Last minute holidays in Essex - Voyage Privé
Luxury holidays

Last minute holidays in Essex


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The historic county of Essex is one of the UK's top travel destinations. It is home to more than 350 miles (563 kilometres) of coastline, charming towns and villages, magical forests and beautiful landscapes that you can discover when you arrange a last-minute break with Voyage Privé. Our catalogue is home to offers for luxury hotels that meet a variety of travel requirements. Booking on short notice is an excellent strategy for saving money as accommodation providers look to fill up their guestrooms. We want to provide you with a sample of what you can find when you choose one of our exclusive deals and have highlighted our top 3 picks for Voyage Privé members planning last-minute holidays in Essex.

Where to stay last minute in Essex? The best Voyage Privé hotels

1. The Cricketers 4*

The Cricketers 4*

The Cricketers 4* is a period property housed within a 16th-century cottage located in the village of Clavering. It is an excellent option for last-minute holidays in Essex with its 22 guestrooms and on-site amenities, including Wi-Fi access. This offer is based on a bed and breakfast stay in a Better or Best Room.

This hotel features design elements such as botanical-inspired prints and floral accents. It is close to the historic town of Saffron Walden, known for its cafés and shops. Standout highlights include the Cricketers Restaurant, which serves British classics and fresh seafood.

What we love: We love the intimate, historic charm of this recommended hotel. This is enhanced by mouth-watering dining options and well-appointed rooms.

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2. Lifehouse Spa & Hotel 4*

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel 4*

The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel 4* is an 89-room, adults-only retreat located on 12 acres of English Heritage gardens in Thorpe-le-Soken. It features a lift and room options such as a Contemporary or Signature Room. Your bed and breakfast stay includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival.

This stylish property is home to contemporary guestrooms. Its standout highlights include a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness centre, a steam room, a sauna and an indoor swimming pool. Voyage Privé members enjoy a 10% discount on pre-booked spa treatments over £55.

What we love: An idyllic setting, spa discounts and on-site dining are a few of our favourite things about this location that we are happy to recommend for last-minute holidays in Essex.

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3. Wivenhoe House Hotel 4*

Wivenhoe House Hotel 4*

The Wivenhoe House Hotel 4* is located near the village of Wivenhoe and offers 40 well-appointed guestrooms. Its amenities include Wi-Fi access. This offer is based on a bed and breakfast stay in a Luxury Room furnished with a television, bathrobes, a hairdryer, and tea/coffee.

This luxurious hotel is housed within a Grade II-listed building that is surrounded by parkland. It is known for its unique charm and highlights, including the on-site Brasserie Restaurant & Bar. Voyage Privé members receive dinner with a cocktail for 2 on the night of their arrival.

What we love: An excellent restaurant, a complimentary dinner and a location within a listed building are a few of the reasons why we are excited to suggest this property.

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How to book your last-minute holiday to Essex

At Voyage Privé, we make planning last-minute holidays in Essex easy. Sign up online to avail yourself of our exclusive offers reserved for our members. You can enhance your getaway with optional excursions, airport transfers, car rental and dining plans such as half-board and full-board.

What last-minute offers can I find for Essex?

Our last-minute offers for Essex holidays include hotel-only stays, flight + hotel deals, family-friendly properties, countryside locations and boutique accommodation. We help our members save money with discounts of up to 70%.

Top 5 things to see/do in Essex

1. Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is a seaside resort in Essex that is a popular day trip destination. It is known for its extensive pier and the popular Adventure Island theme park that is home to family-friendly rides like the City Wheel, Vertigo, the Skydrop and the Tidal Wave Blue water slide.

2. Epping

Epping is an Essex market town known for the large forest that is adjacent to it. Epping Forest is a large area that is home to Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, built in 1543. During your exploration of the town, note its rows of listed houses that include cottages dating to the 1600s.

3. Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton-on-Sea is the largest town on the Sunshine Coast of Essex. It is home to a popular golf course, seaside gardens and a pleasure pier from the Victorian era. You will also find many inviting eateries and shopping outlets that offer established brands.

4. Maldon

Maldon is a historic town that is another location we recommend for your last-minute holidays in Essex. It sits on the Blackwater Estuary and is known for the iconic Thames Barges that are available for sailing tours.

5. Colchester

As the oldest town in England, Colchester is a must-visit when you arrange last-minute holidays in Essex. Its well-known castle dates to 1076. The site is home to part of Colchester Museum and the manicured gardens of Castle Park. Colchester Zoo is another key attraction in the area.

Our practical tips for Essex

What to pack for a last-minute holiday to Essex

When preparing for last-minute holidays in Essex, pack for the weather and avoid bringing more luggage than you need. Useful items include rain gear, good-quality footwear, comfortable clothes, extra toiletries, beach towels, sunglasses, phone chargers, travel guidebooks, and mobile devices.

What budget to plan for a last-minute holiday

Generally speaking, a minimum budget of £100 per person per day should be sufficient for last-minute holidays in Essex. This amount can end up being more or less depending on which activities you plan for your visit. We suggest having some emergency funds with you to cover unexpected expenses.

Useful information before leaving for Essex

June to September is the sunniest time of the year in Essex. To save money on your last-minute holiday, you might consider dates in autumn or spring.

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