Best Places for Glamping Near Essex

Written by Phil

Essex offers a wide range of glamping sites whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or as a family.

It’s proximity to Central London being only 45min by train or around an hour by car and the easy access to the ferry ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Dover; all under 2hrs drive, means it’s a great place for a luxury glamping holiday whether for an entire trip or a stop off en route to Europe.

1. The Pretty Thing

• Prices per night: From £198 for 2 people
• Location: St Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
• A really peaceful site with welcoming owners, just 20 minutes from the historic town of Colchester, home tp a wide range of charming bell tents and pods for you to choose from. Each of the bell tents allows up to four guests, equipped with a double bed and either two camp beds or a sofa bed with bedding provided.
• Guest comments: “We are home from another lovely stay what can I say love everything will try to get back again before we lose the sun. My very picky daughter visited and was very impressed with the showers and toilets and of course our lovely Sharon and P”

2. Woodchests Glamping 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 luxury 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.
• Guest comments: “Brilliant place to stay we had a great weekend, comfy beds, hot shower, altogether a great setup I was impressed. Local pub is a nice short walk through fields”

3. Finchingfield Camping & Glamping

• Price per night: From £352 for 6 people
• Location: Finchingfield, Essex
• Finchingfield Camping offers a serene rural retreat in North Essex, nestled on a lavender farm. Discover grass pitches spread across enchanting wildflower meadows, perfect for tents and campervans. Alternatively, indulge in a luxurious glamping experience in one of our two fully furnished bell tents.
• Guest comments: “Had the best 30th birthday here organised by my friends, Julie was so accommodating, the bell tent we stayed  in was so Beautiful and as someone who’s not a fan of spiders it was SUPER clean and homely and no spiders in the tent lol! Loved the fact there is a little bar/picnic area and that the bell tent isn’t really close to the next lot of tents. Would highly recommend to everyone families or friends wanting a fun little getaway.”

4. 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 near 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!
• Guest comments: “We booked The Coop and it was absolutely amazing! The location is very intimate and the host was an absolute angel! We asked for some products from the shop and he kindly drove to the local shop and bought them for us. Also provided is with various mini-cab options when we wanted to leave. We will definitely be going back! I strongly recommend you try it!”

5. Woodland Glamping Retreat

• Price per night: From £349 for 2 people
• Location: Toppesfield Hall, Toppesfield, CO9 4LS
• Offering a lovely garden and garden view, Woodland Glamping Retreat is set in Toppesfield, only 6.1 km from Hedingham Castle and 21 km from Freeport Braintree. This luxury bell tent offers access to a terrace, free private parking free WiFi and outdoor fire pit to keep you cozy in the evening. 
• Guest comments: “10/10 to Amanda! What a beautiful place to stay. Spotlessly clean and everything you need with some nice treats when you arrive.”

6. 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.
• Guest comments: “We stayed at The Trap and it was just the relaxing break we hoped for. Colemans Farm is the perfect place to switch off from the world. Thank you.”

7. 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.
• Guest comments: “We had an absolutely wonderful escape in Bunty. Everything was so well pulled together, clean, stylish, simple and PEACEFUL!! Could not recommend more. They have covered every basic need with such high quality provisions. We will be heading back to Unplugged several times a year to try more cabins. The company is also run by such lovely people, so helpful, kind, and with utterly impeccable customer service from booking to aftercare. Complete perfection.”

8. 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, west of Colchester 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 fire-pit as you watch the sun go down?
• Guest comments: “Swallows Field Glamping Pod was the most wondering dog-friendly getaway I’ve experienced. We escaped from the city for a little rest and relaxation and we definitely found it here. We were met by the wonderful Liz who gave us a quick and easy tour of our immaculate pod and told us all about the local walks, pubs, and amenities. The pods are so spacious with very clever design and the garden was well secured for our 3 dogs. The amenities (hot tub, fire pit, BBQ) and the simple thoughtful touches (dog treats, dog towels, DVDs) really made our stay just perfect. And the swooping Swallows all throughout the day added a little bit of magic. Can’t wait to get back – 2 nights was not enough! Thank you Liz for the wonderful stay!”

9. Chigborough Farm Pod

• Price per night: From £100 for 2 people
• Location: Heybridge, Maldon
• Speaking of glamping tents 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!
• Guest comments: “We had a very relaxing weekend here! Definitely returning. Children loved the maze and children’s play area and we all loved being out on the lake on our kayaks! Enjoyed a pottery session too and were able to take the finished products away less than 24hours after – amazing service Sam! Thank you.”

10. 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.
• Guest comments: “The great bonus of that place is access, in 90 min we get there from West London trough M25. Great place for chilling by the lake, learning paddleboarding or kayaking. The Chingborough Farm is located close to the sea side. Staying on the Farm you won’t be bored as it ping-pong table, snooker pizza oven where you can make your own pizza.”

11. 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. This unique glamping experience centres around the secluded spacious 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.
• Guest comments: “We stayed in the birdsong camp. It was a lovely purpose built safari lodge tent. It has a kitchen and heating, small lounge and a front porch to sit and watch the birds fly and hear their song. It has a private firepit and hot tub. It has its own entrance and dedicated shower and toilet, in the games room shower block. It’s like a private secluded hideaway within the camp itself.”

12. 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.
• Guest comments: “What a beautiful setting 3 lakes and beautiful scenery staff are very helpful, wonderful place to stay”

13. Lee Wick Farm Glamping

• 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. 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 lounge area, and an ensuite! Outside you’ll also find a BBQ, a seating area, 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!
• Guest comments: “Just returned from a 5 night stay in the Green Cargo Pod, where we had the best time – very relaxing and great value for money! The log burning hot tub was a fab bonus! Would recommend for anyone who needs time to unwind and switch off from modern day technologies- there is no wifi and phone signal is poor (we were fully aware of this prior), but that just added to the relaxation! We will definitely be back!”

14. 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.
• Guest comments: “It was really peaceful and relaxing, the house had everything we needed and more. The birds you could hear at dawn and dusk were amazing.”

15. The Shepherds Hide Huts

• Price per night: From £100 for 2 people
• Location: Thorrington, nr Clacton-on-Sea
• This shepherd’s hut is the perfect getaway for glamping near Essex. 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!
• Guest comments: “Idyllic setting and perfectly suited accommodation. All you could ask for on a mini break.”

16. 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!
• Guest comments: “Just returned from 3 days away at the beautiful lakeside cabin water lily Lodge with our dog! Such a peaceful serene setting everything was perfect you are left in peace nobody bothers you but if you need questions answered or help there are people available! We always book getaways that are quiet and close to nature and this is the best by far we have already booked to go back and cannot wait.”

17. 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.
• Guest comments: “Well! We all know how difficult it is to get quality accommodation for the prices  they are charging in England these days! We have found a jewel, and not far away  either. The Kingfishers Nest has it all! Comfortable bed,  unique bath, shower, Sauna, hot-tub and comfortable furniture. Has everything you need away from home, with well placed lighting and they have paid a lot of attention to the finer details making this self-catering/pet friendly accommodation the best we have ever experience in the UK ?? ?.  Five star’s and we will definitely be back and hope to stay longer next time. Excellent value for money. Well done to Sarah and her team”

19. 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.
• Guest comments:“Loved it. We stayed in the glamping tents that are like old safari tents. We had a 2 year old as well. The tent located in a wood and opposite a field full of deer. The tents has a wood stove, kitchen and toilet. It has a hot tub and shower outside. The hot tub is wood fired (wood included) The tent was great, it did get cold at night however it was still an amazing experience. If you get up early you can follow Nick and help feed the animals (chickens, lambs, deer and sheep). Nick was very interested and knowledgeable about the processes. You can also visit the grounds and go up the tower. The place is lovely and they have a small play area and café. On one of the nights there was a wedding so you could hear music in the distance, if you sleep normally it is not a problem, however if your a very light sleeper you might want some ear plugs. There was no electric in the tents, so it was great to go back to basics. Overall it was an excellent experience, great location and brilliant staff. Recommended if you like camping. Wicked!”

Best Visitor Attractions in Essex

• Colchester Zoo
• Old Leigh
• Marsh Farm
• Audley End House & Gardens
• Castle Park
• Hadleigh Park