Places features

Kelsall
I moved to Clacton about 8 months ago from Yorkshire, found it to be a nice place but has a few problems like "a good night out" only two main pubs on the sea front and the rest of the pubs away from the sea front you carnt get in only frends only! What's that all about? There does seem to be a "chav" thing going on round here but don't you expect that in the south of england! The beach/pier is brill great for the kids and great for dog walking tho from may-September you carnt go on the beach with the dog, not a massive problem just go to holland-on-sea or jaywick.

Lou
Most boring closed off town EVER try living here all your life yawnnnnyou really notice how different you are to other people from other towns, life is closed and everyone is closed minded, i would not recommend having children here because once your here you tend to get stuck

faye
are dogs allowed on jaywick beach?

luke
i want butlins to go back to clacton

Kel x
I'm glad to say that I moved from Bucks to Clacton when I was five. And this place holds alot of memories. Luckily I live in a tiny little village on the very brim of Clacton. It's quiet, the neighbourhood is friendly and the beach is amazing. The town has been cleared up alot lately. It looks more like a nice place to shop and spend the day with friends. Personally I find Clacton a pleasurable place to live and don't intend on leaving anytime soon :]

debbie
lived in clacton for just over a year now nice walk going towards holland on sea. towns not bad slower pace of life here.I think frinton is better that may be our next stop.

Margret Tomkins
The pier and beach are definetely not up to one's approval. The pier should be safety checked.

see-saw
mostly small kiddie rides that go round and round in circles on tracks. for the bigger kids there is a simulator, waltzers,two faster twisting rides and dodgem cars. (but only if they're all working!) there is also a small aquarium that's £1 entry. i would only recommend a day at the pier for families with kids under 13 as older than that will be bored for more than an hour.fridays are good for all kids as its 'pier night' with wristbands from about 7 til about 10 and unlimited use.

Clolly
Um..What rides do they have????????? Might be useful!

see-saw
I have lived in Clacton all my life and it might have been a nice sea side resort in the 70's but its a dump now!!! the town centre consits of 2 streets (chemists and charity shops!) with no parking. the pier is geared to small children only. nightlife is one sardine size club. if u dont like the beach then tough luck...theres nothing else! tourism keeps clacton alive so there is no way locals are stuck up towards tourists..unless people bring their stinking attitudes with them and honestly we put up with alot!!

Faiaz M Saif
it was fantastic and the first beach i've ever been to. it was on a school trip & it took ages:3 1/2 hours!

C.M
I like clacton beach its very good but can anyone answer my question : Are dogs allowed on this beach?

Chikako
I've visited Clacton in 2003. The place made me so sentimental. Because my best friend who was born in a small village near Clacton passed away in the fall of that year.

jacqueline
great xxx

Stan
I've unfortunately had to live in clacton for 3 years, use to come here as a child, which back then seem fun, but now older, nothing has actually changed. shops are still the same, technology is like a 6 months behind, fine for a day out but to live here is terrible.

Lucy
Been here for 7 years and although there have been some good times and it can be lovely in the summer,there is no denying that the place definately needs cleaning up! I'm pretty young and cant wait to move on and find life again. If you have to move here frinton is a classier day by the sea and nightlife has to be in colchester. However if you want a kiss me quick, squeeze me slow hat day by the sea you will probably have fun, sit by the gardens with fish and chips and go to the air show

chloe
its a nice place, but there's nothing for children or young people, everything closed in the winter and its dead

Pat & Debbie
Debbie: "Really like it in clacton looking, forward to going on the beach in the summer." Pat: "Yeah, the Pie & Mash shop is really good up here"

alli&chan
its ok but too many stones and too many ciggeretts everywhere

Josh
Just moved here love it so far lots to do. jaywicks beach is the best for walking my beagle dog little josh. nice people

george
i think there is not enough entertainment and also quiet depressing

faye
It is geting better and better up here.I have been on the pier six times. I love the WALTZA its so fun.I been on it with my sister.

Deborah
Moved UP TO CLACTON IN JUNE AND HAVE FOUND IT A NICE PLACE TO LIVE. LOOKING FOWARD TO THE SUMMER,WHEN THE PIER OPENS AND BEACH.

faye
I love clacton on sea, its the best place i have ever been to. Some people think its a old dump but its not, its the best place ever. I love my new school.

Rita
Like clacton a lot born herelots of changes. wish the prom was clear of shingle.Gardens are kept well.

john
i had fond memorys as clacton as a kid, but now its a run down town, full of rowdy teenagers etc, same as all of essex,although im sure its still nice on the beach in summer time!

Martin from colchester
Clacton is the best. Along wiht Southend, Mersea, Canvey and other places, it is just fantastic.

Charrie
I have never been to clacton beach but it sounds like fun. Shanice is my mate and she hass told me that for her project she has used this beach so i have looked and read the info. and have decided i am going to use this beach as well thanks shanice

Shanice
It is a lovely beach that u can sit and relax on. It spreads out for loads of acres and is a really nice place to relax.

lucy t
ive lived in clacton all my life and i suppose its home :D yeah its got the norm chavs vandalism the drugs but doesnt compare to other towns theres crime everywhere but i think its pretty safe the beach is a crap hole and could do with some cleaning but hey what beach dont people call clacton chav town what town dont have chavs and they are realy nice people really the fountains they have just put in were really stupid because they could of spent it on more adequate things like betterparks more thatre more shops a shopping centre more schools more night clubs cleaning up the beach sorting out the sea defence sorting ardens ready for next years summer mor rides on the pier making the pier bigger a theme park loads of things but hey to late now and to me clacton is home! x

Janos
Clacton is a nice place to go even if it's in winter & not much going on, all it needs is like most towns of today, a lick of paint.

barb
I grew up in Clacton & it was a great place for kids, clean, crime free. I live in Toronto now. I don't understand about chavs (what are they?) and boy racers. Here in Toronto street racing is probited by law and stiff penalties in place for racers. Police really clamp down on it. What are the cops doing in Clacton? Why don't they stop the racing. I was in Clacton about 5 yrs ago with my brother and saw some racers at night. No cops in sight to stop them. Where were all the police? Sitting on their arses? The seafront still wonderful for long walks and fresh air but Clacton is better off-season. Not crowded and very clean. Friendly people when you chat to them. Lots of good memories of Clacton.

rate payer
this beach is blighted by the sad fact its connected to the town of clacton

emma
hey i used to live at clacton but moved when i was five but i still go down there alot seeing as all my family live there the beach isnt the nicest beach iv ever been to (i now live in new zealand)but its awsome!! i love it and cant wait to go back and visit!!

Haras
I think Clacton is very understated. I have been there many times and have found there is more in the area other than the pier. Great little villages, lovely historical sites, good nightlife - the list goes on. Most towns have its troubles to a certain extent with vandalism, drugs, boy racers etc. Its just you notice it more in Clacton because it has never been allowed to shake off the stigma of having troubles. From what I can tell the town has been cleaned up dramatically and is looking quite pleasing to the eye. It appears that the fountains have been a hit. The powers that be appear to be regenerating the area. If it is kept up it can only be a good thing – just look at how Brighton, it one of the trendiest seaside towns in the UK. Yet I remember when that was a dingy seaside town!! My advice to you is visit with an open mind and judge for yourself. There is much more to Clacton and the area. You may be pleasantly surprised.

JAY
Clacton used to be an excellent day out, years ago, but like everything it has changed, Southend is much better there is more to do. Clacton needs a lick of paint & more for kids to do on the pier. The beach is lovely, but there is parking issues.

kim
i live in clacton and i believe that the only good thing in clacton would have to be the pier, its great.

Deborah
Just Moved to clacton. love it here so far. Beach seems nice Nice bike ride along sea wall.

ross ricketts
im going to clacton in August and staying at the Esplanade Hotel if any1 knows what its like? i been to clacton as a kid and loved it but aint been in a while. anywhere good to go? and good pubs?

Faye
Was really looking forward to spending sunday at clacton with my boyfriend - but im thinking twice about coming now!!! Please dont call the people who live in clacton stuck up - every one ive come across when i go to my great aunts are lovely and very welcoming!!! <3 please tell me some good things about clacton and what me and my boyfriend both age 20 can do for the day - Thanks

Jim
As a disabled resident I use the local Shopmobility scheme where for a modest annual membership fee I hire an elctric scooter for just 50 pence per day and drive along the beutifull seafront. Holiday visitors can also hire scooters for the day or week.

Corinne
I think this is rather out of date. Yes, there are some good bits of beach, but these are getting fewer and fewer, as the sand is washed away. A large section has been closed completely, where the prom collapsed in the early spring, other areas are not available as they no longer have adequate steps, while some are dangerous due to the large boulders that have been put in place to try (ineffectually) to stop beach erosion. A number of beach hut owners have huts they cannot use this year, or no beach when they get there, I have a hut at Holland on Sea, and my section of beach has been closed to use, because the sand has been washed away, leaving exposed dangers, which make it dangerous to swim.No amount of complaining to the council has much effect, and money allocated by DeFRA a few years ago to protect the beaches was taken away when we had yet another lot of inland flooding.

aaron rohn
have always gone to clacton during the hols to see my gran who lives there, always loved it (apart from the stony beaches) loved the pier, went on it every year so great fun !!!!! any 1 who says clacton is boring, dull and full of stuck up people dont know clacton all the people there are friendly and considerot its all the holiday makers who leave runnish on the beaches that are stuck up !!!!!

shelly
ive just read some peoples comments of clacton ive lived here most of my life and the only stuck up people are the holiday makers they are so rude to us people who work and live in clacton

Lee
Clacton has slowly slipped down the list of great coastal holiday spots in the UK. Back in the 80's it was at its peak, with a Pier to be proud of, full of rides including a corkscrew rollercoaster. Butlins was just up the road, there was a Zoo and there was no better Holiday Camp than Highfields. Step forward to the new century 20 years and there is nowhere to park, the Pier has nothing on it, Butlins is now houses, the zoo is closed and Highfields has been bought out by a greedy money grabbing holiday company who have taken the life and soul out of that too! In all, it's just lost what made it Clacton and anyone under the age of 30 will have trouble making a connection with Clacton and a great holiday place! You can only blame the local council and residents for allowing it to slip down like it has. 10 years from now it will be as exciting as Walton.

JANE BAUCH
I HAVE MANY TEEN MEMORIES OF CLACTON,THE WESTCLIFF,SWIMMING IN THE SEA IN THE SUMMER GREAT TIMES IN THE70S.JANE SAVANNAH GEORGIA.JANE.

Tony
Clacton is the most unfriendliest place ever, full of stuck up people who don't talk to you unless you're born and bred.

Finbar Jonson
Hello, I don't like Clacton. Frinton is much better and I think that Clacton should be shut down. It is digusting and you can't park there!! OH NO!! !!WHAT A SHAME!!

Buzz Kids Club
we all love coming to clacton beach in the summer.Someting we try to do several times every summer. Its a relaxing friendly day our for the staff and children. Love the safety colour coded beaches and the facilities are great.

zoe
Im soooo excited im going to clacton on saturday and cant wait!!! I'll let you all no how it went i just hope that the weather is good!!! ''fingers crossed''

sharna
i lo e clacton....love going on the fab pier and the beautiful beach! great day out with my children! x

jaydiee jess tilz
hey we have lived in clacton all our life we lurvee going to the pier friday nights its coolnes

Maria
I'm a teenager living in Clacton now, and no offence to any one, but it is really rubbish. There is nothing to do apart from going to the beach, whick gets boring after a while. It's fine for short periods of time, but it's not all that great.It's full of chavs and boy racers on the like. No one here has a dream or a good career so it makes it hard for me.the education is ok but everything else is poor.

alex, italy
I spent some months in Clacton as a teenager,and these places will stay forever in my mind

Jean
I used to live near Clacton and enjoyed walking on the beach most evenings in the summer and also through the day in winter. Clacton is a great Town, with lots of friendly people. Just one gripe, not enough trash bins to help keep the place cleaner.

l1l ow3n g@l
i have never been befor but am going on sunday but the weather isnt very good so im looking for indoor activities aswell as the beach. It sounds lovely and i wish to go on a nice warm day and cool of in the sea with my family. People have great times here and i wish to. I will tell you about my visit as soon as i get back. Were only going for a day as other plans to see my cousins in a dance show so we need to back fo that. But however we have decided to prospone the stay til th futre. I am a very excited young 12 year old girl cant waiting to get into the car to go. i live about n hour drive away so not to far. See you all later

john
I grew up in clacton great place st clares fond memories

Jane
Have you noticed that those people who do not like Clacton (in the majority) cannot spell and most probably do nothing to help raise the profile of the town.There are some lovely people in Clacton that try their hardest to keep Clacton a nice place to live.If you come to the Beach and leave it free from your rubbish then we are half way there.!!!!!!!

Alfie
I Might go around in May 07 I think my teacher(Mrs Menditta)went.

Natasha
Heya i ave never been before but im going tomorrow!!!!!

Lucy
Kids love Clacton for the beach all year round. we live in one of the villages just outside clacton and yes some of the kids can be a bit rowdy but we always know when the camps open at Easter cos thats when the really rowdy kids turn up. Give it a try on a sunny day sitting on the beach or in a beer garden its wonderful. x x x

arthur
can some body tell me what happened to the money from europe to rejuvenate Jaywick back to holiday resort it once,which is west clacton.

malcolm and sandra
been going to clacton for 22 years and is great hope to still have another 22 years all the family love it

Ray
Worst thing I ever did, retiring to Clacton. The kids on the estate next to where I live are the most ignorant I have ever met. They never go to school, have no respect for anybody, and have no idea what a Bin is used for. Go to Torquay if you want either a nice place to live, or to take a holiday.

mickey burt
i love clacton. i live in southend but i also love clacton.

Cheryl
My mum and dad moved to Clacton 5 years ago after retiring from work in london. The move has been the best thing they could of done, the atmospher in Clacton is friendly the beach is lovely and clean and its a great walk along the sea front even in the winter. Go to clacton and see for yourself, it reminds you of childhood holidays....

danny
my girlfriend lives in clacton & im in london but come friday i can not wait to get on that train up 2 clacton i think is a lovely place 2 b, & it help me unwind, can not wait 2 move up there.

donna
clacton used to be a lovely town years ago but WHAT A HOLE NOW.

sue
i was born here.it used to be idyllic.i had the most wonderful childhood.now you dont go out in the dark.overrun with addicts and alcoholics.

kelly
never been but would really like to go

sara
I have never been to Essex cause I heard it was the home of the chavs but it sounds like a lovely place and this beach looks and sounds good to!!!

shannon
i want to know about the education there

Mick
Love it to death, cant get enough of it ,will be over in July.

robert burgess
hi i agree with jean a water feture is a waste of money, ive been living in clacton for nealy 20 years now moved from tottenham london and thats a dump now, but clacton is a nice place to live if you want to bring kids up but if clacton seafront was kept nice and tidy it would be outstanding.

jackie
been staying in clacton for a while. it's a lovely place, quite a lot of elderly people living there. will be visiting clacton on my next trip to england.

Marc
I grew up in Clacton, but moved away some 16 years ago. I still visit for the smell of the sea air. It's the only place to be....

jean
clacton is a nice place but need's a bit of blc,it is about time the council took a good look at clacton it need a facelift it is no good just putting a few new pavement's in and wasting taxpayers money by putting a water feturein . it will take a lot more than that to bringing vistor's back