Aqua Blast Lagoon - Bumper Boats

Water fights on the high seas, Essex-style. These bumper boats at Aqua Blast Lagoon deliver exactly what they promise - soggy chaos as families ram into each other while trying to soak the opposition with mounted water cannons. Think dodgems meets naval warfare, with everyone getting thoroughly drenched in the process.

Kids absolutely love it, though parents should come prepared to get wet too. The boats are easy enough for youngsters to handle, but competitive enough that adults find themselves getting properly stuck in. Each session lasts around ten minutes, which feels about right before arms start aching from all that steering and squirting.

Located near Clacton-on-Sea, it's a proper laugh for families staying at any of the nearby holiday parks. Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm Holiday Park sits just over a mile away, making it an easy detour on a day when the beach feels too crowded or the weather's a bit iffy.

The facility works well as part of a longer day out rather than a destination in itself - you'll want to combine it with other activities in the area. Bring towels and maybe a change of clothes, because despite the best efforts to stay dry, you will end up soaked. That's rather the point.