Explore the area

Places to visit near The Orchards

Just down the road for many, there are wide skies and beautiful sunsets – plus some of the UK's best weather and lively resorts like Clacton-on-Sea. An easy escape from London or the East Midlands. Here you can holiday at a gentler pace, enjoying miles of gorgeous, sandy clean beaches. Not far inland are many wonderful gardens, villages and the enchanting Norfolk Broads.

Lots to see and do

Our top picks

There are lots of fabulous places to visit, using Haven holiday parks as your base. From beautiful beaches and landscapes to places of interest like historical sites and nature trails, or attractions like theme parks and wildlife parks - there are choices to suit the whole family. Check out our top picks.

Discover The Gravel Garden, The Water Gardens, The Scree Beds and The Woodland as you explore the gardens created by Beth Chatto.

Address:	Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB
Open dates:	All year round
Distance from park:	10 miles from The Orchards

A row of blue beach huts at Brightlingsea

Brightlingsea is a delightful, small sailing town on the Essex sunshine coast. The historic town centre has something for everyone, including a variety of shops as well as many old buildings set among the narrow streets which lead down to the waterside.

Address:	Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex, CO7 0DT
Open dates:	All year round
Distance from park:	9 miles from The Orchards

A sunset with Clacton-on-Sea pier in the distance

A traditional seaside town with long sandy beaches, water sports, a Victorian pier with amusements and a fun fair. There is so much for the whole family to enjoy here.

Address:	Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SE
Open dates:	All year round
Distance from park:	7 miles from The Orchards

Visit Britain's oldest recorded town full of history and heritage. From award-winning museums, fascinating Roman remains, a mammoth castle, and Colchester Zoo, there is so much going on here for the whole family.

Address:	Colchester Information Centre, 1 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PG
Open dates:	All year round
Distance from park:	14 miles from The Orchards

Get up close to the animals, feed the elephants or wander through the Orangutan Forest. With over 260 species to see set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, 40 daily displays, an undercover soft play area, four adventure play areas, The Lost Madagascar Express road train and much more, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit.

Address:	Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL
Open dates:	All year round
Distance from park:	19 miles from The Orchards

The rain never stops play at Walton Pier as it's all undercover! Be thrilled on The Waltzer, ride on The Gallopers, visit Pirate Pete's Adventure Land or bowl a strike in the ten-pin bowling centre.

Address:	Walton Pier, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8ES
Open dates:	All year round
Distance from park:	14 miles from The Orchards

A traditional seaside town with long sandy beaches, water sports, a Victorian pier with amusements, and a fun fair. There is so much for the whole family to enjoy here.

Address:	Clacton Beach, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 6JS
Open dates:	All year round
Restrictions:	Dogs restrictions from 1 May-30 September
Distance from park:	8 miles from The Orchards

Brightlingsea Beach © Amanda Slater (flickr)

Brightlingsea is a sandy beach backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts. Formerly an important fishing and shipbuilding area, Brightlingsea is now a haven for yachting. A popular resort with plenty of amenities.

Address:	Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex, CO7 0HH
Open dates:	All year round
Restrictions:	Dogs not allowed from 1 May - 30 September
Distance from park:	9 miles from The Orchards