Top things to do on a spa break in Essex

From its Roman ruins to the infamous Sugar Hut, coast to country and buzzy towns and cities, Essex is a spa break hot spot for hen dos, holidays, mini breaks and relaxing weekends.

Easy to get to from London and offering a wealth of different experiences, a spa break in Essex gives you the chance to relax and unwind, pamper and preen in style, whether you are looking for an urban getaway or a country retreat.

Here are our top places to stay and things to see on a spa break in Essex.

Top attractions in Essex

Fancy a night out? Or maybe you're looking for a relaxing family getaway? Visiting for the weekend or just for the day? However you like to spend your down time, here are some of the top attractions to include on your spa break in Essex.

Embrace your inner child at Adventure Island Southend

An ultra popular theme park in Southend-on-Sea, Adventure Island flanks the north end of Southend Pier and has been welcoming visitors since 1976. Complete with 40 rides and attractions, it's also got Prize Arcades, cafes, restaurants, sideshows and games - perfect for a full day of entertainment for kids of all ages.

Romantic strolls at Hedingham Castle

For those with a flair for history or if you're in the mood for a romantic walk, few places could be more beautiful than the majestic Hedingham Castle. With its ancient ramparts, medieval park and landscaped gardens, the private property of the Lindsay family, descendants of the Earls of Oxford, is a treat to explore inside and out.

Explore Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve

Part of the Essex Wildlife Trust, head to the Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre to explore Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve. Learn about south Essex’s fantastic ancient woodlands and enjoy the great outdoors with lots of fresh air and interactive entertainment. It's a fantastic, healthy way to enjoy time with the kids.

Visit Colchester Castle

Essex is brimming with history and Colchester Castle is a great place to get your heritage fix. The largest castle built by the Normans in Europe and a magical insight into the area’s past, in addition to the structure itself (explore Roman vaults or head to the Castle roof), there are interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Gladiator Vase and Fenwick Hoard of Roman treasure.

Head to Clacton-on-Sea

This seaside town is a bustling resort boating entertainment including a pleasure pier, arcades, the Princes and the West Cliff Theatres, a golf course, seafront walks, water sports and an airfield offering pleasure flights. It's not any old beach visit!

Top spas in Essex

Much like the attractions in Essex, the region's spas know how to go over and beyond. From romantic breaks to total detox retreats, here are some of our top spas!

Romantic spa breaks at Down Hall Hotel and Spa

A country house with plenty of grandeur, you’ll feel exceptionally spoilt in the sumptuous surroundings of this quintessentially English property. Relaxation is the name of the game, from a game of croquet on the lawn to a sauna and steam room combination in the Eden Spa, where you’ll also find a hydrotherapy pool for some chill out time. Make sure you enjoy a spa treatment from a menu of ESPA massages, facials and body rituals as well as beauty treats for a touch of glam.

Luxury wellbeing at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel

Whatever the occasion for being at Lifehouse, you will feel a sense of serenity in this lovely spa hotel, which specialises in spa breaks with a holistic approach that includes healthy food, rejuvenate treatments and naturopathic therapies. Every spa stay includes accommodation, bed and breakfast and access to the gorgeous heritage listed gardens, as well as use of all the spa facilities. Spa therapies include everything from pampering facials to energy healing and myotherapy along with consultations on detoxing and weight loss.

Detox spa breaks at Glass House Retreat

A spa covering all aspects of wellbeing from fitness to relaxation and nutrition, from the architecture to the restaurant menu, everything at Glass House Retreat has been created to enhance wellbeing. It’s eco-friendly, filled with natural light and offers a wide range of face and body treatments as well as health and fitness facilities. An adult-only destination, they are dedicated to the nutritional benefits of a plant-based diet, and offer an innovative menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Group getaway at Stoke by Nayland Hotel

At this contemporary and stylish hotel, you don't only get the option to stay in one of their rooms and suites, there are private lodges too, giving you and your friends the benefits of the hotel facilities, as well as your own accommodation space. At the Peake Spa, you can indulge in a one off treatment or a spa package including, if you wish, an afternoon tea complete with a glass of Prosecco. The mud rasul chamber is a fun and relaxing way to spend time with friends, but for the ultimate treat, there’s a selection of blissful spa therapies to choose from.