Established in 1928 within the enchanting grounds of the Old Rainsford Manor, this refined hotel warmly extends its traditional service to both seasoned and new guests alike. Situated in the heart of historic Chelmsford, County Hotel boasts a variety of rooms, ranging from well-appointed suites, premium, classic doubles and the new apartments. Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, all 58 rooms, each distinct in size and style, are designed to enhance your relaxation throughout your stay.
Dining in the hotel’s acclaimed Samphire Restaurant, you can enjoy modern European dishes topped off with freshly brewed coffee and petit fours. Or perhaps you’d prefer a scrumptious afternoon tea on the south-facing terrace?
With a prime location just a two-minute walk from Chelmsford Train Station (a mere 30 minutes from Liverpool Street, London), its proximity to transportation hubs and thoughtful amenities, this heritage-rich hotel provides an unforgettable experience.
Essex County Cricket Club and Great Leighs Racecourse are among the many attractions at your doorstep. Bond Street Chelmsford is the shopping destination within walking distance; Lakeside and Bluewater are within 30 minutes’ drive. You can reach London Liverpool Street in 32 minutes – a direct route from Chelmsford train station. Once known as the ‘market-place of Caesar’ (the Romans arrived here in 60 AD), discover the secret heart of Essex for yourself.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking (80 cars; charged)
- EV charging points
- Restaurant
- Bar
- 58 Bedrooms
- 5 Meeting rooms
- Check-in: 15:00
- Check-out: 11:00
- Lift
- 24-hour front desk
- Express check-out
- Room service
- Safe deposit
- Luggage storage
- Accessible public areas
Short Breaks & Special Offers
Bedrooms & Suites
Single Room
We say: These rooms are small but perfectly formed for one person. They’re great value for a night away: Contemporary style en suite bedroom, 161 sqf, offering free Wi-Fi, satellite TV (HD, Freeview), digital radio, iPod docking station, laptop safe, writing desk, direct dial telephone, alarm clock, ironing station, tea and coffee making facilities, toiletries, hairdryer, and key card access. Single bed. Accessible? These rooms are split between the first and second floors, which are accessible by lift. Single rooms have showers only.
Standard Double
We say: These rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. They have both work and seating areas: Contemporary style en suite bedroom, 194 sqf, offering free Wi-Fi, satellite TV (HD, Freeview), digital radio, iPod docking station, laptop safe, writing desk, direct dial telephone, alarm clock, ironing station, tea and coffee making facilities, toiletries, hairdryer, and key card access. Double bed. Accessible? These rooms are split between the first and second floors, which are accessible by lift. Standard rooms have a bath and a shower; many walk-in. Some rooms include amenities such as grab rails and pull cords.
Standard Twin
We say: These rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. They have both work and seating areas: Contemporary style en suite bedroom, 194 sqf, offering free Wi-Fi, satellite TV (HD, Freeview), digital radio, iPod docking station, laptop safe, writing desk, direct dial telephone, alarm clock, ironing station, tea and coffee making facilities, toiletries, hairdryer, and key card access. Twin beds. Accessible? These rooms are split between the first and second floors, which are accessible by lift. Standard rooms have a bath and a shower; many walk-in. Some rooms include amenities such as grab rails and pull cords.
Premium Double
We say: These rooms are spacious and airy, offering a high level of comfort and style. Enhanced amenities feature in premium rooms: Contemporary style en suite bedroom, 269 sqf, offering free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, satellite TV (HD, Freeview), DVD player, digital radio, iPod docking station, mini bar (charged; stocked on request), laptop safe, writing desk, direct dial telephone, alarm clock, ironing station, tea and fresh coffee making facilities, biscuits, nibbles, bowl of fruit, jug of milk, mineral water, bathrobes, toiletries, hairdryer, and key card access. King-size bed. Accessible? These rooms are split between the first and second floors, which are accessible by lift. Premium rooms have a bath and a shower, most of which are walk-in.
Premium Twin
We say: These rooms are spacious and airy, offering a high level of comfort and style. Enhanced amenities feature in premium rooms: Contemporary style en suite bedroom, 269 sqf, offering free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, satellite TV (HD, Freeview), DVD player, digital radio, iPod docking station, mini bar (charged; stocked on request), laptop safe, writing desk, direct dial telephone, alarm clock, ironing station, tea and fresh coffee making facilities, biscuits, nibbles, bowl of fruit, jug of milk, mineral water, bathrobes, toiletries, hairdryer, and key card access. Twin beds. Accessible? These rooms are split between the first and second floors, which are accessible by lift. Premium rooms have a bath and a shower, most of which are walk-in.
Suite
We say: The best room in the house - two interconnecting areas: the first consists of a king-size bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a large en suite bathroom. The second includes a reception area and a lounge with a sofa bed. Contemporary style suite, 328 sqf, offering free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, satellite TV (HD, Freeview), DVD player, digital radio, iPod docking station, mini bar (charged; stocked on request), laptop safe, writing desk, direct dial telephone, alarm clock, ironing station, tea and fresh coffee making facilities, biscuits, nibbles, bowl of fruit, jug of milk, mineral water, bathrobes, toiletries, hairdryer, and key card access. Separate seating area. King-size bed. Accessible? This room is on the first floor and features an accessible entrance, a bath and a walk-in shower.
Food & Drink
Samphire Restaurant
The acclaimed Samphire Restaurant serves up an elegant fine dining experience. With its oak floors and summery pastel hues, it is the perfect place to enjoy uncomplicated European cooking in a modern style. Using only the best of British seasonal ingredients, and where ever possible locally sourced produce. Start with carpaccio of beef fillet with rocket, shaved parmesan, pine nuts and truffle oil. Mains might bring roasted rack of Essex salt marsh lamb and confit shoulder croquette, with potato dauphinoise, sprouting broccoli and red currant jus. For dessert, perhaps you'd prefer salted caramel chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream and toasted cocoa nibs, or the best-loved warm raspberry Bakewell tart. Discover Samphire's signature selection of wines available by the glass, too; the Godello grape, under its white wines, is our firm favourite.
- Breakfast - Mon-Sun: 07:00-11:00
- Lunch - Mon-Sun: 12:00-14:30
- Dinner - Mon-Sun: 18:00-22:00
Please reserve a table for dinner in advance.
Al Fresco Dining
In the summer, dining at the County Hotel reveals an altogether different flavour. Take a seat in the fresh open air – sunny or shade – and dine al fresco. The lounge bar opens out onto the south-facing terrace where you can enjoy a chilled glass of signature white wine from Monterrei, in north-west Spain, with Continental meats, olives, cheeses, chutney and toasted sourdough bread.
Afternoon Tea
Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in afternoon tea whilst staying in this glorious setting - savour homemade scones with fruit preserve and cream, sandwiches, cakes and a pot of tea. Both traditional afternoon tea and champagne afternoon tea are available to order and can be enjoyed in the Samphire Restaurant or lounge bar. Afternoon tea can be booked in advance at a special price when booking your room via classicbritishhotels.com.
- Mon-Sun: 12:00-17:00
Private Dining
The unique surroundings of the County Hotel present a wonderful setting for private dinners and celebrations. The hotel caters for reunions, anniversaries, family gatherings, birthday parties, charity and club events, and business dinners. Call Classic British Hotels on 0844 967 0984 for advice and let us help you organise a memorable private dinner.
Location
Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2PZ, Great Britain
- Chelmsford Train Station (0.25 miles)
- London Stanstead Airport (18 miles)
- London Gatwick Airport (60 miles)
Places to Visit
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall -
- Bond Street Chelmsford -
- Chelmsford Cathedral -
- Hylands House & Estate -
Meetings & Events
Crystal Ballroom
Theatre
Cabaret
Banquet
Reception
Boardroom
U-Shape
Classroom
High
- Ground floor
- Natural daylight
- Air-conditioned
- Wheelchair access
Essex
Theatre
Cabaret
Banquet
Reception
Boardroom
U-Shape
Classroom
High
- First floor
- Natural daylight
- Air-conditioned
Suffolk
Theatre
Banquet
Reception
Boardroom
Classroom
High
- Ground floor
- Natural daylight
- Air-conditioned
- Wheelchair access
Hertford
Boardroom
High
- Ground floor
- Natural daylight
- Wheelchair access
Kent
Boardroom
High
- Ground floor
- Natural daylight
- Wheelchair access
