If you’re looking for a spontaneous weekend getaway with that special someone, Essex is the perfect place for a romantic break. Here are 10 of our favourite places

Great British Life: Romantic breaks in Essex. Photo Greenwoods Hotel & SpaRomantic breaks in Essex. Photo Greenwoods Hotel & Spa (Image: Archant)

1. Prested Hall, Colchester

This marvellous country house hotel in Colchester is an ideal location for that impromptu getaway you’re always thinking about taking. Set on 75 acre grounds including an apple orchard and old moat, the views are nothing less than spectacular when enjoyed on a romantic stroll across the manicured lawns. Guests can also relax in the health club and spa where they offer various ‘pamper packages’ ranging from facials to body massages.

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2. Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend-on-Sea

Treat yourself and your loved one to a stay at this beautiful 4-star beach-side retreat in its stunning Southend-on-Sea location. The hotel has 62 rooms including 3 luxury suites, and 18 executive rooms as well as a fantastic beauty retreat that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Roslin Beach also offers a special ‘Romance Package’ that includes a delicious dinner at the Rosette restaurant with a stay in one of their sea-view superior rooms complete with luxury chocolates and champagne.

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3. Wivenhoe House, Colchester

It doesn’t get more romantic than a stay in an 18th Century Grade II listed house, surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of glorious Essex parklands. Wivenhoe House in Colchester offers the perfect combination of traditional romance and modern contemporary comfort. Enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge whilst admiring the spectacular panoramic views of Colchester, visit the award winning brassiere for breakfast, lunch or dinner or simply meander your way around the peaceful grounds.

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4. Marygreen Manor, Brentwood

This charming boutique hotel in Brentwood oozes 16th Century charm with its authentic oak beams, antique ceilings and wood panelled walls. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea from the delightful conservatory or just relax with a drink and conversation beside the roaring log fire in the lounge. The hotel offers four different types of rooms but for the extra romantic touch we recommend the Tudor Suite. These luxury period rooms include a Four-Poster Bed, separate lounge area, and a large bathroom with a Jacuzzi for total relaxation.

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5. The Shepherds Hide, Colchester

The Shepherds Hide is the epitome of romance, offering peace, tranquillity and complete seclusion. The luxury built hut comes with a king size bed, log burner, under-floor hearting and a fully fitted kitchen and bathroom. There is no television and no internet access meaning there is more time to concentrate on spending time with your loved one in the beautiful surroundings of the Essex countryside. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pretty Thorrington Mill or watch the birds along the Coln Estuary, if you visit between May and July you will even have the chance to pick your own strawberries.

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6. Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Ingatestone

If you’re after fine dinning, luxury spa treatments and a stay in recently refurbished, delightfully comfortable rooms then look no further than Greenwoods Hotel & Spa. The exclusive rooms are all furnished in a shabby-chic style with comfortable beds and all of the modern amenities you will need. Residents are all given free use of the spa facilities including the pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness centre. You can also treat yourself to a pampering experience with one of their extensive beauty treatments. The hotel’s restaurant, Ellis’s Restaurant is renowned for its excellence, its warm atmosphere and friendly staff who make it the perfect place to enjoy that romantic meal for two.

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7. Bromans Barn, Mersea Island

Situated on the gorgeous Mersea Island, Bromans Barn is ideal for any couples looking to explore the island’s resplendent Nature Reserves by day and relax beside a roaring log fire by night. The myriad of wonderful walks available will see you traversing open farmland, beautiful salt-marshes, and stunning beaches – if you’re lucky you might even see some seals. The Barn is fully furnished with bedroom, kitchen and bathroom and charming, cosy living area. Pets are also welcome.

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8. Milsom’s Maison Talbooth, Dedham

This luxurious country house hotel looks out over Constable’s Countryside and the beautiful Dedham Vale making it home to some of the most spectacular views that the Essex countryside has to offer. Maison Talbooth is well known for its relaxed and sensual atmosphere, first established in 1969, every detail of your stay is considered to ensure you enjoy every minute. Guests are free to use the outdoor heated pool and hot-tub, enjoy their favourite tipple from the fully stocked honesty bar, or simply curl up by the log fire and sip champagne. There is also an in house spa that offers an extensive list of beauty treatments in a relaxed and peaceful environment.

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9. MoJo Houseboat Bed & Breakfast, Mersea Island

For a romantic break that’s a little bit different from the rest why not try a stay on Mojo. The Mersea Island houseboat offers cosy and comfortable accommodation in an intimate, quirky setting. Your stay on MoJo is completely tailored to you, whether you choose to sit back and relax on deck or head off to explore Mersea Island. Meander along the beachfront searching for seashells, enjoy fresh seafood and oysters from the island eateries, or just admire the abundant wildlife – wading birds often come right up to the boat! For those dedicated few, capable of waking early enough, a view of the sunrise from the deck is said to be unforgettable.

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10. Browning Bro’s Wild Glamping: Tey Brook Farm, Colchester

Glamping has all the joys of camping but none of the downsides. No more hassle of pitching a tent, or getting soaked in the rain when it inevitably collapses in the middle of the night. Set on the 400 acre Tey Brook Organic Farm just six miles south-west of Colchester, Wild Glamping offers several wonderfully romantic dwellings for couples from a renovated grain silo, to the Shepherd’s Hut, bell tents and even a luxury yurt. All of the dwellings are quirkily furnished and oozing their own unique charms and characters. We recommend staying in ‘Mowgli’ (the yurt) as the custom built skylight allows you to fall asleep under the stars, how romantic! The Farm is home to an excellent fishing pond and they also provide hire bikes if you wish to explore Colne Valley or visit one of the local pubs.

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