Vista Road Recreation Ground

Vista Road Recreation Ground sits just outside Clacton-on-Sea and does exactly what it says on the tin - gives you a proper bit of open space to stretch your legs. It's a nature reserve rather than a manicured park, so expect scrubland, woodland patches, and the kind of undergrowth that actually supports wildlife instead of looking like someone's given it a trim every fortnight.

The reserve is ideal for a brisk walk if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm is practically on your doorstep at half a mile away, and Highfield Grange is only a mile further. You won't need more than 45 minutes to an hour here unless you're genuinely keen on spotting birds or identifying plants, which some visitors clearly are.

It's free to access and there's no faffing about with opening hours or booking nonsense. Families with young kids might find it a bit limited on entertainment value - there's walking and that's largely it - but if you've got older children or you're the type who likes rambling between beach days, it's a useful addition to your Clacton itinerary. The Essex coast around here is fairly flat and uninspiring in places, so this at least offers a change of scenery from the typical seaside resort fare.

Best visited mid-week if you can manage it. Weekends bring the local dog walkers out in force, which is fine, but you'll have more peace and quiet on a Tuesday afternoon.