Dedham Hotels ()

Set amidst 300 acres of countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, made famous by John Constable?s paintings, Stoke by Nayland Hotel is 10 miles from Colchester, 16 miles from Ipswich and 20 miles from Bury St. Edmunds. Bedrooms offer free Wi-Fi and many have fine views and air-conditioning. Excellent leisure facilities include two championship golf courses and Peake Spa - featuring 11 therapy rooms including Rasoul and Hammam suites, an 18-metre pool, gym and bistro. The Lakes Restaurant takes in stunning lake and golf course views.

Dating back to 1530, Seckford Hall has a grand Tudor façade and splendid period features. It is set in beautiful gardens, just off the A12, 7 miles from Ipswich and 1 mile from Woodbridge at the gateway to the picturesque landscapes and villages that inspired the famous painter John Constable. Bedrooms are in both the main house and a wing across the courtyard and all offer free Wi-Fi internet access. The main restaurant has an excellent reputation and its menu features fresh local ingredients. The hotel has a leisure club and beauty salon and is just a minute's walk from Seckford Golf Club.

The County Hotel is a newly refurbished 3-star hotel in Chelmsford town centre. The shops, railway station and main attractions ? including the Cathedral and Essex County Cricket Club ? are all a short walk away. Hylands House and Park, home of the V2 Music Festival, is 15 minutes from the hotel; Lakeside and Bluewater shopping centres are within 30 minutes drive. The stylish bedrooms at the County Hotel are contemporary in style, bright and spacious. All feature LCD TVs and free Wi-Fi internet access. Modern, British cuisine is served in the restaurant.