Southend-on-Sea Seafront

The seafront at Southend stretches for miles along the Thames estuary, and it's the sort of place where you'll find yourself walking further than you planned. There's a proper Victorian seaside feel to it all - the pier, the beach, the smell of salt and fried food - though admittedly it's seen better days. The pier itself is the main draw: at over a mile long, it's one of England's longest, and you can either walk it or pay for the train ride to the end. From the tip you get sweeping views across the water, which on a clear day reach towards Kent.

Families will find plenty to occupy a morning here. The beach slopes gently, the amusement arcades are still going strong, and there are fish and chip shops dotted along the promenade that do an honest job. Teenagers might find it a touch dated compared to flashier seaside towns, but a walk along the front with decent weather beats sitting indoors. The whole seafront is free to explore, though the pier and its attractions will cost you.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Essex Glamping is only 5 miles away and worth considering for the reviews alone - Southend makes a solid half-day stop. It's the kind of place that works better in shoulder seasons when it's not rammed with day-trippers, and honestly, a blustery autumn afternoon here has more character than a crowded summer day. Give yourself two to three hours if you're doing the pier properly.