Rat Island

You won't find much on Rat Island itself - it's basically a scrappy bit of land poking out of the Blackwater Estuary east of Colchester, more of a geological oddity than a proper day out. The real appeal is spotting it from the water or catching sight of it from the Essex coast, where it sits as this peculiar tidal island that's swallowed up twice daily. Local history buffs reckon it's got Tudor connections and served various purposes over the centuries, though these days it's mainly of interest to birdwatchers and anyone fascinated by Essex's muddier corners.

Honestly, you're not going to trek here as a standalone attraction. It makes sense if you're already exploring the Blackwater estuary - perhaps kayaking or taking a boat trip from nearby, or if you've based yourself at one of the caravan parks dotted along this stretch like St Osyth Beach Holiday Park or Seawick Holiday Park. The coastal walks around here are decent enough, and the island becomes more intriguing when you know what you're looking at rather than just seeing a lumpy bit of mud.

If you're staying at Lee Wick Farm Cottages or Hutleys Caravan Park, you're close enough to make it part of a wider estuary exploration rather than the main event. Best viewed from the shore or on the water rather than visited directly - it's protected and not particularly accessible anyway. Combine it with walks along the Essex coast and you've got something worthwhile.