Holidays in Essex

All the best bits of a traditional seaside holiday await you in the sunny county of Essex – do famous names like Canvey Island and Clacton ring any bells? Holidays in Essex have always been popular, as the county has over 350 miles of coastline, beautiful sandy beaches and one of the sunniest climates in the country - and it's only about an hour away from London. But if traditional seaside adventures aren't enough, you'll still find plenty of other reasons to enjoy Essex holidays.

We have one holiday park in Essex, The Orchards, and it's a true hidden gem. Just a stone's throw from London, it's surrounded by winding creeks, mud flats, beautiful rivers and lots of wildlife.

Like to look around a stately home? How about the decadent 17th century manor at Audley End House – it even offers a glimpse at what life was like "below stairs". Next, set out for St. Andrews Church, Greensted: it's the oldest wooden church in the world. Or picture yourself at the Jaywick Martello tower, a former Napoleonic fort transformed into an arts venue. In fact, you'll find art galleries of all sorts all over Essex – it is Constable Country, after all. To keep the kids happy, visit Colchester Zoo, home to over 220 different species, or Tropical Wings Zoo, where you can see free-flying butterflies all year round! Or if you prefer a more hands-on approach to animals, Old McDonald's Farm is the perfect name for a petting farm.