Kid-friendly vacation rentals in Essex

What a beautiful place to stay - right next to a nature reserve, with the oyster catchers and curlews calling at night and wildlife wandering into the garden. But also very close to pubs, coffee shop and the sea. Great if you like birds, wildlife and peace and quiet.

Ryan was the perfect host. We enjoyed our 2 night stay and was exactly what we needed. Would stay again if in the area. Thank you Ryan!

Laura’s house is beautiful, it’s very private and the pool is fantastic. The house is cosy and spotless clean. The area is also quite nice, and there’s also a pub walking distance.

Lovely stay! The place was exactly as described, spotless, comfortable, and perfectly located. Check-in was super easy and communication was quick. James went above and beyond to accommodate a late request. Would definitely recommend and will hopefully be staying there again soon!

To be honest I don't like leaving the type of review that I'm about to. The reason being that the Roundhouse was so wonderful that what I am about to write may make it harder to book again, as everyone should stay there at least once! The property is even more unique, and beautiful, than it looks in the photos. It may be hundreds of years old but it felt like home the second we walked in through the great, big, front door. All the creature comforts that a couple could need for a short break were there, and the welcome pack was a lovely touch. It has to be said that I think the shower alone was worth the price we paid for the weekend as it was the perfect strength and temperature in a lovely large enclosure. If you ever want to actually leave the property there is a short stroll back along the road to Finchingfield. The village is the definition of picture postcard. There are numerous places to eat but I highly recommend the homemade pizzas at the Finchingfield Lion!!

We had a fantastic stay at this beautiful farmhouse! The property is spacious, well-equipped, and has a stunning garden which the dogs loved. The quirky games room was a highlight, featuring a stripper pole, darts, football table, and pool table — lots of fun! The hot tub and gym were also great additions and made the experience feel extra special. The property was clean and tidy and well maintained. There were a couple of downsides worth mentioning: two bedrooms were very basic, with just mattresses on the floor, which wasn’t ideal and could be easily improved. Also, while we were fortunate that the second property on-site wasn’t occupied during our stay, it may not have felt so private if it were. Also completely out of the hosts control was the noise from building works on a new development being built but it was only during working hours and not a major inconvenience to us. Overall, a lovely, getaway with loads of character at a great price for what was included, we would return

Another wonderful stay at John’s place. His thoughtful treats. Milk, cookies juice and basic cooking items was very welcome. Thank you also for changing the shower head and the clean garden area was a welcome space in the summer sun.

A very comfortable stay in a more civilised part of town,very quiet. Very comfortable bed and large air fryer are a bonus. As previous occupants have stated that you will not find a better deal in Colchester for the solo traveller or couple - I will agree on that, would definitely stay again.

Fantastic stay in a very homely flat. Would certainly return. Great location. Parking on site makes travelling too and from very easy. Really well equipped flat also. Thanks Peter and Zonja

Our stay at Layer Marney Tower was way above what we had hoped for. Nicholas and his wife were most welcoming and had reserved our parking place outside our apartment. The apartment was beautiful and well set up. Fresh produce was provided as listed, and complete sets of towels and flannels and bath toiletries. My partner was invited to play the organ in the church twice, once when no public were around, and again after the church service this morning. I would thoroughly recommend staying. The peace and calm and beautiful gardens are balm to the soul and the four poster bed was great fun. We went to see an opera, but we will be going again. Thank you Nicholas for such a magical stay.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, met with friends, easy for taxi drivers to find their way. Enjoyed the walks around the area, Newhall feels you are living in the countryside with all the greenery surrounding the area. Very pleasant area.

The apartment is lovely - the beds are comfortable, it feels spacious and the kitchen is well equipped. It’s in a great location and has a beautiful view of the Estuary which really made the stay special. Trevor was very helpful, the welcome information gave us everything we needed to know and there was a kind touch of leaving biscuits and milk for us when we arrived, along with there being coffee and tea, etc available. A super Airbnb, would highly recommend and I’m sure we’ll be back. Many thanks Trevor!

Lovely and beautiful accommodation. All clean and has everything you need, including tea and milk! Much appreciated an arranged earlier check in, which was important to us. Overall a great stay!

Lovely flat. Spotlessly clean, walking distance to the town centre and has parking! Cindy left clear instructions for everything and even had folders of local things to do and takeaway menus. Would highly recommend.

Stayed at Janine's studio for 5 nights. Loved our stay, location was peaceful with easy access to local pubs and shops. Walkable distance to main road with two local pubs and Indian restaurant (which we didn't try) and chip shop(which we did..very nice). Also easy access to local buses into Brentwood high street, from there can travel to Romford, Chelmsford etc which for us was easier then taking the car. Studio was well set up, lovely and clean, with instructions on how to use heating etc. Janine did check in with me to make sure everything was ok which was nice. Studio exactly as described. As someone else suggested probably best to reverse onto parking spot as on a narrow lane. So couldn't fault our stay at all and would be happy to stay again next time we are in the area xx

This was our third time staying at Heidi's place - we love it! And the little touches that Heidi leaves make it even more special - after a long drive, getting in with our dog, to find a bowl of water already out waiting for him makes a huge difference! Highly recommend, and we will definitely be back!

We had a fab few days . The flat is lovely...has everything you need, lovely decor, very comfy sofa and bed. Good places to eat within a few steps and easy to get to the pier and other spots. Bifold doors open onto the balcony which is a great place to sit and watch the world go by. Road is busy but once doors shut the flat is quiet...especially the bedroom. Slept very well on the comfy bed. Would recommend highly.

Amazing find within 10 mins of the airport. Rachel was super lovely and communication was excellent. The accommodation was pristine and every possible need was met. Loved the stocked fridge and snacks available. Couldn’t have asked for more.

Lovely place, everything you need is there. Hot tub was amazing, house was clean. Highly recommend A*****

We stayed here for a couple of days whilst visiting family in Frinton. It was peaceful, extremely comfortable, spotlessly clean, well equipped. The bed was very comfortable and we had a good night's sleep. Carole's garden was very lovely with a friendly dog running around. Carole herself was friendly, relaxed and helpful. Well situated for Frinton and surrounding area. Definitely recommended.

This was short but sweet stay, as we were heading to a wedding the day of check out. Everything was comfortably presented. Host included fruits and some snacks. Easy and good location. Great communication from host and quick response. Would definitely return if we are up this way again.

Beautiful place to stay and the pub in walking distance is an absolute bonus

A great weekend away. The flat was exactly as described and had everything we could possibly need - including lots of little extras. Having air-con in both the living area and bedroom was perfect. Communication was excellent.

Just about perfect for what we wanted - a night stay in the Wivenhoe area. The studio has everything you might need and the thoughtful supply of a breakfast cereal and milk was so helpful. Only saw Siri briefly, but enough to see she was friendly and would be there if we needed anything. The immediate area is nothing special, but it is quiet, the town is lovely and local attractions (we went to Beth Chatto's Garden and to Brightlngsea) are very accessible. The studio is easy to find with Siri's clear directions. Excellent all-round and I have no hesitation in recommending it.