Way Out West Shooter

Standing on the Essex coast near Clacton-on-Sea, this Wild West-themed shooting attraction brings a slice of the American frontier to the East of England. The setup is proper old-school seaside entertainment - think wooden facades, cowboy props, and the satisfying pop of air rifles taking down tin cans and moving targets.

Families with older kids will get the most enjoyment here, particularly those who fancy themselves as sharpshooters. The younger ones might struggle with the rifles, but there's usually enough Western atmosphere to keep them entertained while parents and teens have a go. It's the sort of place that thrives on friendly competition between family members.

Expect to spend about 30 minutes here unless you're particularly keen on perfecting your aim. The attraction fits well into a traditional British seaside holiday, offering that slightly kitsch entertainment that coastal resorts do so well. It's a decent diversion if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Valley Farm or Highfield Grange - close enough for an evening jaunt when the beach loses its appeal.

While it won't win awards for sophistication, there's something endearing about these old-style attractions that have survived the digital age. Best tackled with the right expectations and a sense of humour.