Clacton-on-Sea

Fish and chips on the pier while seagulls wheel overhead - that's the Clacton experience in a nutshell. This Essex seaside town might not win prizes for sophistication, but it delivers proper British seaside charm without pretension. The beach stretches for miles, backed by traditional seafront gardens and that famous pier jutting into the North Sea.

Families flock here for good reason. Clacton Pier remains the town's star attraction, complete with traditional arcade games and fairground rides that have been thrilling visitors for decades. Beyond the seafront, Curve Water Sports offers a more modern take on coastal fun - their aqua park and wakeboarding centre draws adrenaline seekers from across Essex.

Nature lovers shouldn't overlook the surrounding landscape. Howlands Marsh provides peaceful walking trails just minutes from the town centre, while Colne Point Nature Reserve offers excellent birdwatching opportunities along the estuary. Greenland Grove Animal Sanctuary makes for a lovely family afternoon, particularly with younger children.

The town sits on Essex's Sunshine Coast, easily reached by train from London Liverpool Street in around 90 minutes. Colchester lies 20 miles inland, but Clacton's appeal lies in its seaside setting rather than urban sophistication.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to enjoy the pier and seafront attractions, yet far enough from the summer crowds to find some peace. Parks like Seawick Holiday Park and St Osyth Beach Holiday Park put you right on the coast, while others like Haven Orchards Holiday Village offer a quieter inland base. Either way, you'll have easy access to both Clacton's traditional seaside pleasures and the surprisingly diverse Essex countryside that surrounds it.