Glamping Holidays in Essex

Where to go glamping in Essex

• North Essex (Colchester & the Colne Valley) — a strong concentration of rural sites on farms and in woodland, with easy access to both the coast and the county’s historic attractions
• Blackwater Estuary (Maldon & Mersea Island) — popular for waterside and coastal glamping; Mersea Island is known across the region for its oysters and seafood
• Hadleigh (south Essex) — glamping within the country park that hosted the 2012 Olympics mountain biking events, combining outdoor activity with comfortable accommodation
• Southend-on-Sea — classic British seaside charm
• Colne & Crouch estuaries — quieter stretches of coast, strong for birdwatching and coastal walking

Lee Wick Farm in St Osyth sits on the estuary with views of tidal marshs and is just 5 minutes drive from the coast.

Types of glamping accommodation in Essex

• Glamping pods — en suite, proper beds and heating
• Shepherd’s huts — cosy, wood-burning stoves
• Safari tents & bell tents — spacious canvas-style accommodation
• Yurts — roomy, suited to families or groups
• Floating lakeside cabins — a distinctive option; Chigborough Farm near Maldon offers floating cabins accessed by chain bridge, complete with a private hot tub and rowboat
• Glamping with Hot Tubs, often wood fired

Many sites also include wood-burning stoves and fire pits.

Things to do near an Essex glamping site

• Colchester — Britain’s oldest recorded town, combining Roman and Norman history with Colchester Zoo and a strong independent shopping and food scene
• Audley End House and Gardens (near Saffron Walden) — a historic estate worth a full day
• RHS Garden Hyde Hall (near Chelmsford) and Beth Chatto Gardens (near Colchester) — strong choices for garden lovers
• Hadleigh Park — mountain biking trails and family activities in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• London — under an hour from much of the county, making a spontaneous city day trip an easy add-on

Is glamping in Essex good for families?

Yes. Colchester Zoo, Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, and the coastal resorts of Southend-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea are all popular family choices within easy reach of most sites. Many Essex glamping sites are on working farms with animals and outdoor space, and the county’s flat cycling and walking terrain makes it accessible for families with younger children.

Is glamping in Essex dog-friendly?

Yes, widely. Essex’s flat terrain, country parks, coastal paths and nature reserves suit visitors travelling with dogs well. Bell tents and tipis are especially popular for dog-friendly stays, with plenty of flat, unspoilt countryside walking nearby. Always check individual site listings for specific dog policies.

Is glamping in Essex close to London?

Yes — this is one of the county’s biggest practical advantages. Much of Essex is within 45 minutes to an hour of London by train, making it a strong choice for a quick escape that still feels properly rural once you arrive.

Why book Essex glamping through Love Glamping?

Love Glamping is a UK glamping directory offering a handpicked collection of quality-checked sites across Essex and the rest of the UK. Our Essex collection spans affordable pods and bell tents for families on a budget through to premium shepherd’s huts and lakeside cabins for a special occasion. Every site listed has been selected for the quality of its accommodation, its setting, and the experience it delivers.

Browse our full collection of Essex glamping sites and discover one of the South East’s most underrated glamping counties.

For more information on things to do in Essex see Visit Essex