Countryside Staycations in Essex

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a relaxing weekend away, whether it’s with friends, family, your partner, or just for some much needed ‘me time’! Read on for some of our favourite countryside staycations in Essex.

Glamping at Teybrook Orchard, Colchester

If you’re looking for a serene getaway to recharge, then Teybrook Orchard in Colchester is the ideal location for you. A ‘glampsite’ found in Colchester, Essex, tucked away between an apple orchard and 20 acres of woodland, Teybrook Orchard was founded by the Browning Bros. Having spent their childhood exploring the Teybrook farm, these two brothers decided to share their love for the outdoors with others, turning their favourite spot into an idyllic glamping staycation for others to come along and sleep under the stars. Teybrook Orchard is family friendly, with luxury bell tents and handcrafted yurts that sleep 4-6 people, with a double bed and up to four single mattresses each. Relax around your own firepit, cook up a storm on the BBQ, and spend precious time with your loved ones under the stars. Teybrook Orchard is available to book every year from March until the end of October.

Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Hatfield Heath

How does a relaxing spa weekend sound? You can even bring your pooch along for the weekend! Down Hall is one of many beautiful dog-friendly hotels in Essex, located in Hatfield Heath. This is the perfect location for a romantic few nights away with your significant other, or a spa weekend with the girls. With a stunning countryside location, the historic building and extraordinary grounds of Down Hall provides an idyllic escape from the stresses of everyday life. Self-care should always be prioritised, and you’ll be able to fully indulge yourself at the Eden Spa on site – enjoy a revitalising facial, full body massage, and many other professional treatments to help you get into a zen state of mind.  There are many activities to keep you occupied on the estate – work off your afternoon tea with a scenic country walk or partake in a game of tennis or croquet! Down Hall is guaranteed to provide the countryside getaway that you’ve been craving.

Great Sampford Bed & Breakfast, Saffron Walden

A quaint family-run business nestled in the North Essex countryside, the Great Sampford B&B is idyllic for overnight stays and long weekends away from the chaos of your every day life. If you’re an avid walker, then this getaway is perfect for you, with plenty of footpaths and byways such as the Turpin Trail for you to explore at your leisure. You won’t run out of places to visit during your stay, with an array of attractions nearby including Finchingfield Post Mill, Great Lodge and Bardfield Vineyard, and Mistley Towers. The B&B’s have fully functioning kitchens, and essentials such as bread, cereal, tea, coffee and more that you are welcome to help yourself to – it’ll feel like a home away from home.

The Fieldbarns at Bullocks Farm

Stay in a beautifully renovated barn, located on the working Bullocks Farm, in Great Canfield. Whilst The Fieldbarns offer a tranquil escape to the countryside, the location could not be better for those who are eager to explore rural Essex and beyond, being just a 10 minute drive from Stansted Airport, and 3 miles from the M11 into London and Cambridge. The three barns are each available to book all year round and sleep up to four people. With luxuries such as Egyptian cotton sheets, handmade mattresses, large wetrooms and plenty of space and seating in the wildflower meadow for you to relax outside day and night, this will become your new favourite staycation in Essex. If you have a large group looking to book a few nights away, the three barns are available to hire together for up to 12 people. There’s also plenty to see and do in the area, from Hatters Farm (check out their pumpkin picking if you’re visiting during the autumn months!), The Gardens of Easton Lodge, and Mountfitchet Castle.

If there’s one thing that Essex has to be proud of, it’s our magnificent countryside. With such outstanding views (and some of the best summers in the UK), our county is an ideal location if you’re looking for peaceful countryside staycation. For more places to stay in Essex, check out our accommodation page here!