Mersea Beach

The shingle and sand stretch of Mersea Beach runs along the eastern edge of Mersea Island, just a short drive from Colchester. It's not a dramatic coastline - no cliffs, no drama - but there's something genuinely appealing about its low-key Essex charm. You get a proper seaside feel without the tackiness of a bucket-and-spade resort town.

The beach itself is good for a ramble, especially at low tide when you can walk for miles along the exposed sand and shingle. It's shallow and relatively protected, which explains why families camp here in droves during summer. Kids can paddle safely, build castles, and spend a solid few hours without getting bored. If you're after a swim, the water's calm but cold enough to take your breath away even in July.

What makes it worthwhile is the setting. The beach connects directly to the village of West Mersea, where you'll find proper pubs, fish and chip shops, and a working harbor that actually looks lived-in rather than sanitized for tourists. Park your caravan at West Mersea Holiday Park - it's essentially on the beach - and you've got everything within walking distance.

Go during shoulder seasons if you can. August turns it into a car park, and the beach gets rammed. Spring and early autumn are when you'll actually enjoy it. There's no entrance fee, no opening hours to worry about - it's just there. Allow at least a half-day if you're staying locally, longer if you want to explore the village properly.