Naze Tower

The red-and-white striped tower standing on Walton on the Naze seafront is impossible to miss - it's been watching over this Essex coastline since 1832. Climb the spiral staircase to the top and you get proper views across the North Sea towards the Thames estuary, with the Essex marshes spreading out behind you. The tower itself is a working navigation aid, so it's genuinely functional rather than a folly, which gives the whole thing a bit of purpose.

It's a short, straightforward visit - maybe twenty minutes if you go up, longer if you're the type to linger on the gallery looking at boats. Kids find the climb engaging enough, though the stairs are narrow and fairly steep, so it won't occupy a family for hours. History buffs will appreciate that you're looking at proper Victorian engineering, though there's not masses of interpretation on site, so bring your own knowledge or do your homework beforehand.

Walton on the Naze itself is a working seaside town with an amusement arcade, chip shops, and a decent beach - it's unpretentious and honest rather than twee. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine, you're practically on top of it. The tower works well as a half-hour stop while exploring the wider area - Suffolk Sands Holiday Park and the other bases along the coast put you within easy reach for a morning walk and a look up to the top. Check locally for opening hours and admission fees before you go, as these aren't always clearly published.