Steeple Bay
Steeple Bay is a family-friendly leisure park located on the Blackwater Estuary in the South East of England, offering waterside views and a variety of activities including fishing, children's clubs, and outdoor heated pools.
Colchester Zoo is a large zoological garden in Essex offering outdoor themed animal habitats with rare and endangered species, interactive exhibits, conservation efforts, and family-friendly facilities.
Steeple Bay is a family-friendly leisure park located on the Blackwater Estuary in the South East of England, offering waterside views and a variety of activities including fishing, children's clubs, and outdoor heated pools.
Northey Island is a tidal island in Essex's Blackwater Estuary, accessible by causeway at low tide. It is a nature-rich site managed by the National Trust and known for its historical significance in the Battle of Maldon.
A ground-floor bungalow cottage set within 3 acres of grounds near a lake, offering wheelchair access, private parking, and peaceful countryside views with opportunities for fishing, boating, and walking.
A ground-floor holiday cottage set within 3 acres of grounds in Essex offering wheelchair access, private parking, shared laundry facilities, and a patio with garden furniture, surrounded by countryside and near coastal paths.
This accommodation is a rural holiday base converted from an old bakery with a characterful beamed interior, located near historic Colchester amidst 2½ acres of landscaped and natural gardens and orchards, offering a secluded and scenic countryside setting.
Thorington Hall is a historic Grade-II* listed manor house in Suffolk, known for its timber-framed architecture and unique superstitious marks. Managed by the National Trust, it is primarily an indoor heritage site with occasional public access during special events.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
An intensive course covering the stages of designing a garden, from site surveying and drawing plans to landscaping and planting design. It is aimed at people planning their own garden and those considering a career in garden design.
A charming 2-bedroom cottage located in the quiet village of Tuddenham, Suffolk, offering a peaceful and scenic countryside setting within walking distance of a gastro pub.
A characterful 14th century semi-detached cottage in the centre of Sproughton village with original features and a wood burner, offering a peaceful country setting with an enclosed garden and private parking.
Sailmakers is a multi-story shopping centre in Ipswich, England, that opened in 1986 and was transformed and rebranded in 2015. It provides an indoor shopping experience with various retail options.
Ipswich is a historic port town and county town of Suffolk, England, known for its medieval heritage, cultural institutions, arts scene, and scenic waterfront with marina.
This lodge-style accommodation is set on West Mersea Holiday Park near the beach featuring a ground-floor open plan living space with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering a relaxed coastal stay with nearby on-site amenities including a café, bar, and shops.
Ray Island is a protected wildlife haven in Essex known for its rare saltmarsh plants and breeding water birds, with no public footpaths or visitor access on foot to preserve the natural habitat.
West Mersea is a historic seaside town on Mersea Island in Essex with Roman roots, a lively maritime heritage, and a range of local cultural and leisure amenities including sailing, regattas, and a museum.
Holly is a first floor two-bedroom apartment in Althorne, Essex, offering tranquil countryside views and a serene village setting, ideal for a peaceful retreat among natural surroundings.
Sunnyside is a Victorian seaside cottage on Mersea Island offering accommodation for five guests with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, featuring spacious, light-filled rooms and garden access.
Ray Island is a 40.5-hectare nature reserve in Essex featuring saltmarsh, rough grassland, and a shingle foreshore, known for its wildlife and multiple environmental designations. Visitors access the island by boat, exploring its unique natural habitats and birdlife in an outdoor setting.
The Essex Country Club is set within an 18-hole Championship golf course offering a variety of leisure and activity options in a countryside setting with access to spa facilities and local attractions.
Markshall Estate in Essex is a 200-acre arboretum and garden estate featuring global tree collections, formal gardens, and family-friendly facilities including play areas and refreshments. It offers free access to RHS members on selected days.
This stylish and comfortable apartment offers a romantic rural retreat surrounded by Suffolk countryside near Great Bealings, with panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and proximity to Woodbridge and local natural attractions.
Kyson Hill in Woodbridge, Suffolk, offers grassy slopes, specimen trees, and views of the estuary, ideal for walking and relaxation in an outdoor natural setting. It features walking trails through woodland, mudflats, and estuarine ecosystems and allows dogs on leads. The site is accessible via footpath from Woodbridge Railway Station and has benches for resting, but the terrain is uneven and not wheelchair accessible.
A characterful thatched cottage located in a quiet rural area within almost 2 acres of land, offering a cosy and peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Finchingfield Guildhall is a Grade I listed historic building from the 15th and 17th centuries, beautifully restored and serving as a community hub with guided tours, an interactive museum, and a library. Visitors can explore both the interior and exterior, set within the grounds of a Norman church, and enjoy the surrounding village of Finchingfield.
This is a luxury converted school outhouse with a cosy and romantic feel, located within a peaceful village close to amenities, featuring a ground-floor open plan living space and a private enclosed garden patio.
A detached former farmhouse in the Suffolk countryside offering accommodation for up to 10 guests, with extensive outdoor space, pet-friendly policies, family-friendly features, and nearby countryside and wildlife exploration opportunities.
A cosy cottage in the historic Suffolk village of Stratford St. Mary offering a peaceful rural retreat with period charm and modern comforts for small families, couples, or friends.
Place for Plants: East Bergholt Place Garden is a tranquil 20-acre garden in Suffolk featuring a rich collection of trees, shrubs, and rare plants including National Plant Collections. Visitors can enjoy meandering paths, wildflower meadows, ponds, and a woodland atmosphere in a coastal climate.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.
Orchards Holiday Village is located on the tip of Point Clear near Clacton-on-Sea, offering beach access, pools, fishing lakes, and various family-oriented activities in a seaside setting with nearby town exploration.
This charming two-bedroom barn conversion is set in the picturesque village of Elmstead Market, offering a peaceful countryside retreat with shared outdoor swimming pool and garden seating area.
Cherry Cottage is a spacious two-bedroom cottage set in the countryside with beautiful river views, offering a tranquil and scenic retreat for up to 4 guests with pet-friendly accommodation and a private garden patio.
Pin Mill is a scenic outdoor destination on the Suffolk Coast featuring woodland and heathland restoration, panoramic river views, a peaceful nature walk, and nearby village amenities including shops and a pub. The terrain is uneven and steep, limiting wheelchair accessibility.
Roe Cottage is a cottage in Hadleigh, Suffolk, featuring 2 bedrooms and set near historic sites and countryside with access to a garden patio and private parking.
Wolves Wood is an ancient woodland nature reserve in Suffolk offering a flat, circular 1-mile trail through diverse habitats managed by traditional coppicing. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and insects in a natural wet woodland setting, but facilities are limited and dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs.
Hadleigh is an ancient market town in Suffolk known for its rich medieval and Georgian heritage, historic wool and cloth industry, and notable cultural and artistic connections.
A quirky renovated 1920s boathouse by the sea at Point Clear, offering tranquil and scenic waterside accommodation for up to 4 guests and 1 pet, with a games room and private terrace overlooking panoramic sea views.
Warren Lodges offers a rural retreat within a large countryside and woodland area at the Warren Golf and Country Club, providing a scenic environment with views and outdoor hot tubs on generous decks, set near picturesque villages and beaches.
Danbury Common is a large biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex featuring heathland, woodland, ponds, and uncommon species, with areas managed by the National Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust.
A comfortable three-bedroom caravan on the Pretoria Caravan Site in St Osyth, offering a peaceful seaside stay close to the beach and local amenities, suitable for families, friends, or couples.
A spacious two-bedroom caravan located on St Osyth’s Beach Holiday Park near the beach, featuring open-plan living, shared indoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and private parking.
Ryeland Shepherd Hut is an off-grid eco hut set in rural farmland offering a private and cosy glamping experience with natural surroundings and a sense of tranquillity.
Paycocke's House and Gardens is a Tudor merchant's house with intricate woodwork, paired with restored historic gardens in an Arts and Crafts style. It offers visitors a blend of indoor historic architecture and outdoor garden exploration under National Trust care in Coggeshall, Essex.
This detached single storey holiday home is located on the Suffolk, Cambridge and Essex border, set in the owners' large grounds with a private garden area and shared use of a tennis court, near village amenities and historic Cambridge.
Haverhill is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, featuring a walkable town centre with historic buildings, cultural venues, and a vibrant market scene, served by local public transport but without a current train station.
A wheelchair accessible ground-floor cottage set within rural Essex surrounded by peaceful countryside and wildlife, offering a homely atmosphere with private outdoor space and parking onsite, suitable for families and pets with good nearby walking and nature immersion possibilities.
The Boat House is a recently built property set near the beach on Mersea Island offering accommodation for up to four guests with two bedrooms and two bathrooms in a peaceful seaside setting.
Charming semi-rural cottage in Kirby-le-Soken with countryside views, close to coastal towns, featuring two bedrooms suitable for families, an enclosed garden, and private parking.
This accommodation is a one-bedroom barn conversion in the village of Elmstead Market offering a peaceful and homely setting with a shared outdoor swimming pool and shared games room in scenic surroundings ideal for a quiet retreat or family stay.
The Long Barn is a detached holiday property in the Essex countryside with ground floor open plan living and sleeping accommodation suitable for families and pet owners.
Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood is a large natural reserve featuring ancient woodland, heathland, and historical military sites. Visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife, scenic walking trails, and explore the rich heritage of this Essex ridge-top location.
This bright and spacious two-bedroom first-floor apartment in St Lawrence Bay, Essex, offers stunning uninterrupted views of the Blackwater Estuary in a quiet coastal setting.
This detached, single-storey barn conversion is set in a rural village near the Suffolk and Essex borders, offering a peaceful countryside setting with views of surrounding fields and a lawned garden with patio and BBQ area.
Stour Estuary is a nature reserve featuring ancient woodland and estuary habitats where visitors can explore varied nature trails, observe diverse birdlife, and enjoy seasonal flora displays. The reserve offers peaceful outdoor experiences with picnic areas and bird hides overlooking the estuary.
Bramble is a ground floor two-bedroom apartment in Althorne, Essex, set in a rural village location with views over the river and surrounding countryside and a nearby vineyard with cafe.
Seawick Holiday Park is a family-focused holiday park near Clacton-on-Sea offering various entertainment and leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor heated pools, a restaurant, and outdoor play areas in a fresh air setting.
A ground floor detached coastal property with open plan living, two bedrooms, and a private garden, located on Britain’s most easterly inhabited island providing peaceful, scenic surroundings with opportunities for walking, bird watching, and enjoying local seafood.
This accommodation is a ground-floor holiday cottage set within 3 acres of countryside grounds, offering scenic views and abundant wildlife, with a focus on walkers and nature lovers.
This accommodation is a charming two-bedroom barn conversion in the village of Elmstead Market, set in a peaceful and scenic countryside location with access to a shared heated outdoor swimming pool and communal gardens.
Rose Cottage is a unique upside-down house nestled in serene countryside, offering two bedrooms and panoramic views from its upstairs living area with access to a balcony and outdoor spaces, located near Mersea Island with nearby pubs, restaurants, and coastal walks.
Leveret Lodge is a one-bedroom countryside annexe set within rural grounds near the Essex/Suffolk border and offers peaceful surroundings with shared garden, patio, and access to private woodland.
This accommodation is a holiday park located near a Blue Flag Beach, offering family-focused and child-friendly entertainment with an indoor heated pool, adventure golf, sports facilities, and a clubhouse with restaurant and bar.
Highfield Grange in Clacton-on-Sea offers a traditional seaside holiday setting with a range of on-park activities including indoor and outdoor heated pools, adventure playgrounds, and multi-sports courts, alongside eateries like The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant and takeaway options.
This one-bedroom annexe in the countryside of Bulmer offers a peaceful and stylish retreat with rustic charm and scenic views, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking relaxation in a rural setting.
Sunny Meadow Cottage is a quaint, romantic one-bedroom cottage set in the peaceful Suffolk countryside near Sudbury, offering a homely and cosy atmosphere with a private garden and easy access to local nature and historic attractions.
Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury is the childhood home of the artist Thomas Gainsborough, now a museum featuring extensive indoor galleries with exhibitions and collections alongside outdoor gardens and panoramic views. The venue offers a café, shop, and workshops, making it a cultural and educational destination.
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A gentle guided walk around the park, offering time to move, enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature at your own pace.
Sudbury is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, known for its rich Anglo-Saxon heritage, 18th-century art connections, and cultural venues including museums and a revived market centre. It offers diverse activities from river rowing to music festivals.
Thistle is a two-bedroom apartment in Althorne, Essex, situated in a tranquil countryside village setting with scenic views over the river and surrounding countryside near a vineyard with a café.
Beautiful Island Lodge is a detached waterside accommodation located at Paper Mill Lock, offering a peaceful and stylish retreat in the Essex countryside with a private enclosed garden and terrace overlooking the river.
Late Victorian cottage in Maldon with two bedrooms, a large garden, and parking, offering a cosy and homely atmosphere within walking distance to town amenities and countryside walks.
Northey Island is a remote coastal island in the Blackwater Estuary, Essex, accessible only by a tidal causeway at low tide. It is known for its historical significance as the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain and as a peaceful wildlife haven with saltmarsh habitat and a waymarked walking trail. Visitors should check tide times before visiting due to causeway accessibility restrictions.
Ivy is a two-bedroom ground-floor apartment in Althorne, Essex, offering peaceful countryside views and a tranquil rural setting suitable for families and couples seeking a quiet retreat.
Fallow Cottage is a cosy holiday cottage constructed in 2021 located in the heart of Hadleigh, featuring a wood burner, private courtyard garden, and proximity to Suffolk countryside and historic villages.
St James' Chapel in Lindsey, Suffolk is a 13th-century medieval chapel originally serving Lindsey Castle, featuring historic architecture and original stonework, now preserved as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument open to the public.
St Osyth and Martello Beach holiday park offers a beachfront location near Clacton-on-Sea on the Essex coast with family-oriented entertainment and leisure facilities including an indoor heated pool and a beach nearby.
Mersea Island Holiday Park offers a peaceful setting near the beach and countryside on Mersea Island, featuring family entertainment and nature-focused surroundings by the Blackwater Estuary.
This semi off-grid glamping site offers a cosy and intimate accommodation set in a secluded meadow with nature immersion, featuring a distinctive lotus belle tent and a croft hut in a countryside setting.
Grange Barn is a historic 13th-century timber-framed barn in Coggeshall, Essex, preserved by the National Trust and open to the public with exhibits on its history and woodworking heritage.
A cosy converted barn accommodation set on a peaceful private equestrian site in the Suffolk countryside, offering rustic charm and modern comforts in a tranquil rural village location.
This accommodation is a charming two-bedroom barn conversion located in the village of Elmstead Market, set in a peaceful and scenic countryside environment with a shared outdoor swimming pool and communal outdoor space.
The Beth Chatto Gardens in Elmstead Market is a renowned outdoor garden featuring drought-tolerant gravel gardens, a lush water garden, and mature woodland with century-old oaks. The garden offers an accessible and peaceful experience with facilities including refreshments, plant sales, and parking. Access is free for RHS members on selected days.
A charming one-bedroom first-floor annexe in the peaceful countryside of Bulmer, Suffolk, offering scenic views, a balcony, and a private parking space, ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking relaxation and rural exploration.
A romantic and luxurious ground-floor accommodation in Essex with a private hot tub, enclosed garden, and private on-site parking, set in a peaceful countryside location close to a golf course and village amenities.
Hedingham Castle is a historic Norman keep and Georgian mansion set in beautiful gardens and woodlands. Visitors can explore the castle interiors via steep stairs, enjoy accessible grounds with picnic and cafe facilities, and attend various events including outdoor theatre. The Georgian House is available for private tours and weddings.
Island Cottage is a two-bedroom fisherman's cottage on Mersea Island near the beach and village, offering a cosy and homely coastal retreat with a private garden, on-site parking, and Wi-Fi included.
Seascape is a three-storey terraced property near Clacton-on-Sea beach, suitable for families or couples seeking a seaside stay with coastal views and nearby local amenities.
Periwinkle is a first floor two-bedroom apartment in Althorne, Essex, set in a peaceful village with scenic countryside and river views, ideal for families or groups seeking a cosy and countryside retreat.
A stylish ground floor two-bedroom maisonette overlooking the peaceful River Stour, offering a tranquil coastal retreat with water views and a front garden seating area.
Landguard Fort is a historic artillery fort located at the mouth of the River Orwell in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Dating back to 1540 with major rebuilds in the 18th century, it played key roles in coastal defence including repelling a Dutch attack in 1667 and serving as a World War II military base. Now managed by English Heritage, it features preserved fortifications and offers both indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration.
Willow Tree Cottage is a ground-floor family cottage in a rural Essex park, surrounded by countryside and wildlife with privacy and wheelchair access.
A compact and comfortable barn conversion retreat for two guests located in the rural Suffolk village of Raydon, featuring countryside views and shared grounds with the owner.
Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.
Brightlingsea Holiday Park is a coastal holiday park located on the Essex Sunshine Coast, known for its seaside views and family-friendly environment near historic Brightlingsea town and local attractions.
Brightlingsea is a picturesque coastal town in Essex, England, known for its historic harbour, oyster fishery, and maritime heritage. Visitors can explore its historic church, Bateman's Tower, and enjoy the open-air swimming pool, all set along the scenic River Colne.
Mistletoe is a two-bedroom ground-floor apartment located in the peaceful village of Althorne, Essex, offering stunning views over the river and countryside, and a tranquil setting with nearby vineyard and café.
This holiday cottage is a semi-detached property set on the ground floor in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, offering peaceful and stylish accommodation with a large garden and private onsite parking.
A single ground-floor accommodation near the Essex/Suffolk border offering a private and rural retreat with a garden, orchard, and wildlife around, suitable for couples and pets with on-site parking and Wi-Fi.
A charming and spacious one-bedroom annexe in a rural location near Writtle with views of woods and countryside, offering a peaceful and romantic retreat with air conditioning and a private hot tub.
Hylands Estate is a large Grade II* public park featuring a Neo-Classical house, formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and an accessible children's playground. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities including house tours, art workshops, adventure courses, and seasonal events, with food and drink available on site.
This ground-floor cottage is set within 3 acres of grounds with wildlife and rolling countryside views, offering a tranquil rural retreat with easy wheelchair access and private parking for 2-3 cars.
A cozy two-bedroom holiday house in Ipswich with a private garden, located within walking distance to the historic town and waterfront, suitable for up to three guests and welcoming one small dog.
The Bungalow is a charming single-storey home in the village of Ardleigh, Essex, set within picturesque grounds near lakes and countryside, offering a peaceful rural retreat with natural surroundings.
Green Island Gardens is a wildlife-friendly garden featuring National Plant Collections, diverse themed gardens, and seasonal highlights. Visitors can enjoy autumn colours, rare plants, and an educational wildlife centre.
This caravan is a coastal accommodation located close to a Blue Flag beach and Dovercourt Holiday Park, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to various on-site leisure activities.
Harwich is a historic port town in Essex, England, known for its maritime heritage, historic architecture, and cultural festivals, including an annual sea shanty festival.
This offering is a beautiful timber frame barn conversion on one level suitable for couples and small families, located in a peaceful countryside setting near the coast and local towns with sandy beaches and a variety of nearby attractions.
Lavender Cottage is a cosy two-bedroom cottage in the village of Kirby le Soken, Essex, offering a peaceful and homely retreat with easy access to both the coast and countryside.