An Award-Winning Manor House Stay

Luxury Accommodation in the Heart of the Essex Countryside

Just an hour from London, and 20 minutes from Chelmsford, Downham Hall offers a peaceful escape surrounded by rolling Essex countryside. Our historic Georgian manor house is the perfect retreat for romantic weekends, relaxing breaks, or a luxurious stopover for those travelling through the area.

Choose from five individually styled five-star boutique bedrooms, each blending period character with contemporary comfort. Each en-suite bedroom features a king or super-king size bed for a restful night’s sleep.

Named Manor House and Boutique Wedding Venue of the Year at the 2026 Essex Wedding Awards, we bring that same warmth and attention to detail to every guest who stays with us. Proud recipients of 2 AA Rosettes and TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award, why not complete your stay with dinner in our restaurant, where every dish is as beautifully presented as it is delicious.

SPECIAL OFFER: The Ultimate Countryside Escape

Treat yourself to a luxurious night away with our exclusive Stay & Dine package.

£195 for two people

Includes:

  • Overnight stay in one of our award-winning boutique bedrooms
  • £60 to spend in our 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant for dinner
  • Freshly prepared breakfast in the Orangery the following morning overlooking panoramic views

The Bedrooms

Each of our five rooms is named after properties owned by the De Beauvoir family, who resided at Downham Hall from 1723 until 1821. While steeped in history, every room offers modern boutique luxury, featuring high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, Nespresso machines, tea-making facilities, hairdryers, and ironing facilities.

Five Individually Styled Luxury Double Rooms for your Guests

Each of our five double rooms come with a King or Super King size bed, all thoughtfully designed to blend classic country house elegance with modern boutique luxury. Spacious, beautifully decorated, and incredibly comfortable, they provide the perfect retreat for your wedding guests.

Please note: One of our rooms can be configured as a family room with twin beds and a pull-out trundle bed suitable for a child. Travel cots are also available upon request.

Award-Winning Breakfast

After a restful night’s sleep, join us in the light-filled Orangery or elegant De Beauvoir Suite for breakfast. Enjoy a selection of fresh hot or cold breakfast options prepared by our talented chefs served with locally roasted coffee, while taking in the countryside views—the perfect start to your day.

Enhance Your Stay

Business Stays & Retreats Downham Hall offers business travellers a peaceful environment to recharge just a short drive from Chelmsford, Billericay, and Wickford. With high-speed WiFi, desk space in our rooms, and a quiet atmosphere, you can work undisturbed before enjoying a world-class meal in our North Wing restaurant.

Dog-Friendly Stays We believe a countryside break isn’t complete without your four-legged friend. Dogs are welcome to stay in our accommodation—simply let us know in advance so we can prepare for your arrival. (Please note: a small surcharge applies for pets).

Explore the Local Area

While it is tempting to spend your entire stay relaxing in our gardens or by the fire, or walking local trails, Downham Hall is the perfect base for exploring the best of Essex. 

  • RHS Garden Hyde Hall (10 mins) – One of the finest gardens in Essex with stunning views and beautiful planting.
  • Hanningfield Reservoir (5 mins) – 870 acres of woodland walks and excellent birdwatching, perfect for a morning stroll.
  • Battlesbridge Antiques Centre (15 mins) – A riverside village with over 80 antique dealers—ideal for treasure hunting.
  • Golf & Leisure– We are surrounded by Essex’s finest golf courses. Ask our team for recommendations.
  • Constable Country – A stunning day out exploring historic Dedham Vale and Mersea 
  • Local Towns – We recommend Burnham-on-Crouch, Maldon and Tollesbury for beautiful meandering walks overlooking salt marshes. Book a Thames sailing barge trip from Maldon.

Ready to book your escape?

A Five-star Restaurant with Rooms 2026, Manor House and Boutique Hotel Wedding Venue of the Year (Essex Wedding Awards 2026) Proud Recipients of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (Top 10% Worldwide) 2025