The Haven

The Haven is a small museum tucked away in Billericay that tells the story of Essex's role during World War Two - specifically the town's experience as a coastal evacuation zone and later a departure point for soldiers heading to the continent. Inside you'll find photographs, documents, and personal effects that paint a picture of what life was actually like when the bombers came and when young men said goodbye to their families, not knowing if they'd come back.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly if you've got a genuine interest in local history or if you're the type who likes to understand where you're staying beyond the postcard version. Kids under about twelve will probably find it a bit dry unless they're already hooked on that era - there's not much interactive stuff to keep them occupied. But for anyone researching family history or just wanting to get a real sense of Billericay's past, it's genuinely worthwhile.

The museum sits close enough to Barleylands Campsite that you could easily slot a visit in between other activities - maybe combine it with a walk around the town itself, which has some decent Tudor buildings if you know where to look. Billericay's not flashy, but it's got character if you're willing to poke around a bit. The admission is likely cheap or free, though you'd want to check ahead for exact opening times before making the journey.