Dodgems

Electric sparks fly overhead as vintage bumper cars career around this classic seaside dodgem track near Clacton-on-Sea pier. The cars themselves are proper old-school affairs - none of that modern plastic nonsense - with genuine metal bodywork that clangs satisfyingly when you ram into your mates or unsuspecting family members.

Kids absolutely love it here, though anyone under about eight might find the bigger teenagers a bit too enthusiastic with their ramming tactics. The track's been operating for decades and it shows - the floor's properly worn smooth and the cars have that authentic vintage feel you just don't get at modern theme parks. Sessions last about three minutes, which feels just right before the novelty wears off.

Expect to queue during summer holidays, especially when the weather's turned and families are looking for covered entertainment along the seafront. The ride operates most of the year but check before making a special trip in winter months.

If you're staying at Valley Farm or Highfield Grange holiday parks, it's an easy drive into Clacton for an afternoon's seaside entertainment. Combine it with a walk along the pier and some proper fish and chips for the full Essex seaside experience. Just don't expect state-of-the-art thrills - this is old-fashioned fun at its most honest.