Best beaches in the South East

The area around our Essex holiday park at Orchards is one of the original places people flocked to for an escape from the hustle and bustle. Here are our favourite beaches to head to in Essex, all within easy reaching distance of our holiday parks:

1. Clacton Beach, Clacton-on-Sea 

The golden sands of Clacton Beach are home to a magnificent pier filled amusements, attractions and some brilliant adventure golf. Top tip - grab some delicious seafood from Tubby Isaacs! Clacton Beach is a short 15 minute drive away from our holiday park at Orchards.

2. Frinton Beach, Frinton-on-Sea 

Further up the illustrious Essex coast is Frinton-on-Sea, a much quieter and quaint offering than Clacton. The town’s beach is brilliant for a stroll whilst you take in the breath of fresh sea air, and the sand itself is spotless with a Blue Flag award recognising its unspoilt beauty. Classic and colourful beach huts add even more character to the surroundings, as does the sleepy promenade.

3. Walton Beach, Walton-on-the-Naze 

Walton-on-the-Naze is undoubtedly home to one of the best beaches in the South East. It’s full of things to do, including an undercover amusement complex, a pier full of fun things to do and brilliant spots for fishing. When you’re done with exploring the delights of the coast, head into the town and try the delicious pie and mash from the brilliant Whites shop. 

Kent is known as Garden of England, but we’re out to add the county’s coastal delights to its endless list of reasons to visit. Let’s run through our favourite beaches, that also tally up as some of the best beaches in the South East. 

1. Allhallows Beach, Allhallows 

Located mere steps away from our Kent Coast holiday park, visitors to this beautiful beach can enjoy magnificent views of the ever-wider Thames Estuary, and wonderful wildlife-filled walking routes.

2. Leysdown Beach, Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey 

Jump in the car from Kent Coast holiday park and head for the unique Isle of Sheppey to find Leysdown. The island’s second largest town after Sheerness, Leysdown has attracted many a holidaymaker over the years. It’s easy to see why with the generously-sized sandy beach joined by some great places for fish and chips, all the classic amusements and a place or two for a drink.

3. Margate Main Sands, Margate 

Margate may be an hour's drive away from our Kent Coast holiday park, but the effort to get there is more than rewarded by an array of things to do that include the brilliant Dreamland, one of the best traditional theme parks in the UK. The sand itself is wide and expansive, so a day out to Margate isn’t just about getting involved in loads of activities, there is ample opportunity to kick back and relax too. If you are in the mood to be a tourist, there’s adventure golf and Turner Contemporary Art Gallery amongst other places to visit.

Norfolk has always been one of the UK’s tourism hotspots, and with over 90 miles of coastline to discover, it's easy to see why. Here’s our shortlist that are also some of the best beaches in the South East: 

1. Caister Point, Caister-on-Sea 

North of Great Yarmouth, this sandy Norfolk paradise, situated next to our Caister holiday park is a brilliant place to relax with all the family, dog included. This is one of Norfolk’s largest sandy stretches and is made all the more brilliant by places like The Centurion and The Smokehouse, which are both great places to eat in the vicinity.

2. Hopton Beach, Hopton 

A hop, skip and jump is all it takes to get from our Hopton Holiday Park onto Hopton Beach, one of Norfolk’s best kept secrets and one of the best beaches in the South East. Located close to the county’s border with Suffolk, you can cross this historical boundary on a walk down to Hopton’s neighbour, Corton. A walk in the opposite direction takes you up to the underrated Gorleston-on-Sea, so there are two fantastic strolls from the sand here. 

3. Great Yarmouth Beach, Great Yarmouth 

There are few greater places for a getaway than Great Yarmouth, this flagship Norfolk seaside town is only a short distance along the coast from our Seashore holiday park. Amusements, attractions and entertainment combine magnificently with the north and south beaches to bring a family friendly day out like no other.

Sussex is a coastal county of contrasts. Bustling Brighton lays a strong claim to being Britain’s most lively seaside city, whilst its neighbours are slightly sleepier and a great place to escape to on a holiday with us. Here are our favourite Sussex beaches: 

1. St Leonards Beach, St Leonards-on-Sea 

Opt to stay at our Combe Haven holiday park and you’ll be a 20-minute walk from St Leonards Beach. Quieter than its close neighbour down the road in Hastings, St Leonards is a shingle beach beautifully backed pretty Victorian houses on the town’s promenade. Stroll another 20-minutes and you’ll reach Hastings Pier, a hub of entertainment that marks the town’s coastal centre.

2. Pagham Beach, Pagham 

Pagham is a peaceful town in the west of Sussex, ideal for an escape from the hustle and bustle and home to our Church Farm holiday park. Pagham’s shingle stretch affords magnificent views across the English Channel; keep your eyes peeled for a ship or two. Stroll eastwards or bring your bike for a quick journey to a slice of history. The Aldwick Bay Estate has stood on the south coast and housed the rich, famous and some royalty since 1929. 

3. Bognor Regis Beach, Bognor Regis 

When many people think of the best beaches in the South East, Bognor Regis often pops up as a suggestion. Its waves are gentle, perfect for swimming and when the tide is at its lowest level, the vast sandy beach is truly a sight to behold. Stroll along the esplanade to find Bognor Pier, host of several places to eat and a great spot for some quality fish and chips.