Clacton-on-Sea

This proper old-school seaside resort hasn't lost its end-of-the-pier charm, despite decades of economic ups and downs. The grand Victorian pier stretches boldly into the North Sea, still drawing families for penny arcades and fish and chips with a sea view. Behind the seafront, the town centre feels a bit tired these days - plenty of charity shops and empty units - but that's part of Clacton's unpretentious appeal.

The beach itself is decent enough. Wide golden sand that's perfect for donkey rides and sandcastles, though it gets properly packed during school holidays. Just don't expect Cornish crystal-clear waters - this is the Essex coast, after all.

What makes this stretch of coastline interesting is the quieter countryside just inland. The Parish Church of Saint Leonard and Saint Mary Beaumont Cum Moze sits in lovely rolling farmland, while St Mary the Virgin in nearby Wix offers a proper slice of medieval England. For something completely different, Gt Oakley Fishery provides peaceful angling in a rural setting that feels miles from the seaside bustle.

Getting here is straightforward enough - regular trains from London Liverpool Street take about 90 minutes, while the A133 brings drivers straight from the M25. Colchester, the nearest proper city, is only 20 minutes up the road.

Basing yourself at one of the holiday parks around here makes perfect sense. You get the seaside fun without the noise of the town centre, plus easy access to both the coast and Essex's surprisingly attractive countryside. The area between Clacton and Harwich offers some lovely walking country that most visitors completely miss.