Looking to book a glamping holiday in Essex?
Well, you’re in luck because Essex is home to some of the UK’s best glamping accommodation.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for you and your partner or a holiday for all the family to enjoy, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
So from treehouses and yurts to shepherds huts and safari tents, here are 15 amazing glamping holidays in Essex.
1. Woodchests Safari Tents
Price per night: From £142 for 6 people
Location: Pebmarsh, nr Sudbury
If you want to feel like you’ve travelled abroad when really you’re just in little ol’ England, I couldn’t think of a better place to go glamping in Essex than Woodchests Safari Tents.
Situated next to a mature woodland between their family-run farm and a nineteen-acre fishing lake, the scenery around the safari tents is second-to-none.
However, even if the weather’s not on your side and you can’t explore the site, there will be no complaints when the tents are this beautiful.
The wonderfully furnished wooden framed safari tents comprise a kingsize bedroom, bunk bedroom, a snug raised double cabin bed, a spacious living and kitchen area, and a private ensuite.
What guests say: “We had an amazing time at Woodchests. It was so good for us and the children to be surrounded by nature and fresh air. It was definitely a luxury camping experience with the comfiest beds, crisp bed linen and a super hot powerful shower. We made full use of all the outdoor games and loved the pizza oven. Thank you so much to Clare and Hugh for looking after us and providing a lovely cake too!”
2. Coleman’s Farm Treehouse
Price per night: From £250 for 2 people
Location: Clatterford End, nr Chipping Ongar
Coleman’s Farm Treehouse really is something straight out of childhood fantasy.
This treehouse may be the most expensive place to go glamping in Essex but boy, is it worth every penny!
So much so that it’s my #1 favourite glamping accommodation in Essex.
Nestled in the boughs of an ancient oak, with stunning views across farmland, you’ll find this magical treehouse.
The treehouse benefits from all kinds of luxuries, from the huge double bathtub to the two hammocks on the spacious veranda.
The inside really is something special so I urge you to click through to their website and marvel at all the photos!
I think I might be in love…
What guests say: “My partner and I stayed in the treehouse on New Year’s Eve and it was the best end to the year possible. The staff and owners are unbelievably helpful, kind and welcoming (even helped us got our car unstuck). The treehouse itself is warm, comfortable and totally charming, has so much character. We will definitely be coming again soon!”
3. Coleman’s Farm Cabins
Price per night: From £155 for 2 people
Location: Clatterford End, nr Chipping Ongar
Coleman’s Farm Cabins look like something straight off a Pinterest board or an Instagram photo.
And if that isn’t reason enough to book a stay here then I don’t know what is.
Stargazing from the comfort of your own bed while cuddled up with your partner?
Is that one of the most romantic things ever? Yep, I think it is.
However, not all of the farm’s cabins look like the one above.
There are two other beautifully decorated cabins to choose from so there’s something to suit every taste!
Whether you enjoy a sunken bath or a wood-fired hot tub, any stay here will have you returning to normal life feeling completely rejuvenated.
What guests say: “I took my partner here as part of his 30th birthday celebrations. The secluded nature of the Nook gives it a truly magical feel, the fire pit and wood-fired hot tub added to the ‘back to nature’ element of our short break… my only regret is not being able to stay longer. Massive thank you to our hosts Serena and Peter for being so very welcoming.”
4. Unplugged Digital Detox Cabin
Price per night: From £130 for 2 people
Location: Duddenhoe End, nr Saffron Walden
Ever tried going on a digital detox but ended up grabbing your phone after a few hours?
Well, the aptly named Unplugged Cabin forces you to properly disconnect from modern life (your phone included!).
As you arrive, you’re asked to lock your devices away (after taking those all-important photos, of course), so that you spend your holiday away from technology.
A unique idea that feels very apt for this modern age, it’s a great challenge for you and your loved one.
However, this isn’t the only reason to book a stay here.
The cabin is beautiful in its own right, with its simple set-up of a double bed, ensuite bathroom with a big drench shower, a couple of gas hobs, and a bench outside.
But don’t worry, the cabin is lovingly stocked with books, cassettes, and games to keep you entertained.
What guests say: “I must admit, the idea of being in the middle of nowhere on my own without technology terrified me. But this was without a doubt one of the most wonderful experiences. I walked, ate good food, read books, listened to music on their very cute cassette player, napped… and repeated this. It was so amazing to strip everything back and live without a moments’ thought for schedules and plans and without the interruption of social media or emails. I left feeling like my battery had been charged to full.”
5. Swallows Field Glamping Pods
Price per night: From £90 for 2 people
Location: Fordham Heath, nr Colchester
You’ve probably seen your average glamping pods before, but Swallows Field Glamping Pods are more than just average.
In fact, they are one of my favourite types of glamping pods I’ve ever seen anywhere!
The adult-only pods are situated on a landscaped paddock overlooking the Colne Valley with far-reaching views of the Essex countryside and ancient woodland.
Inside, the pods are just as special, with a double bed, full kitchen, living area with a sofa, and an ensuite.
And who can say no to an evening relaxing in your hot tub or on the sun loungers by the firepit as you watch the sun go down?
Idyllic? I think so.
What guests say: “I surprised my partner for her birthday for a weekend getaway and it was brilliant! Liz and John were very helpful and very welcoming. The pods are well equipped and they have thought about everything that you would need. We hired the hot tub which was amazing! The views are amazing – I could get used to seeing them every morning.”
6. Chigborough Farm Pod
Price per night: From £100 for 2 people
Location: Heybridge, Maldon
Speaking of glamping pods that are a little different, Chigborough Farm Pod is set in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever seen.
Some glamping pods are tightly packed in together in a field.
But that’s not what you’ll find at Chigborough Farm.
In fact, you’ll feel like you’ve got the whole world to yourselves here!
How you wish to enjoy the lake is up to you.
You can admire the lake views from the decking or from your double bed, you can go fishing, or you can go rowing on the lake.
Or if you just fancy relaxing, you can even pay a little bit extra for the on-site massage and yoga specialist to visit. How dreamy!
What guests say: “My boyfriend and I had a lovely weekend at Grebe’s Nest. This cute little cabin has everything you could need for a few nights away. It is in a unique picturesque spot on the lake and getting the tow raft across is very fun! Despite the cold blustery winds and storm during our stay, it was lovely and warm inside the cabin, with a comfortable bed. We had a fabulous time and look forward to returning!”
7. Chigborough Farm Raft Cabin
Price per night: From £235 for 2 people
Location: Heybridge, Maldon
If you love the idea of sleeping on a lake but want something a little more spacious than a pod, why not book a stay at Chigborough Farm Raft Cabin?
Imagine this: long evenings spent relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub or on a hammock overlooking the lake with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other.
I mean, if that alone doesn’t persuade you to book a stay here, then I don’t know what will.
However, luckily for you, the interior is amazing too, with touches of the simple life throughout, such as an old telescope, plenty of books, and a camping-style gas shower.
I also absolutely can’t get enough of the mezzanine bed with its own private balcony.
What guests say: “A wonderful and unique experience in a peaceful setting with only the wildlife making noises. Using the rope-pulled landing raft, we got our kit onto the main raft and soon made friends with a swan and his cob, with cygnets in tow. The hot tub was a short row away in the dinghy provided (you can walk there but what’s the fun in that?). The welcome pack contained wine (essential), cheese and various chutneys, biscuits etc.”
8. Chigborough Farm Safari Tents
Price per night: From £110 for 2 people
Location: Heybridge, Maldon
If water isn’t so much your thing but you still love the sound of a holiday at Chigborough Farm, the farm is also home to a safari tent.
The secluded fairy-lit safari tent is set in its own private clearing surrounded by thriving forests and fishing lakes.
However, while your surroundings are magical, the interior is just as lovely.
From the fire for you to cosy up around to the big table to gather around, there’s so much to love about this place.
So get ready to play board games under candlelight and tuck into your welcome hamper of Chigborough smoked cheese and good wine.
(Just make sure to take what’s left of your wine to your private hot tub!).
What guests say: “From the moment we walked through the gate to Birdsong it was like our own little trip to Narnia (minus the snow!). We felt so secluded and automatically felt our bodies, and brains, relax. It was peaceful, full of greenery and the bubbles of the hot tub were just perfect. We cooked all our food as it was a new experience to cook on a log stove rather than a BBQ. The tent was warm and such a cosy place to sleep.”
9. Lakeland Yurts
Price per night: From £150 for 2 people
Location: Hatfield Peverel, nr Witham
Overlooking a lake with their own private hot tubs, you’ll find the two Lakeland Yurts: Bluebell and Lily Lake.
Both yurts benefit from large luxurious beds, colourful furnishings, and toasty log burners to keep you warm on colder nights.
Step outside and you can access your hammock, fire pit and hot tub.
And as if that wasn’t enough, this is also one of the best places to go glamping in Essex for fishing lovers as the price includes fishing on all three lakes!
However, don’t worry if these yurts don’t take your fancy as these fifteen acres of breathtaking countryside are home to other accommodation.
There’s The Hideaway Pod set right by Swan Lake and Lakeland Lodge, which also has a private hot tub.
What guests say: “We had a glorious break, with three teenagers, my husband and myself staying in the yurt altogether. We adore the yurt with all Sue’s wonderful touches – it is incredibly cosy and welcoming, and the bathroom and kitchen area next door give you plenty of room. The hot tub was the star attraction and my husband was in love with the woodburning stove and the cosiness of the yurt itself!”
10. Lee Wick Farm Lushna Suites
Price per night: From £75 for 2 people
Location: St. Osyth, nr Clacton-on-Sea
Sometimes simplicity and minimalism are best, and that’s why Lee Wick Farm Lushna Suites is one of my favourite places to go glamping in Essex.
Where to start with this place?
Well, my favourite thing about these Lushnas is the panoramic coastal views that you can enjoy from both the decking and through the floor to ceiling glass windows.
I also love just how spacious they are inside. Each suite comprises a mezzanine double mattress, a kitchenette, a living area, and an ensuite!
Outside you’ll also find a BBQ, seating, a fire pit, and a private log fired hot tub.
But don’t worry if the Lushnas somehow don’t take your fancy.
While they are my favourite option, you’ll also find CargoPods, MegaPods, and Armadillas on-site, meaning there’s something for everyone!
What guests say: “Can’t begin to explain how amazing Lee Wick farm really is… As soon as we walked in we knew we wanted to come here again! The room was spotless, thank you so much to the cleaner! We had everything we needed and more. The outside area was lovely and the view was beautiful. It was extremely quiet where we stayed, so it was perfect for couples.”
11. Samphire Cabin
Price per night: From £100 for 2 people
Location: Peldon, nr Colchester
It’s safe to say that if you’re a water baby, you’ll love a glamping holiday in Essex.
Because once again, Samphire Cabin benefits from incredible lake views, and the opportunity to see the lake up close and personal too!
Situated just a few steps from the watery estuary facing Mersea Island, your only neighbours in this isolated cabin are the oystercatchers and plovers.
It’s safe to say that the views here are something special.
(And they are best appreciated in a kayak exploring the wetlands!)
But if the weather’s not on your side, don’t worry, because this cabin is perhaps the most luxurious of any on this list.
More of a modern holiday home, it has absolutely everything you could need for a more-than-comfortable stay.
What guests say: “Our stay at Samphire could not have been better. The location is great; big skies, open land, next to the water, birdsong, no near neighbours. The interior is beautiful and much better than we had expected. The decor is contemporary, the space is serene. Immaculately clean and had everything we would want.”
12. The Shepherds Hide Huts
Price per night: From £100 for 2 people
Location: Thorrington, nr Clacton-on-Sea
The Shepherds Hide Huts is one of my favourite places to go glamping in Essex, purely for how luxurious it is.
These sumptuous adult-only shepherds huts are not only well-equipped but also beautifully decorated!
Inside you’ll find a king-sized bed, fully fitted kitchen and en-suite shower room, all of which are kitted out to the highest of standards.
(Also look out for the local goods welcome hamper awaiting your arrival!)
However, while the huts are impressive, you won’t want to spend all your time inside.
Why? Because they are nestled in a breathtaking sixty-acre farm, beside the Colne Estuary.
With beautiful, watery surroundings and a vineyard to explore, you’d be silly to not get out in nature!
What guests say: “The accommodation was spacious, clean and very well thought out. We received a lovely hamper upon our arrival, which includes local apple juice (delicious!), hot chocolate and a big bag of crisps (handy for our movie time). The Teal has a lovely terrace, where we sat for dinner and took on the beautiful sunset. When it got a little chilly, we were able to go inside, light the log fire and open the patio doors wide to continue gazing.”
13. Browning Bros Bell Tents
Price per night: From £63 for 5 people
Location: Great Tey, nr Colchester
If you’re looking to get a little closer to nature (and also save money while you’re at it!), book a stay at Browning Bros Bell Tents.
At just £63 for five people, this place is not only cheap as chips but it’s absolutely beautiful too.
It looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale!
There are four different tents to choose from, each of which sleeps up to five people and comprises a double bedstead with up to three mattresses on either side.
There’s also two bedside tables, lighting, furnishings, a mirror, and a table inside too.
And that’s not to forget all the carpets, rugs, pillows and extra blankets that create a snug and cosy atmosphere!
What guests say: “We had a lovely weekend away staying in one of the bell tents. The campsite is very well presented, we also booked the wood-fired hot tub which was hidden away among the trees and great for the evenings. The area has lots of walks and it is close to several little towns.”
14. Browning Bros Yurts
Price per night: From £82 for 6 people
Location: Great Tey, nr Colchester
If Browning Bros takes your fancy but you fancy some slightly more spacious accommodation, why not book a stay in one of their yurts?
These beautifully handcrafted Mongolian yurts enjoy a little more privacy, but benefit from all the same amenities as the bell tents!
However, on top of that, you also get a little log burner that warms the space on colder evenings, and a skylight so that you can stargaze right from the comfort of your own bed.
And if the bell tents and yurts don’t take your fancy, there’s also a shepherds hut, a grain silo and two cabins on-site for you to stay in.
What guests say: “Me and my girlfriend stayed in one of the yurts, it was cold weather and Archie, one of the bros, put a heater in it and it was all snug. He also lit the hot tub for us so it was all warm when we got in, the moon was amazing and the lights put up in the trees looked so beautiful. All in all, it was a perfect time away from the city, and we had a lovely stay.”
15. Layer Marney Tower Safari Tents
Price per night: From £132 for 6 people
Location: Layer Marney, nr Colchester
It’s safe to say that Essex is home to an impressive selection of safari tents, and Layer Marney Tower is no exception.
Tucked into the woods, you’ll discover these six luxurious safari tents (some even with private wood-fired hot tubs!).
Each tent comprises a double bed, bunk bed and cupboard bed, a spacious kitchen and living area with a wood stove, and a private loo and outdoor shower.
Outside you’ll also find a roofed verandah, a picnic table, two deck chairs, and a BBQ.
Dining alfresco? Yes, please!
What guests say: “Fab tents with flushing loo and a hot tub. Stargazing and marshmallow roasting were the highlights of each evening. The tents are really well stocked with everything you could possibly need, from a coffee grinder to a really comfy double bed. We pre-ordered our breakfast and also a cowboy supper which we cooked ourselves over an open fire pit.”
So there you have it: 15 amazing glamping holidays in Essex!
Which of these glamping sites in Essex are you now going to book a stay at?
Please let me know in the comments below!
It’s safe to say that I’ve got Coleman’s Farm Treehouse and Chigborough Farm at the top of my bucket list.
