Washing-up area: Campsites in Thorpe Le Soken, Essex

Grange Farm Campsite

• Just over an hour's drive from London and 20 minutes from Colchester
• A 10-minute drive from the coast at Clacton and Frinton-on-Sea
• Within easy walking distance of the local village's pubs and takeaways

Zen and Den

• Woodland Zome

The Pretty Thing

• Family-friendly and peaceful park on an acre of lush green land
• Clacton-on-Sea within 15 minutes; half an hour to centre of Colchester
• Within easy reach of beer and cider festivals, and the Clacton Airshow

Naze Marine Holiday Park

• Within walking distance of the beach at Walton-on-the-Naze
• Nature reserve and Naze Tower nearby
• Indoor pool with terrace, adventure play area and amusements

Martello Beach Holiday Park

• Direct access to seven miles of beach on the Essex coast
• Indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sports court and kids' club
• Lively restaurant and bar with takeaway and entertainment

Orchards Holiday Park

Acorn Cottage

• Sole lodge surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Constable Country
• Dry skiing at Ipswich, plus fishing and sailing at Ardleigh Reservoir
• Six minutes' drive to handsome Dedham village for pubs and tearooms

Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site

• Quiet family-friendly Mersea Island site, family-run since 1923
• Wildlife haven, woodland walks, games field and two play areas
• Close to the beach and with a pub a few minutes' walk away

Sun and Moon Wellness Camp

• Set in 87 acres of Suffolk parkland on the banks of the Orwell River
• On Shotley Peninsula, 10 minutes’ drive from Felixstowe foot ferry
• In the grounds of Woolverstone Hall; wellness workshops and activities

Essex Outdoors Mersea

• Mersea Island site right on the coast two miles from West Mersea
• Five minutes' drive/bike ride to Cudmore Grove Country Park
• Activity centre on site; watersports lake next door

Tomcat Farm