The Leas Beach

The cliffs at Walton on the Naze are the real draw here, and The Leas Beach sits right beneath them - a modest stretch of sand and shingle that acts as the gateway to Essex's most distinctive coastal feature. The cliffs themselves are the star: red and orange layers of clay and sand that rise about 45 metres, formed over millions of years and frankly quite dramatic against the flat Essex landscape.

You can walk along the beach itself easily enough, though it's pebbly rather than soft sand, so proper shoes are sensible. The pier at Walton is just along the seafront if you fancy a traditional seaside stroll. The real appeal is the geology - the cliffs are genuinely fascinating if you're into that sort of thing, and children often enjoy spotting the different coloured bands and hunting for fossils after rough weather. On a decent day the views back along the coast are proper satisfying.

It's free to access and can be done in an hour or so, though you might linger if the tide is out and you fancy exploring the foreshore. Go early or late to avoid crowds in summer. The nearby holiday parks - Naze Marine is practically on your doorstep at just over a mile away - make this an easy addition to a park-based Essex break. Grange Farm Campsite and the other parks within five miles give you flexibility, though honestly The Leas itself isn't a full-day attraction. Think of it as a proper seaside leg-stretch rather than a destination in itself.