Things to do in Brightlingsea
Brightlingsea is a beautiful town along the Essex coast, just a stone’s throw from our relaxing park at Orchards. Overlooking the creek, the vast space has a distinct maritime feel.
Over 8,000 people call Brightlingsea home, and it’s easy to see why. It’s become known as one of the best places in Essex to enjoy a peaceful life, away from the hustle and bustle. Despite the tranquil nature, there are still a whole host of things to do in this hideaway by the sea. Let’s show you our favourites.
1. Brightlingsea Lido
A swim at the Lido is one of the most refreshing things to do in Brightlingsea. This pool has been here since the 1930s, but it’s far from a dated vibe. It’s run by the community and is a staple of the leisure scene in Brightlingsea.
Open throughout the warmer months, it’s ideal for a day of family fun or a few lengths to keep your fitness up while. There’s also a 50-metre pool to enjoy a workout, and a smaller pool for parents with little ones.
2. Brightlingsea Harbour
Brightlingsea Harbour is a brilliant snapshot into the town’s maritime history. Massive fishing and ship building industries illuminate the town’s past, and today the harbour continues to be a hive of activity for the tourism trade. Close to the Colne estuary, several waterways meet here and create a naturally beautiful place to sit back and relax whilst you’re away.
A trip along the River Colne to Colchester is a seven-mile delight, and the harbour is also connected with bigger stops along the Thames estuary. You can enjoy this lovely area from dry land too, with quite a few pubs and restaurants serving the latest catch in the vicinity.
3. Brightlingsea Museum
We couldn’t write our list of things to do in Brightlingsea without mentioning the town’s museum. Step inside this informative place and you’ll quickly realise that Brightlingsea has a history that punches well above the weight of its small size. Founded by Alf Wakeling in 1989, the place exhibits a wide range of stuff that’s placed it firmly within the conversation of the best small museums in the UK.
History buffs young and old will love the learning on offer here, with everything from the agricultural 19th-century to hosting the ANZAC battalions in World War One showcased. The museum is open from Easter to December. Check the museum’s website for specific opening hours.
4. Batemans Tower
Batemans Tower stands tall in the pretty beach area just outside the centre of Brightlingsea. The location itself is ideal for a stroll from the centre of town, taking about 10 minutes, but there is also loads of parking if you’re heading straight back to us at Orchards by road.
The tower overlooks the River Colne and you’ll see Mersea Island across its water, another holiday hideaway to tick off the bucket list. Built in 1880, the building was used as a bathing house but was originally intended to be a lighthouse for a port that never materialised. Today, strolling to the listed building is one of quirkiest things to do in Brightlingsea. You can step inside it from 9am-1pm on weekdays and there is a lovely café nearby for refreshment or two as well.
5. Sophie Lea Fishing Charters
There are few better things to do in Brightlingsea than go for a ride on one of the fastest catamaran boats on the east coast of England. The waters around the town are some of the best in the region for fishing, and a ride one of Sophie Lea’s Fishing Charters is a great way to maximise the experience. Riders young and old will love a trip out on the water, with a whole host of swims available to catch.
Boat boarding starts at 8am and you’ll be back at the harbour by 4:30pm, making this a great day out away from Orchards. It’s worth noting that if you want to keep things simple, Orchards itself does have provision for fishing on its lake. All you need to do is bring your rod and licence.
6. Kaimoana Charter Fishing
Another fantastic charter fishing option comes courtesy of Kaimoana. They leave from Brightlingsea Harbour too, generally departing at 8am and returning at 4pm. These times aren’t dependent on the tide though, with Brightlingsea Harbour being a much coveted all tide place to depart.
Night fishing sessions are available on request and there is a handy fish skinning machine that does the hard work so you don’t have to. You’ll spot some awesome outposts on your journey out to sea, making this a real expedition.
7. Brightlingsea Regent FC
Heading to Brightlingsea Regent Football Club in the heart of the town is a great way to see an authentic game of English football. ‘The R’s’ have a small but loyal following and have been a staple of non-league football ever since their foundation in 1920s.
The club has existed in its current guise since 2005, when the ‘Regent’ name was added to its title. North Road hosts their home games, and with a capacity of just 1,000, is one of the quaintest settings we can think of for some time on terraces.
8. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of the most scenic areas in Brightlingsea (which in itself is one of the most scenic towns in Essex). A lovely area for a stroll, the park backs onto Brightlingsea Marsh Nature Reserve and is a peaceful place to get away from it all. Space is no issue here, and the quiet nature of the town means you’ll often have the place to yourself.
There’s a play park opposite for the little ones and a skatepark for aspiring Tony Hawks. We’d recommend a brisk walk around here and the nature reserve, the latter being a great place to stretch the dog’s legs too.
9. Ride the Point Clear Ferry
The Point Clear Ferry is the best way to get from Orchards to Brightlingsea, and that’s brilliant as the ferry is an attraction in itself. A ride on this special service is always a delight throughout the year, and the service provides a key connection between the two communities on either side of the creek. Rides to East Mersea are also available.
The ride from Point Clear to Brightlingsea takes just three minutes and costs a minimal amount. Ferries are frequent and cater for push chairs and bikes, so you can easily continue the adventure when you get onto dry land.
How to get to Brightlingsea from us
Brightlingsea is just across the creek from our park at Orchards, so the journey to this terrific town couldn’t be simpler. A ride on the Point Clear Ferry is the best way to get across to Brightlingsea, but the trip can also be done by road. A nine-mile drive gets you to its heart. Here’s how you get there:
Head east along Point Clear Road until you get to St Osyth
Take a left at St Osyth Park and continue along B1027 for four miles
Turn left at Thorrington onto B1029 heading past All Saints Church
You’re now in Brightlingsea. Keep heading through the town to reach the marina area
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New 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 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
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.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 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 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
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.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. 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.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
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.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
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.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
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.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
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.