Clacton-on-Sea 

The Tendring peninsula in north Essex juts out into the North Sea and is otherwise known as ‘Essex’s sunshine coast’. Clacton is its most famous resort and metamorphosised from a quiet east coast village into Clacton-on-Sea in the Victorian age when the railways could bring in masses of people, who were developing a passion for wide sandy beaches and sea air.

Very much a boisterous seaside resort with, a pier, pavilion, promenade, gardens and amusements, though a little more refined than Southend to the south.

Clacton boasts the largest pier in the world (not to be confused with Southend’s longest pier) and the six and a half acre site promises ‘seaside fun for everyone’ with a selection of rides and events, including a seaquarium.