Best walks in Essex

Distance: 3.5 miles Terrain: easy 

Jump in the car from Orchards Holiday Village and take a five-minute drive down to Seawick, where you can park in the area around the Sailor Boy pub, café and amusements (which is actually a great place to relax and fresh on your way back from this Essex coastal walk too).

From here, head along the beautiful Essex seaside on an uninterrupted stroll that’s also a great dog walk. You’ll pass Jaywick Martello Tower, an 1800s defensive structure that’s now a contemporary art venue. Walk past the untouched Jaywick Beach as Clacton Pier slowly comes into view. Soak up the sea breeze as you pass Toby Carvery, another great place to stop, especially on a Sunday! This marks your arrival in Clacton. When you reach the pier, grab some fish and chips from the seafront, or some seafood from Tubby Isaacs. You can walk back or jump on the bus to Jaywick’s Martello Tower, just a stone’s throw from where you parked.

Distance: 2 miles Terrain: easy

This walk in Essex is proof that Orchards Holiday Village is amongst some of the best scenery the county has to offer. Leave through the main entrance of the holiday park and head along Point Clear Road. Stay on the left side and you’ll find a picturesque left turn just before the road itself veers to the left. 

Walk through the stunning countryside and back out to where the road meets the stunning Mill Dam Lake, home of the entertaining Curve Water Sports, which you should definitely try out at some point! See the historic stone walls of St Osyth on the left, the gateway to St Osyth village. You can stop off for a pint or refreshment at The Red Lion or Kings Arms before taking the same route back to your van.

Distance: 2 miles Terrain: easy

Point Clear Bay is where Orchards Holiday Village sits and must be discovered when you’re here for a stay with us. An easy route to navigate, the route gives you great views of Brightlingsea across the bay, and you can relax on the pebbly beach, which is a particular delight at sunset. Stroll south past the holiday park and see more brilliant sea views, and head back through our park to see where St Osyth and Brightlingsea Creeks meet. 

The feeling here is particularly maritime, and this dog friendly walk sets you up nicely for a boat ride across to Brightlingsea for a refreshment or two.

Distance: 2.5 miles Terrain: easy 

Head into the heart of Clacton and start your stroll from Clacton Pier north towards the sleepy town of Holland-on-Sea. This walk in Essex is a brilliant way to see some of the county’s finest coastline, with a lovely and easy route along King’s Promenade. 

This is one for the whole family. There are several resting spots along the way with pretty gardens and a couple of cafes providing sustenance. When you get to Holland-on-Sea, head to Frinton Road for a wide range of eateries and watering holes to rest before heading back home.

Distance: 2 miles Terrain: rough 

Colne Point Nature Reserve is a great dog walk in Essex and a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle. Pack your wellies or walking boots for this one as the terrain can vary in places. Your effort is rewarded with a real breath of fresh air as you stroll along Ray Creek. 

If you fancy adding some distance, the nature reserve is neighbours with Orchards Holiday Village. Walking directly from your accommodation adds a mile or so to this walk, depending on your location on park.