Dog-friendly things to do in Essex
Essex is a county full of contrasts - from the bright lights of Clacton Pier to peaceful ancient forests. If you’re stopping at Orchards Holiday Village with your family (including the four-legged members!) then you’ll want to get out and explore all Clacton and the rest of Essex has to offer.
Here are some of our top recommendations for dog-friendly Essex attractions (including dog-friendly pubs and restaurants).
Dedham Vale
On the border between Essex and Suffolk, Dedham Vale is a standout spot of natural splendour. Art lovers know that it’s the same landscape that compelled artists like Gainsborough and Constable to create their masterpieces!
The Vale is crisscrossed with well-marked footpaths and bridleways for dog walks in Essex. You’re free to explore anywhere you spot a sign, with open access to the land. And of course, your dogs are invited to join in the ramble - just keep an eye out for the dog waste bins scattered around to help keep the area clean.
Hadleigh Castle
If you're heading to Orchards Holiday Village from London, stop in Hadleigh. Hadleigh Castle has stood proudly since 1215 and today's ruins offer a picturesque look across the sprawling Essex marshes and further out to Southend and Canvey Island. In the warmer months, it’s an idyllic setting for a picnic with plenty of photo opportunities!
While you won't find a dedicated car park, there's on-street parking not too far off, with just a short walk leading you to the site. Be mindful of the footpath as it can be a bit of a climb and tends to be muddy. Close to Hadleigh Farm, you'll have access to facilities, making the journey a bit more comfortable. Dogs are more than welcome to join in as long as they're on a lead.
The Barge Inn, Battlebridge
This 300-year-old pub in Battlebridge oozes charm with its lush beer garden out front and a snug, rustic interior. Dogs are more than welcome here! Indulge in a classic Sunday roast or weekday pub grub, then wash it down with a selection of spirits, cask ales, lagers or wines. There's an impressive roster of 135 speciality gins, plus a thoughtful range of non-alcoholic options too.
Their doors are open for lunch, dinner, and breakfast, with a commitment to locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. To walk off your meal, there are plenty of pretty trails near the River Crouch.
Howlands Nature Reserve, St Osyth
This secluded and picturesque area is just a stone's throw from Orchards Holiday Village and within easy reach of sleepy St Osyth. The perfect blend of marshland and pathways combine for a fantastic dog-friendly thing to do in Essex.
Watch the sunset from the oasis of Brightlingsea Creek or traverse Nun's Wood, itself backing onto St Osyth Park, a great spot for all the family.
Museum of Power, Maldon
For a unique look at an attraction that’s dog-friendly in Essex, the Museum of Power in Maldon brings industrial heritage to life, housed in a former water pumping station with dozens of interactive exhibits. This site turned into a sanctuary for diverse wildlife after it was deserted in the 1960s, now carefully preserved with guidance from the Essex Wildlife Trust. Keep your eyes peeled for various bird species, wildflowers, darting fish, and maybe even a Green Woodpecker, if you’re lucky.
There's a small admission fee but you're free to stroll the scenic walks nearby at no cost. Fancy a cuppa? The Steam Pump Tearoom is the perfect rest stop for refreshments. And for a bit of fun, the miniature railway chugs along a circular track right around the museum! Plus, it's an absolute haven for dog lovers - the museum, grounds, and café all welcome your furry companions.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
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An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
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Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.