Brightlingsea Touring Park

View prices & book 9 595 reviews
Visitor image of the campers and sunset
Aerial view of site
Visitor image of the view to the boating lake
Around the site

  • Well-maintained site in Brightlingsea, on the Essex Sunshine Coast
  • Howlands Marsh 25 minutes’ drive; Colchester Castle half an hour
  • Electric and water hookups and launderette; well-behaved dogs welcome
The family-oriented attractions of the Essex Sunshine Coast are easily within your grasp at Brightlingsea Touring Park, a well-maintained lakeside site on the outskirts of the town of the same name. At this dog-friendly site, spacious hardstanding pitches come with electric and water hookups, and guests also benefit from a toilet/shower block and a launderette. Brightlingsea’s high street, with its traditional pubs and global restaurants, is a five-minute walk from the site, as are the colourful huts of sandy Brightlingsea beach, overlooked by the late 19th-century Batemans Tower. Here you can have a swim and try out all sorts of watersports, from canoeing to jet-skiing. If you’d rather stay dry, you might want to take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and join the nature trail that follows the River Colne all the way to Alresford Creek. A 10-minute walk in the opposite direction leads to Brightlingsea Harbour, where you can board a barge for a sailing tour among the moored pleasure boats and around Cindery Island. Don’t forget your binoculars: this area is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Those who want to explore more of the local landscape (and delve deeper into the local birdlife) can head to Howlands Marsh (25 minutes’ drive), an area of wetlands inhabited by geese, skylarks and curlews – not to mention the occasional raptor. Faced with a day of inclement weather and the kids getting restless? No problem: the Brightlingsea Museum, in town, has lots of interactive exhibits and kids' activities.

Site type

Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 20
Touring caravan pitches 49
Motorhome pitches 49
Tent pitches 49
Open now
Opens 1 March
Please note
  • Group bookings of 5 or more units (e.g. tent, touring caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • If reception is closed on arrival: please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Sat, 1 Mar to

This site is a member of Countrywide Park Homes group.

AA Holiday Centre
View all Countrywide Park Homes parks.

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 62%
    10
  • 2%
    9
  • 24%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 6%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 1%
    4
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    3
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    2
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    1
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
7

91% would recommend this site to a friend

90% would stay here again

What customers say

This campsite is praised for its superb location, just a short walk from the beach, shops, and pubs. Many visitors highlight the clean facilities and friendly, helpful staff. Pitches are generally well-maintained, with many offering lovely lake views. While most guests enjoyed a peaceful stay, some noted occasional noise from nearby roads. The free use of washing machines and dryers is a popular bonus.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 60
Arrival date (latest first)

The views, location and the vibes…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
6
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Millie B.

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked The views, location and the vibes

Disliked For the price I do think the toilets/shower block does need updating but we’re regularly cleaned throughout the day!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely surrounding peace and tranquility will come again very well clean facilities…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
7
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (lake view)

Liked Lovely surrounding peace and tranquility will come again very well clean facilities

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful view of the lake. Quiet and compact.…

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
7
Value for money
8
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
7
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
5
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked Beautiful view of the lake. Quiet and compact.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Clean and tidy facilities, site kept neat and tidy, friendly staff.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked The campsite was fairly empty and quiet which was very relaxing. The views of the lake was nice, as was the amount of birds to be seen and the nearness to the seafront and the town. The facilities were clean and tidy and the grass areas were kept neat. We met Nicki when we arrived who was very pleasant and helpful.

Disliked It would have been nice to have a seat/stool in the shower areas as both my husband and I struggle with standing and getting dry and dressed was a bit of an effort.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Nice quiet site suitable for older visitors.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
8
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
6
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
9
Joanna C.

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked Clean toilet and showers. 2 sinks for washing up, washing machine also available if you need it. Quiet site that is 5 mins walk from the seafront and lido. Nice walk along to a family friendly beach.

Disliked 11am departure, would be better if it was 12pm.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Superb site, locations is spot on!! we will be returning very soon

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Anonymous

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked The showering and toilet facilities were very clean
The grounds were in great condition and right next to the beach, lido, pubs and shops. Also a view over the lovely lake

Disliked i felt they could have had an additional toilet and shower. They had allowed a big group of men in whereby they website notes it doesn't allow single sex groups. They were quiet though so not real issue just a bit of a shock when initially driving in

Recommend to friends Visit again

Good value for money. We will be back again 🔥

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
5
Paul N.

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch (lake view)

Liked Nice site in a convienient location.
Site is basic but with Good facilities, clean toilet and shower block and dish washing area, laundry room (didn’t use). We had a fully serviced pitch (water & electric) Great communication from Nikki, was very helpful and happy to make time for a chats although a very busy lady. Would be happy to recommend and will use again in the future stays.

Disliked Would be nice to have access to free WiFi. There is a paid for service but didn’t check prices.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with clean facilities and friendly staff

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
7
Accommodation
7
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
9
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
4
Anonymous

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked Vet nice site good facilities and everything explained to you

Disliked Be by a road

Recommend to friends Visit again

First time visiting Brightlingsea, the location of touring park close to sea…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
6
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Karen B.

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked First time visiting Brightlingsea, the location of touring park close to sea front and shops and pubs.
Our pitch was road side - did not have any issues with noise or cars going up and down the road.
Had a lovely relaxing weekend Fri - Sun.
Dog friendly - our Bruno had a lovely time!😊
look forward to returning.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely place to stay, some management issues.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
10
Accommodation
7
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
7
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
1
Anonymous

Electric hardstanding and grass pitch

Liked Size of pitch, cleanliness of toilet/shower facilities, relaxed environment, closeness to town and external places to visit.

Disliked 2 lots of dog poo on my pitch when I arrived. Water tap did not have any kind of spout, so water came out awkwardly spraying; no wifi. Was told over the phone by the camp manager that my pitch was number 22, but confirmation email the day before I arrived said pitch 19 - confusing!

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Large (51-200 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Cycling nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Water hook-up points for tourers

Location

Brightlingsea Touring Park

Promenade Way

Brightlingsea

Colchester

Essex

England

CO7 0LW

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

51.80848°N
1.01934°E

Nearest transport

Coach
2.4 mi Brightlingsea Road
2.4 mi Brightlingsea Road
2.4 mi Oaklands
Rail
3.3 mi Alresford (Essex) Rail Station
3.6 mi Great Bentley Rail Station
4.3 mi Wivenhoe Rail Station
Ferry
0.3 mi Brightlingsea Ferry Landing
0.4 mi Point Clear Ferry Landing
13.9 mi Harwich International Ferry Terminal
Airport
21.4 mi London Southend Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Created in the 1960s, Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (15 minutes’ drive) is based on a simple but oft-ignored principle: right plant, right place. One of the highlights here is the Gravel Garden, famously never watered and home to drought-tolerant plants and shrubs. In contrast, the Water Garden spreads around a series of ponds and is dotted with colourful flowers. Reward your offspring for following you patiently around the gardens with a trip to Hasty’s Adventure Farm (20 minutes). In addition to a giant sandpit for younger children, there are oversized Lego constructions, an adventure course and grass slides. Not forgetting resident animals like Pipsqueak the pygmy goat and Mac the alpaca… Built in the 11th century over the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, the Norman Colchester Castle (half an hour) now houses a modern museum displaying items unearthed locally, such as the Fenwick Hoard, a collection of delicate jewellery and coins, and a vase decorated with images of fighting gladiators.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Brightlingsea 0.4 mi Estuary N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
West Mersea 4.6 mi Sea N/AGoodN/AN/A
Jaywick 4.7 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Clacton Beach Martello Tower 5.5 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Clacton 6.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

firstsite 7.5 mi

Colchester Castle Museum 7.6 mi

Colchester Zoo 8.7 mi

East Anglian Railway Museum 13.8 mi

Christchurch Mansion 18.4 mi

National Trust

Bourne Mill 6.6 mi

Flatford: Bridge Cottage 10.4 mi

Thorington Hall 12.5 mi

Coggeshall Grange Barn 14.9 mi

Paycocke's 15.1 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Brightlingsea 0.1 mi

Cudmore Country Park - East and West Mersea - Cudmore 1.2 mi

Brightlingsea - Colne Estuary - Crab and Winkle Path 1.4 mi

ST OSYTH'S PRIORY 2.3 mi

Hollybush Hill - Brightlingsea - River Colne - Hollybush 2.4 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Essex?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Brightlingsea Touring Park have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Brightlingsea Touring Park dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Brightlingsea Touring Park? Created in the 1960s, Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (15 minutes’ drive) is based on a simple but oft-ignored principle: right plant, right place. One of the highlights here is the Gravel … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Brightlingsea Touring Park?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Brightlingsea Touring Park? From £25 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.