Outside Colchester Is A Charming Coastal Town With An Award-Winning Beach, Fresh Seafood, And Family Fun

With more than 36 miles of scenic coastline, the Essex Sunshine Coast offers travelers a much-needed escape from the often cool, wet British weather. And while there's an array of villages and charming towns to explore along the region's shores, Clacton-on-Sea remains the largest, boasting a level of liveliness and a diversity of attractions that's hard to find in some of its neighbors. The town is home to over 50,000 residents, and, according to a poll conducted by Rightmove, it was named one of the happiest places to live in the United Kingdom.

So, how can travelers make the most of their time here? One of the top items on your itinerary will be exploring the local beaches. There are several to choose from, including the sandy Clacton beach and the award-winning Martello Bay. And with fishing so popular here, foodies can also look forward to freshly caught seafood, and must-try spots range from casual fish-and-chips joints to sit-down restaurants with water views. Beyond the coastal attractions, visitors can experience Clacton's charm through its garden-lined promenade and family-friendly activities, including a visit to the town's pier for rides and arcade games, an adventure farm, and a carnival.

Clacton-on-Sea is located near Colchester (considered by many to be England's oldest city), roughly 17 miles southeast. Those driving can cover the distance in about 35 minutes, while visitors taking the train need only about half an hour. The town is relatively walkable, so a car is by no means a necessity. For fliers, the nearest major airport is London Southend Airport (SEN), which is less than two hours away by public transit. You can also get to London or back in under 90 minutes by direct train.

With beaches that stretch for miles and a reputation as a lively yet budget-friendly seaside resort, Clacton caters to water lovers. Thanks to its position on the North Sea, the town provides abundant fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Around Clacton, you'll find at least five beaches, of which Martello Bay is a must-see, a stretch of sand named after a nearby 19th-century tower. Amenities include beach huts and seasonal lifeguard service, and those looking to get active can swim, kayak, windsurf, and even try their hand at the nearby crazy golf course.

Clacton Beach is another popular option, especially for anyone looking to explore the town's iconic 19th-century pier. It's wide, clean, and sandy, and another popular swimming spot, with watersports like canoeing and jet skiing often available. Fishing is also popular around the pier, but be sure to check permit requirements before casting a line. Before planning your beach day, check out our guide on the best time to visit England for optimal weather.

Fishing not your thing? You can still enjoy seafood from one of the dozens of eateries in town. Geo's Fishbar is the place to go for your casual fish-and-chips run. It's a family-run joint serving the classic British dish, with the haddock coming highly recommended. For a meal with a view, stop by Salts by the Sea, where the main highlights are the fresh scampi, cod, and, of course, lobster Thermidor.

Thanks to its postcard-like views, Clacton-on-Sea makes for one of the most charming spots along the Essex coast. A good introduction to the town is a walk along the promenade and its surrounding gardens. Benches line the pathway, making it an easy spot to pause and enjoy the seaside views. The gardens themselves include sunken areas and Mediterranean-style spaces, and some date back to the 1920s and feature thousands of colorful bedding plants.

Clacton's allure extends to its family-friendly attractions. Clacton Pier is filled with rides, including a Ferris wheel, arcade games, a go-kart track, and more. Little ones can also get close to life-sized dinosaurs at Jurassic Pier and enjoy a 4D cinematic experience. Parents who want to keep their little ones more connected to nature can visit Hasty's Adventure Farm, which Tripadvisor currently ranks as one of the top three attractions in town. Activities here include go-karting, den building, sand-and-water play, ride-on tractors, and more. Visitors can also interact with animals like alpacas, lambs, and pygmy goats.

The Clacton Carnival is another must-experience for those coming to town during August. With a history that spans over a century, this is a week-long event where locals and visitors can enjoy games, quiz nights, and children's dress competitions. Proceeds go toward local charities. When you're done with all that Clacton-on-Sea has to offer, make the short 8-mile journey to nearby Walton-on-the-Naze, considered the best place to find fossils in the United Kingdom.