Title: Essex Travel Guide: Best of Essex, Connecticut Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Essex](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex-Hotels.d183061.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Essex](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex-Holiday-Rentals.d183061.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Essex Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Essex.d183061.Car-Hire-Guide)[Essex Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex.d183061.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Essex Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Essex featuring a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/42e6a0ac-d74d-47cc-b4a3-21ee36ae6e15.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Essex featuring a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/42e6a0ac-d74d-47cc-b4a3-21ee36ae6e15.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Essex](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/62f3cb7f-03e9-4fb1-b52a-93836bfac864.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Essex featuring a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/5a371dae-8434-47ae-b468-a6642898f866.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Essex which includes a marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/07458fff-4fbe-4f01-b80f-3b942f4c9f5a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Essex Things to do #### The charm of Connecticut is abundantly clear in this historic town with inextricable links to the river and an enticing old-world atmosphere. Essex has been described as “one town, three villages,” a description that captures the varied charms of this riverside community. Travel between Essex Village, Centerbrook and Ivoryton to enjoy the numerous attractions. Fascinating museums, classically American main streets and atmospheric arts venues characterise a place that has been voted one of the country’s finest small towns. European settlers first established communities here in the late 17th century. The town was once one of New England’s crucial shipbuilding centres. Wander the banks of the Connecticut River, where over 600 vessels were built between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Discover more of Essex’s maritime past and the history of boating in the Connecticut River Museum. Exhibits here include a full-scale, working replica of the first American submarine and displays showing how Native Americans relied on the river. The museum also offers excursions along the water in a historical vessel and a river festival every May. Browse the stores on Main Street, where traditional timber buildings, hotels and storefronts hark back to a bygone era. Take a break from shopping in one of the restaurants or art galleries along the way. Stroll along the walking trails of Canfield Woods, a pleasant nature preserve on the edge of town. Paths lead beneath red maples, American chestnuts and spruces, among others. Bring your binoculars to spot deer, foxes and a variety of birds. Relax for an evening in the Ivoryton Playhouse, a stunning theatre that has stood on this site for over 100 years. Professional musicals, dramas and comedies are performed in this storied venue throughout the year. Essex is about 40 minutes away from [New Haven](https://www.expedia.co.uk/New-Haven.d180036.Holidays-City-Breaks) and 20 minutes from Middletown by car. Travel by boat to arrive here in style, docking in one of the marina slips in the centre of Essex Village. Come to Essex in any season of the year. Spring and summer bring warm days by the river, while fall promises New England’s famous colourful foliage. - Top hotels in Essex - Top Holiday Rentals in Essex ![Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2600000/2593900/2593874/46d6d7fc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area 2049 Norwich Montville CT £78 11 Mar - 12 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Montville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ... 9/10 Wonderful! (2,613 reviews) good Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F03%2F2026&endDate=12%2F03%2F2026&selected=2593874&PinnedHotelID=2593874&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=183061) ![Mohegan Sun](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/900000/894300/894248/60dec0f3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mohegan Sun 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard Montville CT £203 25 Feb - 26 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury resort in Montville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ... 9/10 Wonderful! (2,080 reviews) The room was fine but the thermostat was had to use. iI did feel cool in the room and it said it was 76 and it felt like 66. Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F02%2F2026&endDate=26%2F02%2F2026&selected=894248&PinnedHotelID=894248&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=183061) ![Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1500/1450/d9b5e4b8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG 10 Laura Blvd Norwich CT £82 15 Feb - 16 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ... 7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) amazing clean and elegant Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=15%2F02%2F2026&endDate=16%2F02%2F2026&selected=1450&PinnedHotelID=1450&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=183061) [See all 1,410 properties in Essex](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=11%2F02%2F2026&endDate=12%2F02%2F2026®ionId=183061) 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. ![Postcard Cabins Machimoodus, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110240000/110235400/110235311/400d8813_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Postcard Cabins Machimoodus, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy 298 E Haddam Moodus Rd East Haddam CT Stay at this cabin in East Haddam. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Machimoodus State Park and Amasa Day House are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews) A perfect little solo escape tucked away in the woods. The cabin was cozy, clean, and thoughtfully cared for, offering so much peace and privacy. Waking up surrounded by nature, fresh air, and quiet mornings felt truly refreshing and uplifting for the soul. It’s the kind of place that helps you slow ... Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/East-Haddam-Hotels-Postcard-Cabins-Machimoodus.h110235311.Hotel-Information) ![Thames River Retreat · CT College+Casinos+USCGA](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103050000/103041100/103041064/aa0a648b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Thames River Retreat · CT College+Casinos+USCGA Waterford CT Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Quaker Hill. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mohegan Sun Arena and USS Nautilus ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews) Thank you for your great communication and accommodations. Your home is lovely, clean and spacious. We had a great time and made some great memories. We will absolutely be back! Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Quaker-Hill-Hotels-Thames-River-Retreat-CT-CollegeCasinosUSCGA.h103041064.Hotel-Information) ![The SandPiper ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89700000/89698400/89698318/9eada5e0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The SandPiper Greenport, NY Stay at this holiday home in Greenport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Railroad Museum of Long Island and East End Seaport ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews) The host was very understanding about some last minute events that affected our trip Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Greenport-Hotels-The-SandPiper.h89698318.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Essex](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=183061&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Essex hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[10 Feb - 11 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12)[11 Feb - 12 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=183061&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Awesome fun for kids ! #KidsFun](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/77aebfc8-b5bc-4a31-b828-ac72aab20d07.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Essex Steam Train 4.5/5(3 reviews) You can spend time exploring the galleries in Essex Steam Train during your travels in Essex Village. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex-Steam-Train-Essex.d6171206.Attraction) ![This is a great museum and Essex is an awesome little town to visit. With a salty New England charm this patriotic community oozes red white and blue. Grab some ice cream and walk down to the dock at the museum and feed the ducks... chances are someone will be by with a golden lab or some other well bred dog to frolic in the water. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183061/58ffb89f-e0c9-460e-b0b5-318abca5bbef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Connecticut River Museum You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Connecticut River Museum in Essex Village. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Connecticut-River-Museum-Essex.d553248621532665790.Attraction) ![Beverly Public Library at 32 Essex Street in historic city center of Beverly, Massachusetts MA, USA. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621558114264/2e3aadec-f9e5-4cdb-8f18-68593dbc43f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Essex Library After visiting Essex Library, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Essex Village. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex-Library-Essex.d553248621558114264.Attraction) #### Essex Island Marina Explore the waterfront in Essex Village with a trip to Essex Island Marina. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex-Island-Marina-Essex.d6326375.Attraction) #### Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center during your trip to Essex. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mashantucket-Pequot-Museum-Research-Center-Essex.d553248621533116825.Attraction) #### Logee’s Greenhouses Learn about the local history of Essex when you take a trip to Logee’s Greenhouses. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Logees-Greenhouses-Essex.d553248621533116827.Attraction) ## Cities near Essex ![West Beach in Westbrook Connecticut](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/173488/7d1c2288-c2dd-483f-a45f-a8e1417abb3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Westbrook ![Old Lyme which includes a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/183070/86d6021e-4345-4b19-a349-e6338f357876.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Old Lyme ![Beautiful sunrise at the mouth of the Connecticut River, Old Saybrook, Connecticut.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6057199/8748af45-0271-4af3-bf45-30e4ac30bd01.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Old Saybrook - Cities near Essex - Places of interest [Westbrook](https://expedia.co.uk/Westbrook.dx173488)[Old Lyme](https://expedia.co.uk/Old-Lyme.dx183070)[Old Saybrook](https://expedia.co.uk/Old-Saybrook.dx6057199) - [Essex Steam Train ](https://expedia.co.uk/Essex-Steam-Train-Essex.d6171206.Attraction) - [Logee’s Greenhouses ](https://expedia.co.uk/Logees-Greenhouses-Essex.d553248621533116827.Attraction) - [Naval Submarine Base New London ](https://expedia.co.uk/Naval-Submarine-Base-New-London-Groton.d6198088.Attraction) - [Ocean Beach Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Ocean-Beach-Park-New-London.d6071449.Attraction) - [Pleasure Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Pleasure-Beach-Waterford.d6328066.Attraction) - [Gillette Castle State Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Gillette-Castle-State-Park-Connecticut.d502002.Attraction) - [Sunset Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Sunset-Beach-Shelter-Island-Heights.d553248626388141313.Attraction) - [Harvey's Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Harveys-Beach-Old-Saybrook.d6224621.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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