Mersea Island

Getting to Mersea Island means driving through the flat Essex countryside east of Colchester, and when you finally reach the causeway, there's a real sense of arriving somewhere separate from the mainland. It's proper island life, though you're never more than a few miles from civilisation.

What you actually get here is a traditional seaside village with a working harbour, sandy beaches on the south side, and mudflats that stretch out on the north. Walk along West Mersea seafront and you'll see fishing boats, oyster beds, and families messing about in the shallows. The beach itself is more Essex coast than Mediterranean - shingly in patches, with breakwaters and that characterful muddy quality that gives East Anglia its charm. There's a small promenade with the usual chip shops and ice cream stands, and locals actually use the place rather than it feeling like a theme park version of seaside Britain.

This suits families who want a low-key day out, walkers exploring the coastal path, and anyone with an interest in fishing and maritime heritage. Skip it if you're after white sand and crystal water. Allow half a day to wander around properly.

The island has several caravan parks dotted nearby - West Mersea Holiday Park is barely a mile away, while Mersea Barns Glamping and Parkdean's Coopers Beach are within easy reach. Combine it with a trip inland to Colchester for Roman history, or walk the Essex coast further. It's the sort of place that grows on you rather than dazzles immediately.