Run Wild Dog Park

Run Wild Dog Park sits just outside Clacton-on-Sea and does exactly what it says on the tin - gives dogs proper freedom to charge about without a lead. It's a dedicated off-lead space, which means your pooch can actually be a dog for once instead of trudging alongside you on a harness.

The setup is straightforward. You pay on entry (exact fees unclear, but these places are rarely expensive) and let your dog loose in a secure, enclosed area. Dogs of all sizes and temperaments can use it, though obviously you need to be honest about whether yours gets on with other dogs. Most visits last an hour or so - enough time for a decent sprint and a mooch about, though energetic breeds could happily spend longer.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Parkdean Resorts runs several within a few miles, plus there's Lodge Farm and Grange Farm Campsite closer by. Rather than dragging a bored spaniel round Clacton seafront for the hundredth time, you can burn off some energy properly. Kids often find it entertaining too, watching the chaos of multiple dogs going wild.

Best visited on quieter weekdays if you can. Weekends get rammed with dogs and owners, which defeats the purpose if you've got a nervous animal. The Essex coast isn't exactly thrilling for variety, so having a dedicated dog park nearby genuinely adds value to a caravan holiday in this area. Worth checking their current hours and fees before you pitch up though.