Essex Life selects some great locations to escape to and explore this winter

Thorpeness Hotel & Golf ClubThorpeness, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP16 4NH 01728 452176The three-star Thorpeness Hotel is situated in a peaceful location next to the Meare and just a five-minute walk from the beach. Offering traditional hospitality throughout the year and operating to the highest of standards, facilities include 36 spacious and comfortable bedrooms.

Milsom HotelsGun Hill, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6HP 01206 323150Who could resist a break this winter in a Milsom hotel? There are plenty of delicious offers to tempt you, from a simple overnight dinner, bed and breakfast at The Pier in Harwich or milsoms in Dedham to a luxurious two-night spa break at Maison Talbooth.

The StarrMarket Place, Great Dunmow CM6 1AX 01371 874 321The Starr is getting ready for one of its busiest times of the year. There are a wide range of events throughout winter beginning on Friday, November 25 when The Starr will be holding its popular Champagne tasting evening. As well as offering fine dining, The Starr also features a selection of individually designed rooms for an overnight stay.

The Brudenell HotelThe Parade, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BU 01728 452071Situated in an idyllic seaside setting, just a pebble throw from Aldeburgh’s shingle beach, the privately-owned Brudenell typifies all of the elements of a luxury four-star seaside hotel. Following a complete refurbishment in 2010, it has been awarded four AA stars and two rosettes.

The White Lion HotelMarket Cross Place, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BJ 01728 452720The newly-refurbished White Lion Hotel is situated on the beautiful coast of Suffolk, overlooking Aldeburgh’s shingle beach with stunning sea views. Each elegant bedroom is cosy and relaxing, while the new Bar & Brasserie offers a superb dining experience.

The Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & SpaKeepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester CO6 4PZ01206 262836With its magnificent setting in 300 acres of rolling Constable Country and superb facilities, the family-owned Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa provides a truly idyllic destination for a relaxing break throughout the year. There are two championship golf courses, a luxurious spa and superb cuisine in its AA Rosette Lakes Restaurant.

Ivy HillMargaretting, Chelmsford CM4 0EH01277 355111Ivy Hill is a beautiful hotel with 33 luxurious and contemporary bedrooms set in mature gardens giving you exceptional service in relaxed yet elegant surroundings. It is perfectly located in the Essex countryside, but just moments from the A12 between Brentwood and Chelmsford.

The County HotelRainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PZ 01245 455 700This large, town centre hotel is privately-owned and places an emphasis on quality, service and its great reputation. A warm welcome awaits and the hotel is located within a few minutes walk from the train station and a couple of minutes from Chelmsford town centre.

The Pheasant Pub with RoomsGestingthorpe C09 3AU01245 455700Now with a new boutique hotel, The Pheasant Pub with Rooms offers five, luxury bedrooms, each individually designed and named after famous people from the local area. In addition to these fabulous rooms, the pub is noted for serving sumptuous food.

Drapers HotelHigh Street, Earls Colne CO6 2PB01787 223353Recently coming under new management, Drapers Hotel is ready to welcome you. Located in the heart of the Colne Valley, the restaurant offers fresh food, from local producers and the three-star hotel is a boutique gem with nine uniquely designed bedrooms.

Orsett Hall HotelPrince Charles Avenue, Orsett RM16 3HS 01375 891402 Fancy doing something a little different this winter? The Orsett Hall Hotel has it all. Set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens, it is an ideal choice for a relaxing festive break, boasting 35 luxury bedrooms, three banqueting suites and the new Garden restaurant.