Clacton-on-Sea

Candy floss and slot machines still rule the seafront here, though Clacton's glory days as Britain's Blackpool of the south feel distant now. This Essex seaside town clings to its traditional charm with a pier that's seen better decades and amusement arcades that echo with fewer voices than they once did.

But there's something endearing about its refusal to reinvent itself completely. The beach stretches for miles - proper sand, not shingle - and when the sun's out, families still flock here for old-school bucket-and-spade holidays. The town centre has that slightly faded seaside feel, with charity shops outnumbering the independent cafes, though you'll still find decent fish and chips if you know where to look.

Venture inland and the landscape shifts to gentle Essex countryside. Thorpe-le-Soken, just a short drive away, offers a complete change of pace with its village green and medieval Saint Michael's Church. The area around here is surprisingly rural - rolling fields and quiet lanes that feel worlds away from the seafront bustle.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A133 runs straight from Colchester, or you can take the train to Clacton-on-Sea station. From London, it's about two hours on the Greater Anglia line.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to Clacton's traditional seaside pleasures when you fancy a day trip, but you can retreat to quieter spots like Weeley Bridge or the countryside around Thorpe-le-Soken when the crowds get too much. It's particularly clever if you're touring this part of Essex, giving you a base to explore both coast and countryside without the premium of seafront accommodation.