Browsing 20 self-catering properties within a 8 mile radius of D'Arcy Riding Stables

Rye Lane, Layer-de-La-Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0JL, tel: 01206 734350, www.ryefarm.org.uk
Self-catering with 4 units £300-£550 pupw  sleeps 2-4
Peaceful, rural location on a working farm with views over fields. Comfortably furnished to high standard. 4 miles from Colchester. Close to Abberton Reservoir & Zoo. Convenient for Mersea Island, Layer Marney Tower & Beth Chatto Gardens.

Waldegraves Lane, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SE, tel: 01206 382898, www.waldegraves.co.uk
Individual Caravan with 28 units £235-£495 pupw
Ideal family park. Private Beach. Grassland sheltered with trees and four fishing lakes, boating lake, undercover golf driving range, heated swimming pool, pitch and putt. Family entertainment. Licensed bar and restaurant.

Bouncers Farm, Wickham Hall Lane, Wickham Bishops, Wickham, Maldon, Essex, CM8 3JJ, tel: 01621 891330, www.operaintheorchard.co.uk
Alternative Accommodation with 4 units £40-£120 pupw  sleeps 3
The coast of Essex was once a smuggler's paradise where overtaxed locals sneaked tea, beer and spirits into the country. Bouncers Farm is a refuge of a different kind where those overtaxed by work can hide themselves away.

Church Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8TN, tel: 0871 6649794, www.park-resorts.com
Holiday Park with 23 units £150-£1099 pupw  sleeps 4
Coopers Beach is located on Mersea Island.

Maldon, Essex, CM9 8UH, tel: 07729 456912, www.oseaisland.co.uk
Self-catering with 135 units £309-£6677 pupw
A private island enclosed by four miles of beaches and coastline, just 45 miles from central London. The Edwardian style Manor House sleeps 20, as well as 10 period cottages.

10 Main Road, St. Lawrence Bay, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7LY, tel: 01621 779434, www.slcaravans.co.uk
Holiday Park with 215 units £140 pupw  sleeps 2
Park on coast of River Blackwater, quiet, cosy and friendly. Water sports, sailing, skiing and fishing available. Family run since 1948.