Charming natural landscape, wonderful bio-diversity and its proximity to London has made Essex a really popular choice for glamping.
I like that the options available for glamping in Essex is so diverse.
Firstly, you have glamping sites deep in the woodland, on the waterfront, rural locations, farms, hilly areas etc.
Second, each glamping site provides a number of different stay selections for all types of glampers.
This includes bell tents, safari tents, shepherd’s huts, Mongolian yurts, lakeside cabins and so much more.
Therefore, you can pick and choose the perfect blend of glamping options based on what appeals to you the most.
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Best Places and Sites for Glamping Near Essex
I am giving below the top 8 sites that are extremely popular with glampers. These are the best places in Essex for glamping.
Each glamping site provides a unique experience.
For the best experience, I suggest to pick a site based on the following factors:
- Location of glamping site such as waterfront, on a farm, countryside, deep woodlands etc.
- Type of glamping tents or other stay selections available.
- Based on if you are solo, a couple or on a family holiday.
- The amenities and luxuries on offer at the site. Think of the minimum facilities that you need such as the kitchen area, toilet facilities, hot showers etc.
Remember, glamping is at the end of the day luxury camping. Hence, you do need a great glamping experience that is memorable and comfortable.
Now, without further ado, here are my favourites sites for glamping near Essex.
Lee Wick Farm Cottages & Glamping – St Osyth
St Osyth is a delightful little village located in North-East Essex.
It is only 5 miles from the coastal town of Clacton-on-Sea.
Lee Wick Farm near Osyth village is one of the most well-rated glamping sites in the region.
The popularity of Lee Wick Farm is thanks to several reasons.
Firstly, you have wonderful glamping pods that open up to vast open fields.
Second, you don’t just get a farm glamping holiday, you have easy access to several beaches of the North Sea.
There are many nice walking trails around the farm. One of them, leads you to a lovely estuary.
While you stay in a farm, just a short drive away you have beaches, islands, water-sports and so much more.
The drive around the farm and village of St Osyth is quite scenic with outstanding views of the Essex countryside.
Coming to stay options, you can select between two thoughtfully done cottages and 20 glamping pods. They also have a tent camping site in a ‘secret garden’ plus an interesting motorhome.
The cottages are the most luxurious. They have been converted from old stables in the farm and provide a number of amenities. You get a nice kitchen area, dining area and private ensuite bathrooms with hot showers.
The living area comes with a log burner while your own patio deck is equipped with a fire pit.
The glamping pods at Lee Wick Farm has their own charm. They open up to the open field with gorgeous views.
There are so many options to choose from and is best suited for couples or small families.
You get the usual double bed pods plus larger pods with many more amenities.
Depending upon the option you choose, you can get a private hot tub, kitchenette, underfloor heating and lots more.
Lee Wick Farm is a great place to experience glamping in Essex. You have so much to do at a short distance or you can simply relax within the farm itself.
It is about a two and half hour drive to Lee Wick Farm from Central London.
Lee Wick Farm Address: Lee Wick Farm, Lee Wick Lane, St. Osyth, Essex CO16 8ES
Essex Glamping – Hadleigh Park
Essex Glamping is one of the more well-known names for glamping in the county.
A bit about the location, Hadleigh Park, first.
Hadleigh Country Park is located in the south of Essex near a town called Benfleet.
It is incredibly rich in bio-diversity and beautiful wildlife.
Now close your eyes and picture the quintessential English countryside. The image that you get, is pretty much Hadleigh Park.
The entire area as far as I am concerned is simply breath-taking.
You have acres and acres of brilliant meadows, pastures, woodland and hills with lush greenery.
This is a place where you can connect with nature and the true Essex countryside.
Essex Glamping is the top glamping site at Hadleigh Park with direct views of the Thames Estuary.
They offer brilliant off the grid safari tents that are big enough for a group or family of six.
Each spacious safari tent comes with a double bed and two bunk beds. The toilet block is a short walk from the safari tents and very well maintained.
Now considering the accommodation is off the grid, you do not get electricity. Instead, there are solar powered lights which are adequate for your daily needs.
Apart from safari tents at Hadleigh Park, Essex Glamping also offers 5 bell tents at Rare Breeds site.
However, the bell tents are quite primitive and are meant for adults only.
Essex Glamping is the perfect place to stay if you want a rural woodland setting. You have spectacular greenery all around, hill or mountain views, the Thames Estuary and the best countryside views in Essex.
It may not have the same luxuries as some other glamping locations, but is way more connected to nature.
There is emphasis on eco-friendly glamping, respecting bio-diversity and enjoying the wildlife.
There are a number of activities as well that you can indulge in at Essex Glamping.
At a short distance from the camp, you have kayaking at the reservoir, the Hadleigh Farm Estate and Hadleigh Castle.
There are also a number of brilliant beaches in close proximity as well as the Adventure Island amusement park.
It is about a one and half hour drive to Essex Glamping from Central London.
Essex Glamping Address: Hadleigh Farm, Castle Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2AP
Swallows Field Glamping Pods – Colchester
Colchester is a historic town with strong cultural roots located in Northeast Essex.
On the west of Colchester, on the gorgeous Essex countryside is the Swallows Field Glamping Pods.
This is a delightful glamping location due to various factors.
To begin with, the glamping pods that were designed and handmade by the owner of the property are simply fantastic.
They are large measuring 7m x 4.5m and can easily fit a group of 4. You get private shower facilities with your ensuite bathroom and a beautiful patio or garden area.
Your private patio is equipped with a picnic table, fire pit, BBQ area, privacy fencing etc.
You have lush greenery right in front of you with views of Colne Valley and ancient woodland of Essex countryside.
Swallows Field Glamping Pods are dog friendly and adult only.
There are organic vegetables being grown in the farm that guests can enjoy.
You can easily explore the historic town of Colchester or East Anglia while staying at Swallows Field Glamping Pods.
There are numerous walking or hiking trails, pubs, restaurants, fishing facilities and so much more near the property.
If you desire, you can even opt for a relaxing spa treatment in your pod itself.
Swallows Field Glamping Pods offers guests with a perfect glamping experience. You can relax, rejuvenate or explore historic towns, experience farming and life on the countryside.
It is about a couple of hours drive to Swallows Field Glamping Pods from Central London.
Swallows Field Glamping Pods Address: 6 Heath Cottages, Heath Road, Fordham Heath, Colchester, Essex, CO3 9TN
Browning Bros – Tey Brook Farm – Colchester
Browning Bros and the Tey Brook Farm is the epitome of glamping in Essex.
Let’s talk about the property first.
You have incredible greenery, 20 acres of woodland, an apple orchard, lakes, farms, fields plus more.
The entire place is so romantic that many weddings are organized regularly at the Tey Brook Orchard.
Next, let’s talk about the glamping stay options. Think of what you want, and you have it.
There are Traditional Yurts, Mongolian Yurts, Shepherds Hut, the Grain Silo and luxury Bell Tents.
On top of that, if you want to up your glamping quotient, you get superbly crafted lakeside cabins.
There is an option for every type of glamper. For couples looking for a romantic time to families with kids of various ages. From those seeking luxury to others looking for a unique glamping experience.
Tey Brook Farm is also a great place to go glamping with kids. You can truly connect with nature and your family while exploring the wonderful property.
It is about a two hour ten minutes drive to Browning Bros, Tey Brook Farm from Central London.
Browning Bros Address: Tey Brook Farm, Great Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO61JE
Woodchests Glamping – Pebmarsh
Pebmarsh is a nice little village located in North Essex.
The surrounding areas of the village are rich in beautiful natural landscape and make a great spot for glamping.
Woodchests Glamping at Hunts Hall, just outside of Pebmarsh is the best glamping site in the area.
Stay options include well-equipped wooden frame Safari tents that come with a bedroom, bunk bedroom and raised double bed.
There are private shower areas with hot showers behind each safari tent.
The main highlight of Woodchests Glamping though is the 19 acre fishing lake.
If you love fishing and glamping, then this is the ideal place for you.
Fishes in the lake include Carp, Pike, Tench etc. Your stay includes one rod license per tent although you do need to get your own fishing equipment.
All catch must be returned to the lake water and cannot be taken with you.
Woodchests Glamping is also popular as it’s a family operated working farm with lots of greenery all around.
If you are glamping with your children, there are board games, cycling, nature trails and a fairy trail activity.
The famous Colchester Zoo is about 30-minute drive from the property. There are several historic sites, villages, castles and other places nearby for you to explore.
Woodchests Glamping is a nice place for a short break set amidst the wonderful Essex countryside.
It is about a couple of hours drive to Woodchests Glamping from Central London.
Woodchests Glamping Address: Woodchests Glamping, Hunts Hall, Pebmarsh Rd, Pebmarsh, CO9 2QE
The Pretty Thing – St Osyth
The Pretty Thing is a campground park near St Osyth that is perfect for a short break.
It is also a popular place to set up base to explore the various attractions near St Osyth and Clacton.
The park has facilities for camping, glamping as well as touring with caravans or motorhomes.
Animal lovers, stargazers, and camping enthusiasts will especially love this place.
As mentioned already, many use The Pretty Thing campground as a base for their holiday.
There are several excellent beaches within 5 miles that are fun for the entire family.
You can also easily explore St Osyth, Clacton, Colchester and other locations from The Pretty Thing Park.
As far as glamping stay options are concerned, you get glamping lodges and glamping tents. Both come in various sizes, so you can choose depending upon the size of your group or family.
Glamping lodges and tents have nice comfortable beds, seating area, picnic bench, tea or coffee making facilities, electric heaters and plug sockets.
The shower area and toilet block are well maintained and a short walk from the lodge or tent.
It is just over a couple of hours drive to The Pretty Thing from Central London.
The Pretty Thing Address: The Pretty Thing, Heath Road, St Osyth, Essex, CO16 9BP
Chigborough Farm and Fisheries – Heybridge
Heybridge is a village located in Maldon district near the River Blackwater at East-central Essex.
Chigborough Farm is the best place for glamping in the area, just metres away from the famous River Blackwater Estuary.
It is both a nature lover and fishing enthusiast’s paradise.
The 130-acre rural woodland setting is just perfect for glamping and various nature-based activities.
The Chigborough Farm offers plenty of accommodation options that provide a truly unique glamping experience.
You have floating luxury log cabins, birdsong camp safari tent, Hobbit cottages, Woodpecker pods, Grebes nest, bell tents, lodges etc.
Each stay option is thoughtfully crafted with a number of amenities. There are accommodations perfect for Couples, families and solo-glampers.
The property is huge with diverse natural landscapes to keep nature enthusiasts busy throughout their stay.
The lakefront at Chigborough Farm is so beautiful, you might end up spending a lot of your time there.
As far as activities are concerned, fishing has got to be the main attraction. Whether you are an amateur or professional, all types of anglers will enjoy their time fishing at Chigborough Farm.
You can also indulge in outdoor games, water-sports, cycling, walking trails or try your hand at the outstanding pottery studio.
If you wish, you can also explore the Heybridge Village and town of Maldon.
Chigborough Farm is highly recommended for nature lovers wanting peace and tranquillity with a number of things to do. It is luxury camping at its best.
It is about a couple of hours drive to Chigborough Farm from Central London.
Chigborough Farm Address: Chigborough Farm, Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Maldon, CM9 4RE
Layer Marney Tower – Layer Marney
Layer Marney Tower has the distinction of being the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the country.
It is located near the towns of Colchester and Maldon.
You will often find the mention of Layer Marney Tower in lists of unusual places to stay in Essex.
While there is an option to stay at the tower itself, the glamping tents are located just outside.
You will find luxurious glamping tents set up in lush greenery on the Essex countryside. There are six tents for you to choose from.
Each tent comes fully furnished and have their own private shower. There are hot tubs plus you can take a farm tour. Best of all, you get complete access to the Layer Marney Tower when it is open to the public.
The Tudor Palace has a 500 plus year rich history that must be explored when glamping in the area.
Animal lovers will absolutely adore the place with various wildlife at the property itself. Plus, you can visit Abberton Reservoir for birdwatching or check out Colchester Zoo.
This is an interesting place for glamping with a luxurious tent and lots to do.
It is about a couple of hours drive to Layer Marney Tower from Central London.
Layer Marney Tower Address: Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney, Nr. Colchester, Essex C05 9US
Things to Know Before you go Glamping near Essex
Before you go glamping in Essex, do keep a few things in mind.
1) Some of the glamping spots are seasonal. Do check with the service provider for opening or closing dates for the year before planning your trip.
2) You should always book in advance as during high season, availability is severely affected.
3) Some glamping places in Essex are adults only while others cater to families. Again, check with the respective service providers to see if they are a good fit for you.
4) Few of the glamping sites have a two night stay minimum. Therefore, if you are planning a shorter stay, you need to confirm with them if single night bookings are allowed.
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Final thoughts
The beauty of the Essex coast to the charm of its villages. The rich history of its towns to its mesmerizing countryside.
Essex is captivating and leaves you spellbound. Its natural, cultural and historical magnificence will have you come back for more, again and again.
I just adore glamping near Essex. It is one of the best travel experiences you can have anywhere in the United Kingdom.
