The summer holidays are well and truly upon us so we've rounded up five stunning Essex towns and villages you can visit with your children.
School's out and we know how difficult it can be to keep your children entertained at home.
Why not travel out to one of these wonderful Essex locations for what may prove to be a memorable day out for you and all the family.
Frinton-on-Sea
In the Tendring district is Frinton-on-Sea, noted for its "charming" 1920s atmosphere, rainbow-coloured Victorian beach huts, and "time capsule" feel.
From mid-July to the end of August, visitors can watch shows at the Frinton Summer Theatre, which has been running from 1934 and sees a company of professional actors and directors perform comedy, drama, thrillers, musicals and special events, with a new production beginning almost every week.
Also another viable option for beach enthusiasts, Frinton-on-Sea was named among the top 12 coastal escapes within three hours of London by The Times this summer.
Frinton-on-Sea holds a Blue Flag award and was ranked second place in a new ranking by the AA, which assessed 228 Blue Flag beaches across the UK and Ireland.
Brightlingsea
Nestled between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, at the mouth of the River Colne in the Tendring district is Brightlingsea.
For beach lovers, Brightlingsea proves a great destination as, like Frinton-on-Sea, it has one of seven Blue Flag beaches in Essex - awarded to beaches which meet high standards for water quality, waste management, climate action and biodiversity protection.
If you or your children would prefer to avoid the sand, Brightlingsea also has a volunteer-run lido by the sea in Promenade Way.
According to Visit Brightlingsea, visitors can also tour the town via boat, and "tides permitting" may get to see Cindery Island - a nearby salt marsh that serves as a sanctuary for numerous birds and wildlife.
Southend-on-Sea
Perhaps the most well-known location on the list, Southend-on-Sea is a classic Essex seaside town and a popular holiday destination.
It is possibly best known for its iconic 1.3-mile pier – the longest pleasure pier in the world.
For visitors with children, there is not shortage of attractions such as Adventure Island "bringing awesome sights, thrills and frights to revellers of all ages".
The Sea Life aquarium is also a popular attraction where you can "immerse yourself in the wonders of life on planet Earth" - ideal for marine life enthusiasts.
Mersea Island
Probably the most unique location on this list is Mersea Island, just south of Colchester.
What sets Mersea Island apart from other areas is the fact it can only be accessed by a single road which, twice a day, is subject to a high tide - sometimes cutting the island off from the mainland entirely - which is sure to fascinate youngsters.
Visit Mersea Island's website describes the island as "the perfect coastal location" and the "ideal place to spend time in Essex".
For "picturesque beach huts", Visit Essex recommends a visit to West Mersea Beach but if you’re looking for a "beautiful dog walk with a sandy beach, grassland, meadows and an impressive view" then it says Cudmore Grove Country Park is the best option.
Matching
Matching is a village in the district of Harlow and contains Matching Green - one of the biggest village greens in all of Essex.
If you have energetic children and feel you have a lack of space at home, Matching could be a good option for you.
Spanning just under 14 acres, Matching Green is shaped almost triangular and is bordered by mainly detached homes dating from the 14th to the 19th century - and 28 of which are listed.
Today the green is used for cricket, football, dog walking and community events and next to it sits The Chequers - a pub deemed to be serving one of the best roast dinners in Essex by lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos.
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