Great Bentley Bike Meet

Motorbikes and vintage machines fill a field near Great Bentley, just a short drive from Clacton-on-Sea, at what's become one of Essex's longest-running bike meets. It's the sort of event where blokes in leather jackets stand around admiring someone else's chrome work for hours, and honestly, if that sounds tedious to you, it probably will be. But if you're into bikes - whether you're a proper enthusiast or just fancy a browse - there's genuine appeal here. You'll find everything from pristine restorations to raw classics that haven't seen a respray since 1987, and the people who own them are usually happy to chat.

This works best for bikers and their families. Kids might manage an hour if there's ice cream on site, but it's not a destination that'll occupy a mixed-age group all afternoon. The event's seasonal and details are thin on the ground - you'll want to ring ahead or check locally in Clacton to find out when it's on and whether there's an entry fee.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Weeley Bridge is barely two miles away, or Homestead Lake Park if you fancy something smaller - it's worth a casual detour on a sunny afternoon. Pairs well with a walk around the quieter bits of Essex coastline. Don't make it your main event, but if the timing works, it's low-key entertainment that costs minimal effort to drop in on.