Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Camping

A stroll around the historic neighbouring farm village St Osyth (25 minutes' walk) is also recommended to see the Priory which has been looking over the village centre since the 12th century. Get sandy on the two beaches within two miles, walk along the seawall to seaside town Clacton-on-Sea (otherwise 15 minutes' drive) to buy fish and chips and a Kiss Me Quick hat, or double up on the seaside by also visiting tiny and quirky Frinton-on-Sea (25 minutes). There are plenty of nature spotting and birdwatching opportunities in the area too, with regular local sightings of the once rare marsh harrier bird of prey. Further afield, Colchester (half an hour) is a quick drive or bus ride away, and as England’s oldest recorded town there’ll be plenty of historical sights to see – have a schlep around Colchester Castle then keep the kids happy by taking them to the first-class zoo. The famous Suffolk Heritage Coastline is also a short drive away with towns Southwold (an hour and a half) and Aldeburgh (an hour and 15 minutes) to browse around, or keep up the history theme by nosying around nearby Wivenhoe (20 minutes), Brightlingsea (15 minutes) and Maldon (55 minutes).