Holidays in Essex

Homestead Lake Park is perfectly placed for you to explore all this beautiful region has to offer. From top family attractions and historical sites to beautiful beaches and must-visit destinations, there is so much to see and do nearby. We’re also handily located just 15 minutes from the coast, so don’t forget to pack your bucket and spade…

Take a look at our guide, below, to just some of the many things you can see and do nearby.

Places to visit

If you fancy a day out with the kids then head to one of the many towns and villages nearby which are packed full of amenities and things to see and do – perfect for when the weather isn’t being so kind…

Colchester

Visit Britain’s oldest recorded town (once the country’s capital some 2,000 years ago) which is now a thriving, modern town with top class attractions, cafes and restaurants

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Harwich & Dovercourt

A must-see destination for history-lovers, Harwich is the place where Pligrim Fathers built the Mayflower while Dovercourt is a popular, fashionable resort

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Mersea Island

Approached by a causeway from the mainland, Mersea Island is well worth a visit. Spend time on the beaches, enjoy great food in the oyster bars and explore Cudmore Grove Country Park.

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Constable Country

Explore the countryside that inspired Constable. Visit picturesque villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows and ancient woodlands and discover a wide variety of local wildlife...

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Must see attractions

No holiday in Essex is complete without visiting at least one of the many top attractions nearby. Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – and all only a short distance from our Essex touring park

Clacton
Pier

Clacton Pier offers a host of fantastic value family fun. Always a popular seaside destination for the weekend, Clacton Pier boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor fun and activities including ten pin bowling, rides and the aquarium

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Colchester
Zoo

Colchester Zoo is rated as one of the best zoos in the world and the second best in the UK. Here you can meet many different species from around the world, see them being fed, watch a training session or perhaps just quiz their keepers!

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Beth Chatto Gardens

Spend a day visiting these beautiful gardens and see where Beth Chatto OBE transformed an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches into an inspirational, informal garden. Prepare to be inspired...

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Tiptree
Museum

Did you know the iconic (and somewhat world famous) Tiptree conserves are made just a short drive from Homestead Lake Park? Take the tour and enjoy a cuppa in the café, with some scones and the famous jam, of course.

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Award-winning beaches

If your idea of holiday heaven is time spent soaking up the sun on a golden sandy beach then you’ve come to the right place. Essex is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches, so you’ll be spoilt for choice – here’s just some of our favourites…

Clacton-on-Sea

Long regarded as being home to one of the finest beaches in Essex, Clacton symbolises the real, classic British holiday destination. If you are in search of the traditional pleasures of the seaside from your childood, with a modern twist, then Clacton-on-Sea is the perfect destination.

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Frinton-on-sea

If you want to avoid the shops, cafes and amusements then why not try Frinton-on-Sea, which is one of the most popular beaches in the region and, in contrast to Clacton-on-Sea, is very quiet and has a lovely, laid-back feel. To this day it still retains an atmosphere of the 1920/30s

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Walton-on-the-naze

Did you know that Walton-on-the-Naze is home to the second longest pier in Britain? As if that wasn’t worth a visit in itself there is also a good-sized sandy beach divided up by various wooden groynes and breakwaters

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Brightlingsea

An ancient maritime town, Brightlingsea is located at the mouth of the River Colne. Backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts, Brightlingsea is home to a lovely sandy beach. Once famed for its shipbuilding, it is now a haven for yachting and boasts many amenities. It's well worth a visit here...

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Historical sites

The Essex landscape is dotted with buildings and monument of historical significance, some of which date back centuries. You can easily spend a few days the many historical sites across the region.

Layer Marney Tower

England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower has commanding views to the River Blackwater and beyond. Built in the reign of Henry VIII by Henry, Lord Marney, Layer Marney Tower is a statement house, that shows its original owner was rich, powerful and a friend of the King.

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Colchester Castle

A visit to Colchester Castle should definitely be on your to-do list. It's better than ever before with interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Vase and Fenwick Treasure. Visit the museum to have a go at building a Norman archway, excavating a Roman doctor’s grave or steering a chariot.

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The Naze Tower

An historic 86ft landmark and unique visitor attraction, it is situated on an attractive stretch of coastline at Walton-on-the-Naze. Over eight floors it houses an art gallery with three exhibitions a year, a museum on the Tower and Naze, tea rooms and a roof viewing platform with panoramic views

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Local Amenities

If you need a loaf of bread, a pint of milk or a big food shop you won’t have to venture far. You’ll find just about everything you need only a short distance from our park.

Local shops and supermarkets

  • Post Office & Shop: Weeley, just a short walk
  • Tesco Express: Thorpe-le-Soken, approximately 2 miles away
  • Morrisons, Tesco, Aldi, Iceland & Lidl: Clacton-on-Sea, approximately 5 miles away (10 minute drive)
  • Asda, Sainsburys & Waitrose: Colchester, approximately 14 miles away