Dog Friendly Cottages in Essex: 9 Luxury Holiday Lets

Handpicked Cottages to Rent

Are you keen to find out more about dog friendly cottages in Essex? You’ve come to the right place. Essex is a county that’s awash with brilliant surprises, and you’re going to love looking for holiday cottages where you can take your pets on short and extended breaks. 

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We search the best dog friendly cottages in Essex, so you don't have to!

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Colchester, Essex

Set among rolling countryside, a haven for dogs, cyclists and hikers, this outstanding dog friendly cottage offers lavish comfort in beautiful surroundings. The king-size bedroom has plenty of storage and the spacious open-plan living area has everything needed for a relaxing self-catering break for two

Long Melford, Essex

Surrounded by galleries, antique shops, pubs and independent boutiques, as well as scenic walks, this holiday home is a top choice for couples and families. With 2 substantial king-sized bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities and an open plan living area, there is plenty of room to unwind and relax both inside and out.

Dedham, Essex

Within walking distance of the local pub and shop, this charming dog friendly cottage sleeps up to 3 people in a lovely double bedroom and an additional single room. The kitchen is well-presented with modern appliances and the living room has a selection of DVD’s and games for cosy nights in front of the fire.

Brightlingsea, Essex

Just a short stroll from the harbour and beach, this charming apartment offers couples a chance to explore all the delights Essex has to offer. Enjoy a drink on the balcony prepare meals in the beautiful kitchen before retiring to the sumptuous double bedroom. You can bring your pooch along too and there’s even a doggy welcome pack.

Manningtree, Essex

With its king-size bedroom and open plan living space, this charming ground floor apartment is ideal for a romantic getaway. The sleek contemporary look can be found in the open-plan living area, bedroom and shower room, whilst outside a small communal patio area is the ideal spot for a morning coffee and to soak up the sun.

Goddards Mead
Thaxted, Essex

Character oozes from every corner of this romantic retreat that sleeps two with its pitched rafters and half-timber walls dating back hundreds of years. The contemporary décor has been thoughtfully chosen to complement the traditional features. Outside there is a decking with a hot tub and seating for alfresco meals overlooking fields and woodland. 

Manningtree, Essex

This dog friendly holiday escape is great for romantic breaks. It sleeps 2 guests, has room for one pet, and has a delightful garden and patio area. What makes it one of our favourites is the fact that there is a sizable kingsize bed, off road parking and even underfloor heating. Speaking of mod cons, this self catering breakaway also offers Wi-Fi throughout, and has an en suite shower space.

Colchester, Essex

Another brilliant offering of dog friendly accommodation in Essex. Set within the Colchester district, this holiday nook is dog friendly for 2 pets, and offers enough room to sleep 8 people. There are 4 bedrooms here, 3 bathroom spaces, and yes. This is easily one of our favourites when it comes to dog friendly holiday escapes in the region, and it’s only capped off by the brilliant games room and enclosed garden space.

Colchester, Essex

Brook Lodge is a secluded romantic getaway that sleeps 2 people and welcomes pets. You’ll have access to Wi-Fi throughout, and lots of space for your dogs to enjoy. One of several lodges in the same neighbourhood, this Essex holiday cottage offers en suite facilities as well as a fully equipped kitchen, making self catering here an absolute breeze. However, there’s even a chef service available if you don’t fancy cooking!

Why Choose Essex Pet Friendly Cottages

Don’t worry about having to search too long and hard for your dream dog friendly cottage. We’ve gone to the effort of hunting down some of our cottage favourites in the East of England and beyond. Keep reading for our lowdown on Essex cottage and holiday escapes that you can enjoy with your pets, friends and family members alike!

Do you know what you’re looking for when searching for retreats in Essex? If not, we’re here to help. Dog friendly breaks come in all shapes and sizes. Some cottage locations are close to the countryside, while others are within reach of seaside fun. Are you looking for a cottage with a ground floor living area? What about an enclosed garden, maybe you want to browse party houses or a studio stays that’s right at the edge of the rolling countryside?

It may surprise you that Essex offers holiday breaks that really do tick all the right boxes. Check out our list of favourite Essex holidays with dogs and see if you can spot the ideal lodges, places to stay and dog friendly holidays for you. 

Cheap Weekend Breaks

Renting Essex cottages for a weekend away doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny, in fact, you can enjoy dog friendly holidays in Essex for less than you think. With holiday homes and accommodation to suit all budgets, book a cheap staycation in Essex and give yourself a break.

Holidays By The Sea

With 350 miles of coastline to choose from , finding coastal cottages is easy to do. Southend, Canvey Island, Clacton-On-Sea and Mersea Island are all favourite seaside towns where holidaymakers return year after year. Find getaways and dog friendly accommodation in Essex near the coast where you and your doggy can have fun together.

Luxury Self Catering

Just have time for a night or two away? That’s OK, we’ve got you covered with a choice of holiday cottages in Essex that are dog friendly and offer short breaks. Rustle up a full English in the kitchen and serve an al-fresco dinner in the garden – your self-catering rentals and break awaits.

Enclosed Garden Lets

Cottages with fully fenced-off, enclosed gardens are more of a critical consideration than you may think when looking for dog friendly accommodation.
Having one not only means that your dog won’t take the opportunity to wander off by themselves but also gives you some added privacy which goes a long way to making your stay in Essex special.

Hot Tub Cottages

When looking for holiday inspiration, hot tub cottages in Essex tick all the boxes. Not only do they offer high-standard interiors, but the outside space is made more special, including your own private spa.

Feel your stresses and cares melt away as you relax in the soothing bubbles with a cold drink in hand. Bliss! For more UK dog friendly accommodations with hot tubs start here.

Multi Pet Rentals

It can sometimes be tricky trying to find the right pet friendly holiday cottages and this becomes more so if you have multiple dogs. 

The good news is that many Essex cottages will happily accept more than one canine (extra charges may apply). From cosy fisherman’s cottages packed with original features to sprawling country houses, you are sure to find the right multi pet rental in Essex. 

Romantic Getaways

Spending quality time together is the key to a happy relationship. Nothing is better than having a bolthole to escape to and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

From luxury studios by the sea to chocolate box cottages in picturesque villages, it’s a top choice for dog owners looking for a romantic break at any time of the year.

Lodges & Log Cabins

Cottages are not the only dog friendly holiday lets you’ll find in Essex. From quirky shepherd huts, glamping pods, wooden lodges and log cabins, if you’re looking for something different, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Often these are found in more secluded locations or in a resort, which has the benefits of onsite facilities such as swimming pools, entertainment and leisure facilities, perfect for families.

Ideas For A Dog Holiday In Essex

Essex, in the east of England, is one of the Home Counties surrounding London. Boasting Colchester, Britain’s oldest city, there is plenty of history to discover in the county. It also has the world’s longest pleasure pier – at 1.3 miles long, Southend Pier has a train service that takes you to the end if you don’t fancy the walk.

Along the coast there are other lively seaside towns, such as Clacton-on-Sea and Canvey Island, and there are quieter stretches like Frinton if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.

Dogs are welcome on select stretches of Essex beach all year round with summer restrictions in the busiest areas. Take your pooch on long woodland walks, in Essex there’s Epping forest (see here) , Hatfield forest and Hainault forest to explore. And country rambles from village to village can end in a dog friendly pub – the ideal way to spend Sunday.

Visit Essex - Things Your Dog Will Enjoy

  • Clacton-on-Sea – Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at one of the south coast’s most popular destinations. Play fetch on the beach, take a stroll along the pier or relax and watch the world go by at one of the many dog friendly cafes.
  • Hatfield Forest – One of the National Trust’s “Great for Dogs” places to visit, providing dog bins, water bowls and fabulous opportunities for walks.
  • Castle Hedingham – Unusually, your faithful friend is even welcome on the guided tour of this stunning castle’s interior and the vast gardens.
  • Dedham Vale – With stunning views throughout the year, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers dog friendly boat trips on the river Stour. There’s also a lovely wildlife garden and dog friendly area in the Cafe.
  • Stunning Countryside – Being within easy reach of London, you may be surprised Essex boasts such stunning countryside. Dog walking and opportunities to sniff out fun and adventure abound.
  • Chelmsford – With dog-friendly bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants, Chelmsford is a fabulous place for a day out with your pooch, not least because it is home to Hylands Park, almost 600 acres of stunning and historic parkland.
  • Colchester – With over 20 dog friendly pubs and even a doggy bakery (Hugo’s Pawtisserie), there are’s plenty of places to hang out with your furry friend in the UK’s oldest town.

Last Word

Holiday cottages in Essex that are dog friendly and have hot tubs can be found next to the sea, in the heart of a village and on the edge of a forest. You can book well in advance or have a look at last minute options.

Historical sites and country estates are nearby and welcoming pubs are sprinkled all over the county.

From romantic weekends away to a family holiday filled with activities, you’ll find plenty of ideal canine friendly cottages in Essex.

If you’re still browsing other dog friendly cottages, we have a great collection of East of England cottage holidays on our county page.

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