're here to help you create a travel experience like no other.

Top destinations in Essex

FlightsFlightsHotelsHotels

Harlow

Harlow

Things to do in Essex

Essex offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, perfect for a memorable vacation. Enjoy seaside fun, scenic walks, and charming cottage breaks while exploring the region's vibrant shopping centres and recreational areas. Don't miss the opportunity for sightseeing experiences that highlight the beauty and excitement of this diverse county.

Shopping

Visit Battlesbridge Antiques and Craft Centre for unique gifts and antiques. For a wider selection, head to Eastgate Shopping Centre, which offers a vibrant atmosphere for family and leisure. Don't miss the Forest Drive Shops for local businesses and a charming community vibe.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Forrester Park Golf Club, surrounded by lush landscapes and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Experience captivating performances at Mercury Theatre, where culture and entertainment meet. Unwind at Lee Valley Park, a serene space perfect for wellness and relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Xtreme Gaming, an arcadeAdventureZone perfect for family fun. Dive into excitement at Festival Wakeboard Park, a waterpark offering entertainment for all ages. For adrenaline seekers, Brentwood Karting provides an exhilarating karting experience in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

In Essex, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife at the Old Sun Inn and The Royal Oak, both charming pubs offering a blend of entertainment and romantic vibes. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with friendly locals and a selection of drinks that promise a delightful evening out.

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

Find the best attractions in Essex

Essex offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal vacation spot. You can explore urban parks, historic houses, and lush forests, all while soaking in the rich culture of the area. Don't miss the picturesque Essex countryside, which provides a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and outdoor experiences. Discover the charm of Essex as you enjoy its diverse attractions and natural beauty.

  • Audley End House: Step into history at Audley End House, a magnificent Jacobean mansion set amidst stunning gardens. This impressive estate offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the 17th century, complete with beautifully restored rooms and captivating exhibitions that celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
  • University of Essex: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at the University of Essex, known for its modern architecture and lively campus life. With a diverse student population and engaging events, it’s a hub of creativity and innovation, perfect for those seeking a youthful, urban vibe.
  • Epping Forest: Embrace the great outdoors in Epping Forest, a vast ancient woodland ideal for adventure seekers. Explore its extensive trails on foot or bike, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature, wildlife, and picturesque landscapes that invite exploration and relaxation.

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 during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Essex.
  • 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.

Essex Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
British pounds sterling
Closest Airport
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Top Sights
Colchester Zoo, Clacton-on-Sea Beach and Colchester Castle Park

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 £116 per night from 20 May to 21 May
£116
20 May - 21 May
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,685 reviews)
Lovely

Reviewed on 28 Apr 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 £112 per night from 4 May to 5 May
£112
4 May - 5 May
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (2,335 reviews)
The water pressure in the room was poor and the sink in the bathroom was cracked.

Reviewed on 28 Apr 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 £89 per night from 3 May to 4 May
£89
3 May - 4 May
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,205 reviews)
Ticked the boxes from what I wanted from my stay

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Novotel London Stansted Airport
See all 1,521 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.

The Advantages of Essex Weekend Breaks

Discover a different side of the British Isles with a weekend break in Essex. Take short breaks away from home and enjoy some quality time in a beautiful place. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and inspired. You can have an action-packed Essex weekend break or get some peace with a relaxing holiday. Whatever experience you’re looking for, find it with our deals on hotels in Essex.

Cheap Weekend Breaks to Essex

There are lots of ways to take cheap weekend breaks to Essex. Expedia offers deals on car hires and hotel rooms and covers trips for all kinds of travellers. The best way to save is with our holiday packages in Essex. First, choose your car hire and hotel reservation. Then we’ll bundle them together into one discounted price. Solo explorers, couples, families, and groups of friends can discover budget solutions for their weekend breaks. Once you arrive, enjoy some of the fun things to do, many of which are free or cheap to experience  

Essex Romantic Weekend Breaks

Couples love taking romantic weekend breaks in Essex. Whisking your lover away for a romantic Essex weekend break is the perfect opportunity to make new memories together. Expedia offers all kinds of hotel options, so you can find romantic hotels in Essex and choose the best place for you. Check out our deals on beautiful properties, and you’ll save even more when you choose to package your hotel reservation with a car hire.

Family Weekend Breaks in Essex

Set some time aside to experience family weekend breaks in Essex. There are plenty of excellent family-friendly hotels in Essex within our selection of hotels. You can also find a place to call home in one of the holiday rentals in Essex. With accommodation, activities, and adventure all waiting, there’s never been a better time to plan Essex family weekend breaks.

All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my Essex holiday with Expedia?
Choose Expedia to arrange your next big break simply and all in the same place. Our top tip for scoring the best deal on an Essex retreat? Bundle your accommodation, airfares and/or car hire into a package holiday. Then throw in a few awesome tours and activities. Most bookings also include flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to panic if you have to switch up your travel plans. Round-the-clock help with changing and cancelling your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Essex?
Essex can get busy in February, May and September, so if you want to steer clear of the crowds, pack your bags for November, December and January. With average daytime temperatures of 4ºC, January is the coolest month in Essex. The warmest month is July, when you can expect average temperatures of 17ºC during the day. Whatever the temperature, you'll find plenty of things to keep you entertained here.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Essex?
Have a look at Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marstons Inns and Dragonfly Hotel Colchester. They're top picks for lots of travellers to Clacton-on-Sea. If Colchester is on your itinerary, Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport and Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, an IHG Hotel are two popular options.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Essex?
Bundling your flight and hotel with Expedia won't just save precious time — it'll save you money too. An Essex holiday makes it a cinch to organise the ideal trip. With more than 400 airlines throughout the world to choose from, finding flights that suit your busy schedule will be no sweat. On top of that, we have over 321,000 hotel options globally to choose from. Now that's choice! No matter who you are, Expedia puts more of the world within your reach. Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you book a flight and hotel together with Expedia.
What should I do on my Essex holiday?
Explore leading attractions like Colchester Zoo, Southend Pier, Kelvedon Hatch and University of Essex. With so many amazing things to see and do, your holiday in Essex will be unforgettable.
What is the best city to stay in when on holiday in Essex?
Colchester is a popular base for your holiday. Find a stay here and explore this city's top attractions, like Colchester Zoo.
Do I need a visa for my Essex holiday?
Official government websites have all the information you need on visa requirements, application procedures and any necessary documentation. Your nationality and reason for your visit, whether it be for holidays or business, will determine if you'll need a visa for Essex. Also double-check that your passport is up to date and has a minimum of six months validity remaining after your intended date of return. Do all your travel planning ahead of time to avoid any nasty last-minute surprises.
What should I wear on my Essex holiday?
Do some research into the types of things people in Essex wear, and consider browsing style blogs for some fashion tips. Whatever your look, aim to create a versatile wardrobe full of pieces that work for your destination and showcase your unique style. It's also wise to have a look at the local weather forecast so you can pack the right clothes. July is the warmest month in Essex, with average temperatures of 17ºC. January is when much of this destination is at its coolest, so get packing for daytime temperatures of around 4ºC.
What does an Expedia Essex holiday include?
With Expedia, you can choose a combination of flights, car hires and hotels to create your perfect Essex package. Once you've made your booking, simply add on all the fun stuff like day tours and activities. Don't forget — the more you bundle, the more deals you'll score! Expedia features all sorts of properties, with the most in-demand in Essex including private holiday homes and apartments. Whatever retreat you're looking for, Expedia allows for the flexibility and freedom to customise your stay.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Essex holidays?
Expedia has joined forces with online lender Klarna to make booking your next getaway a little easier on the wallet. Paying by instalment means you can spread the costs of your next big holiday, leaving you with more money to spend while you're away. Klarna has several payment plans to pick from, so you're sure to find something that works with your budget. Consider these flexible payment options:

  • Pay monthly holidays: Realise your holiday dreams sooner with Klarna's manageable monthly instalment plans. If paying just a small amount each month works for you, choose this option during the checkout process.
  • No-deposit holidays: When you see an amazing deal but your budget doesn't quite cover it yet, Klarna's no-deposit holiday plan will allow you to Book Now, Pay Later to lock in your getaway.

Can I choose my airline with an Essex Expedia holiday?
You can, and with more than 400 airlines to choose from around the world, it's all about choice. Browse the available options and see which airline suits your budget and needs.

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. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.