Things to do in Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton-on-Sea is nothing short of a colossal name in the holiday at home conversation. The exciting Essex town is a hotbed of exhilarating experiences for all the family.
As it's in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of London and the South East, Clacton is as brilliant for a quick getaway as it is for a full-blown break by the sea. There are so many things to do in Clacton, we’ve whittled the endless options down into a list that will help you plan your day out.
1. Clacton Pier
Nothing says Clacton quite as much as the iconic sign at the entrance of one of Britain’s greatest piers. There are so many things to do in Clacton Pier, let alone the town itself!
Find a whole host of classic amusements, as well as a wide range of whatever-the-weather activities to get your teeth stuck into, topped off by a fun-filled bowling alley. A challenging 18-hole adventure golf course also adds to the fun indoors. There are loads of rides as you walk further along the pier, including the legendary Wild Mouse Coaster.
Entry to the pier itself is free so it’s great for a stroll even if you don’t fancy the array of things to do inside.
2. The pier’s soft play centre
Clacton’s soft play centre sits within Clacton Pier. It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Clacton for young families, so we think it merits a section all to itself. This modern facility is home to five state-of-the-art playrooms that resemble your childhood dreams. Your young ones can enjoy a secure space for toddlers to 13-year-olds, whilst there’s also a separate area for the toddlers. Those 0-36 months are able to enjoy a soft section of their own.
All these secure spaces have a great place for parents and guardians to watch from, with table service available via an app so none of the family will go hungry. You can book a session here online, with limited availability on the day.
3. The waterpark at Clacton Pavilion
This wonderful waterpark sits on Clacton’s coastline, along the Marine Parade. Open from May until October, this aqua adventure is a great place to splash and play when the weather is warm enough. The state-of-the-art space is the first of its kind in the country, offering a whole host of interactive elements that propel it well above your average swimming pool or lido. There are slides, snazzy water features and a bridge at the heart of the action.
Deckchairs are on hand to dry off on and all of this is within touching distance of the big sea itself. If you feel peckish from the family fun, there’s plenty of food to be had on-site as well. The waterpark at Clacton Pavilion is a must for your list of things to do in Clacton.
4. The Fun Park at Clacton Pavilion
We love a good fairground ride at Haven, and Clacton is a place that doesn’t disappoint. Get the adrenaline rushing with the array of exhilarating rides at Clacton Pavilion. Attractions like ‘The Terror Tower’ are unique in the UK, so this is a spot for exciting experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. There are three levels of fun, combining for a selection that’s suitable for the whole family.
All of that is at your fingertips, and we’ve not even told you the best part. Admission to the park is free since all the rides are operated on a token basis, including big discounts if you decide to try plenty of them.
5. Hasty’s Adventure Farm
Little farmers will love some time spent at Hasty’s Adventure Farm, Clacton’s best spot for some fun with the animals. This outdoor day out offers a whole host of activities for young adventurers, allowing everyone aged 3-11 to have a great time on the outskirts of Clacton-on-Sea itself. Spend as much time as you want getting close up with pigs, lambs and calves on this spacious site.
A massive outdoor play area and go-karting track will keep the older kids occupied, whilst toddlers can enjoy a giant sandpit with miniature diggers. Hasty’s is open all day, every day during the warmer months of the year so it’s easy to plan a trip here when you stay with us at Orchards.
6. Walk along the promenade
Sometimes the best things to do in Clacton are the most simple. No trip to the town is complete without a stroll along the promenade where you can take in the fresh sea breeze. The joyful atmosphere and picturesque scenery showcase everything that has enticed people to this beautiful town.
You’ll spot loads of amusements as you make your way along the seafront. Try your hand at classic arcade games or look back on some child memories of your own. Of course, a walk means you’ll work up an appetite, and you can’t leave without trying the famous fish and chips. Clacton has an abundance of choice, but John’s is a particular favourite whenever our team head into town.
7. Martello Tower ‘E’
Martello Towers dot the coastline in the area around Clacton. You’ll be curious to explore one in greater detail and find out about these unique structures that stand near the sand. Martello Towers were key to Britain’s defences centuries ago, with this stretch of structures being built in the early 1800s to stave off a French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars.
We recommend heading to Martello Tower E, which has also served as a house and a water tower. As a key insight into Clacton’s history, we often imagine what it will be used for next. You can this thing to do in Clacton in with a walk along the seafront to Jaywick - a great way to stretch the legs.
8. The seafront gardens
A favourite amongst the locals, the seafront gardens catch the eye of every visitor. This floral masterpiece is maintained magnificently by the local council. Flower beds are planted twice a year and you’ll find a range of themed gardens within the big one itself.
The memorial garden is a particular highlight and pays homage to those who have lost their lives in conflict. A Green Flag Award winning site, Clacton’s seafront gardens are often described as the pinnacle of their kind on the Essex coast. The grounds themselves a great place to take a breather, sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
9. Tricky Escape Clacton
One of the liveliest things to do in Clacton, the Tricky Escape rooms are a fine example of an entertainment concept that continues to grow with every passing year. Puzzles and challenges form an activity that is quite literally a race against time.
Rated as one of Essex’s best, Tricky Escape Clacton is in the heart of the town and is a brilliant all-weather thing to do with family and friends. Prices are cheaper for bigger groups, so this is definitely one for everyone making the trip on holiday with us. There are also Tricky Escape rooms in Walton and Harwich, so when you’ve clocked these challenges head for the others nearby.
How to get to Clacton-on-Sea from us
How to get to Clacton-on-Sea from us
Clacton-on-Sea is just six miles away from our park at Orchards. It’s the ideal spot for a day out when you fancy a change of scenery on your Haven holiday to Essex.
To get to Clacton from Orchards, simply:
Drive east along Point Clear Road and through St Osyth
Turn right at Pump Hill, which then becomes St John’s Road
Turn right at the major roundabout onto the A133
You’re in Clacton where there are a range of pay and display car parks to choose from
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.
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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.
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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.