Things to do in Clacton-on-Sea

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 

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