Blue chalet beach

The Blue Chalet sits right on Clacton's seafront - a proper iconic Essex landmark that's been there so long it feels like it's always been part of the beach furniture. It's exactly what it says on the tin: a distinctive blue wooden beach hut that's caught the eye of generations of holidaymakers trudging along the prom with their buckets and spades.

You can't really go inside it, but that's not the point. This is a photo stop, a waypoint on a beach walk, somewhere to lean against and pretend you own a slice of the English seaside. The appeal is pure nostalgia - it's the kind of thing your parents probably dragged you past as a kid, now you're doing the same to yours. On a decent day, with the sun catching the paintwork and the sea sparkling behind it, it photographs well enough.

Best for families killing time between the fairground and an ice cream run. Walkers will clock it as a landmark without breaking stride. Honestly? It's a five-minute stop, not a destination in itself. But stay nearby at Hutleys Caravan Park - their 4.6 rating speaks volumes - and you'll naturally pass it during beach days. St Osyth Beach Holiday Park and Seawick are close options too if those suits you better.

The real draw is the broader Clacton seafront. The chalet's just the punctuation mark on the walk.