Clacton-on-Sea

Candy floss and pier games still rule here, making this Essex seaside town delightfully old-school. Clacton-on-Sea refuses to apologise for being exactly what you'd expect - a proper British resort where families have been making memories for generations.

The long sandy beach stretches for miles, backed by classic seafront attractions that haven't changed much since the 1960s. That's rather the point. While other coastal towns chase boutique credentials, Clacton doubles down on traditional seaside fun. The pier, arcade halls, and endless fish and chip shops create an atmosphere that's pure nostalgia.

Beyond the town centre, Essex countryside unfolds in gentle rolling hills and quiet villages. Great Bentley sits just inland, a lovely spot where the village green claims to be the largest in England. The train station here connects directly to London Liverpool Street - handy for day trippers but also showing how accessible this corner of Essex really is.

Weeley provides another gateway to the area, with its own village character quite different from the seaside hustle. These inland settlements offer a glimpse of rural Essex life, complete with medieval churches like St Edmund King & Martyr that have watched over the landscape for centuries.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to Clacton's seaside attractions when you fancy the excitement, but also a base for exploring the quieter Essex countryside. Places like Parkdean Resorts Weeley Bridge Holiday Park or the luxury cabins at Malting Farm put you right in the sweet spot between coast and country.

It's not trendy, and that's exactly why it works.