The Essex and Suffolk coastline is dotted with traditional seaside resorts offering fun for all the family. Clacton, less than 14 miles from Wivenhoe House, is definitely worth a visit during your stay, even if it is just for a go on the penny slots.
The largest resort on the Essex Sunshine Coast, Clacton has golden beaches, beautiful seafront gardens, sea front kiosks, two theatres and even pleasure flights. If you love planes then make a date for the Clacton Air Show Thursday and Friday August 24 and 25.
This year the Martello Bay beach gained Blue Flag status, the gold standard for beaches.
West Beach is where you find Clacton’s Pier, celebrating its 146th birthday this July. By the end of World War Two, Clacton was established as a premier seaside resort and the pier was at its centre, jampacked with arcade games and rides.
The old fashioned games of penny slots – now for 2ps and ten pence coins – is still there alongside a waltzer, helter skelter, aquarium, and adventure golf, all childhood favourites, whatever your age is now.
During the summer school holidays Circus Fantasia returns to Clacton Pier with a new spectacular show featuring amazing acrobatic displays.
And if you, or rather the younger members of the family, still have any energy left head to Hasty’s Adventure Farm just outside the town.
It’s a traditionally British day out by the seaside and what could be better than that?