Weymarks Beach

Mud, mud and more mud. That's what greets you at low tide on this stretch of Essex coastline near Southminster, though don't let that put you off entirely. Weymarks Beach is proper old-school seaside - the kind where you need to time your visit with the tides and bring wellies rather than flip-flops.

When the water's in, it's actually rather pleasant for a paddle, especially with young kids who'll love splashing about in the shallows. The beach itself is a mix of sand and shingle, nothing spectacular but perfectly serviceable for a family day out. Dog walkers seem to love it here - plenty of space for four-legged friends to stretch their legs along the shoreline.

Honestly, it's not going to win any beauty contests against Suffolk's posher beaches, but there's something refreshingly unpretentious about the place. You won't find beach huts or ice cream vans here, just acres of space and decent views across the Blackwater Estuary. Come at high tide if you want actual swimming, though the water stays pretty chilly even in summer.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Coopers Beach or Mersea Island will find it a reasonable alternative when the main resort beaches get crowded. Just check the tide times first - nobody wants to drive here only to find a sea of Essex mud stretching to the horizon.