HOLIDAYS IN Essex

Escape to Essex

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An ideal mix of heritage and natural beauty

Known as the 'Sunshine Coast', Essex offers a blend of historic charm and modern energy. It's scenic countryside contrasts beautifully with vibrant seaside destinations. Our 5 Essex holiday parks offer a great base for your next trip.

Top reasons to visit Essex

Coastal escapes

From Clacton-on-Sea to Frinton-on-Sea, enjoy sandy shores, beach huts, and plenty of space for a family day at the beach.

Countryside walks

Take a scenic hike in Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering peaceful walks and stunning views.

Upside down rollercoaster at Adventure Island

Fun for all the family

Go wild at Adventure Island or visit Colchester Zoo - plenty of fun for the kids and no shortage of smiles for the grown-ups!

Historic landmarks

Uncover Essex's past at Colchester Castle or wander the ancient ruins of Hedingham Castle. Step into history and enjoy their stunning views.

Map of Essex highlighting iconic landmarks in the area

Discover Essex with us

From historic landmarks to seaside escapes, use our handy map to help plan your adventure with ease.

For Chelmsford, Maldon, Southend-on-Sea and Mersea Island, stay at: Coopers Beach Holiday Park.
For Saffron Walden and Walton-on-the-Naze, stay at: Naze Marine Holiday Park.
For Frinton-on-Sea, stay at: Valley Farm Holiday Park.
For Clacton-on-Sea, stay at: Highfield Grange and Weeley Bridge Holiday Park.

Explore our Essex Parks

Visit Essex’s beaches

Explore the top beaches in Essex

Local attractions in Essex

Plenty to see and do in Essex

Things to do in Essex this Easter

Discover the top Easter attractions

Best UK weekend breaks for couples

The best spots to uncover with your partner

The Best 6 Gardens to Visit in the UK

Explore lovely scenery in Essex

4 Spectacular Seaside Piers

Quintessentially British attractions

The best dog friendly beaches in Britain

The top coastal spots to take your dog

Mersea Island (West Mersea) Mersea Island offers a charming escape with its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and sailing. Visit West Mersea for its vibrant village life and oyster farms.

More about Mersea Island (West Mersea)

Colchester Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town, blends rich Roman history with modern attractions. Explore the impressive Colchester Castle, parks and art scene.

More about Colchester

Clacton-on-Sea Clacton-on-Sea is a vibrant seaside resort with sandy beaches, a bustling pier, amusement parks, and great spots for fish and chips. Perfect for a classic British beach day.

More about Clacton-on-Sea

Walton-on-the-Naze Walton-on-the-Naze is a family-friendly seaside town with sandy beaches, a long pier, and the Naze Tower offering stunning coastal views.

More about Clacton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea Frinton-on-Sea is a serene coastal town with unspoiled sandy beaches, elegant Victorian architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Dedham Dedham is a quaint village in the heart of Constable Country, offering scenic river views, cozy tea rooms, and the beautiful Dedham Vale for leisurely strolls.

Maldon Maldon is famous for its historic waterfront, the picturesque Promenade Park, and traditional Thames sailing barges. Don’t miss the local export, Maldon sea salt.

Coggeshall This picturesque village is known for its medieval buildings, antique shops, and peaceful countryside walks. It’s a delightful spot for history lovers and tranquility seekers.

Harwich Harwich boasts a rich maritime past, with its historic harbor, fascinating museums, and quaint old town. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront and fresh seafood.

Explore Parks

Our holiday parks in Essex

Coopers Beach Holiday Park

Highlights: on the beach and hot tub lodges.

A peaceful coastal retreat offering sea views, direct access to the beach and a relaxed atmosphere.

Coopers Beach is perfect for: families with children, retired couples and local explorers.
Towns, landmarks and things to do nearby: Colchester, West Mersea, Layer Marney Tower and Mersea Museum.

Explore Coopers Beach Holiday Park

Highfield Grange Holiday Park

Highlights: short drive to the beach and touring pitches available!

A vibrant holiday park in Clacton-on-Sea, ideal for family fun and seaside adventures.

Highfield Grange is perfect for: beach lovers, tourers, families with children and coastal explorers.
Towns, landmarks and things to do nearby: Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, Colchester Zoo and Colne Point Nature Reserve.

Explore Highfield Grange Holiday Park

Naze Marine Holiday Park

Highlights: short walk to the beach and nature reserve to explore.

Surrounded by natural beauty, this park boasts breathtaking views of the North Sea and easy access to sandy beaches and coastal walks.

Naze Marine is perfect for: beach lovers, coastal explorers and families with children.
Towns, landmarks and things to do nearby: Walton-on-the-Naze, Naze Tower, Jaywick Martello Tower and Frinton Beach.

Explore Naze Marine Holiday Park

Valley Farm Holiday Park

Highlights: short drive to the beach, heart of the sunshine coast and nature reserves to explore.

A family-friendly holiday park in the heart of Clacton-on-Sea offering an ideal mix of relaxation and excitement.

Valley Farm is perfect for: families with children, beach lovers and nature lovers.
Towns, landmarks and things to do nearby: Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, Colchester Zoo, Clacton Pier and Colne Point Nature Reserve.

Explore Valley Farm Holiday Park

Weeley Bridge Holiday Park

Highlights: short drive to the beach and fishing lakes.

A peaceful holiday park offering a relaxing escape in the Essex countryside.

Weeley Bridge is perfect for: fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers and retired couples.
Towns, landmarks and things to do nearby: Frinton-on-Sea, St Osyth Priory, Lodge Farm Fishing Lake and Curve Wake Park.

Explore Weeley Bridge Holiday Park

Traditional seaside arcades & rides Rollercoasters, arcades, and ice cream - Adventure Island is the perfect spot to keep teens entertained for hours!

Wildlife adventure Head to Colchester Zoo for a day of animal fun and interactive exhibits.

Enjoy thrilling watersports Try jet skiing or paddleboarding at Mersea Island – perfect for families seeking some action.

Explore piers & beachside trails Take a walk along Southend Pier, the longest in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea.

Discover beautiful woodlands Wander the scenic trails of Dedham Vale, a great spot for hiking or biking with older kids.

Explore coastal retreats Take a romantic stroll along Walton-on-the-Naze beach or visit Frinton-on-Sea for quiet seaside vibes.

Visit historic castles Wander through the ancient ruins of Hedingham Castle or step inside Colchester Castle, a historic gem.

Relax & unwind Enjoy a day of pure relaxation and rejuvenation at one of the many spas in the area.

Enjoy local cuisine From fresh oysters at Mersea Island to gourmet dining in Colchester, foodies and seafood lovers are well catered-for.

Peaceful strolls Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Hylands House, with stunning gardens perfect for a relaxing picnic.

Seaside amusements & attractions Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions at Adventure Island in Southend, ideal for little adventurers.

Colchester Castle park Let the kids run wild in Colchester Castle Park, with play zones, wide-open spaces, and pretty surroundings.

Discover marine life at local aquariums Come rain or shine, younger kids can explore fascintating underwater worlds at Southend's Sealife Adventure.

Take a journey on a heritage railway Climb aboard the Colne Valley Railway for a charming ride through the scenic Essex countryside.

Perfect for little explorers Escape the screens and enjoy the great outdoors connecting with nature.

Dog-friendly beaches Let your dog roam free on the many dog-friendly beaches in Essex, like Frinton-on-Sea and Mersea Island.

Explore beautiful natural landscapes Enjoy a peaceful walk in Dedham Vale, where your dog can enjoy the open fields and fresh air.

Visit Essex's Wildlife Trust reserves Visit the Essex Wildlife Trust's many nature reserves, where dogs on leads are welcome to explore.

Refuel at dog-friendly pubs Relax with your furry friend at dog-friendly pubs like The White Hart in Colchester or the Bell Inn at Tiptree.

Wander through woodlands Discover dog-friendly trails like Epping Forest, where you and your pup can explore the wild!

FAQs about holidays in Essex

Essex FAQs

General FAQs

Why choose Parkdean Resorts?

Our comfortable accommodation caters to all groups and budgets, from modern caravans to spacious, homely lodges - complete with hot tubs! From the moment you arrive, you can relax at ease knowing a friendly face, on-site amenities and family-friendly activities and entertainment are on your doorstep.