Beaches in the South East

One of our favourite walks along the beaches of the South East centres on Essex. Set aside an hour each way, get something comfy on your feet and take a stroll along the coast from Point Clear where our park at Orchards is based, all the way up to the magnificently famous Clacton. Use the town’s pier in the distance to measure your progress, and if you don’t fancy walking back, simply hop on a bus to Seawick and pick up some refreshments before you retire to your caravan. 

A similar walk along Great Yarmouth’s promenade is brilliant for all the family, and a perfect option if you’re staying at one of our Norfolk parks. The Hoo peninsula, home to our Kent Coast park in Kent, is another place that boasts lush countryside and a brilliant fresh sea breeze for a stroll. Pick out Southend pier, the world’s longest across the Thames Estuary when you walk alongside the Thames here. On the Sussex coast head for Birling Gap Beach and be mesmerised by the magnificent chalk cliffs on a day out from Combe Haven or sample the West Wittering Beach when you stay at Church Farm. Both places are within the Chichester Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

Amongst the endless options afforded to visitors of beaches in the South East, we think one historical site stands out amongst the crowd. The White Cliffs of Dover are simply iconic, and a must visit if you’re staying with us at Kent Coast or our Sussex parks. You’ll set foot on a natural monument of freedom and liberation that became infamous during the Second World War as part of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime rendition to troops. Today, you’ll have a fantastic view of France on a clear day and spot vessels on what is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. 

In Norfolk, the coast is actually closer to the Netherlands than it is to many big British cities, and the UK’s easternmost point is marked by the Euroscope at Ness Point in neighbouring Suffolk, a great day out from our park at Hopton. 

Close to Kent Coast, the wreckage of the SS Richard Montgomery mysteriously rises above the Thames Estuary waters. The vessel broke up in 1944 whilst hosting 1,400 tonnes of explosives and has a 500m exclusion zone around it, but don’t worry, you’ll be more than a safe distance from it! The best views of its soon to be trimmed masts are probably from Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey, only a short drive from us.

Where do we start?! For traditional seaside fun for all the family, there’s never a beach in the South East too far from our park with all the attractions to match. At Combe Haven, you’re within walking distance of the amusements in Hastings, and Battle (named after the infamous 1066 Battle of Hastings) is well worth a visit whilst you’re in the area. Clacton is a brilliant option for any stay at Orchards. 

You’re spoilt for choice when you drive east from Kent Coast into the heart of Kent, with towns like Whitstable and Herne Bay perfectly complimenting rising stars like Margate and Ramsgate. Great Yarmouth has you covered for any stay in Norfolk, and for a slightly different vibe, head south into Suffolk and discover Aldeburgh. Located where the River Alde meets the sea, there’s a distinct maritime feel to the place that makes this quaint town an attraction in itself.