Best & dog friendly pubs in Essex
Essex is one of the handiest places in the country to escape to for some time away, and this is in no small part down to its incredibly diverse set of restaurants and pubs that are suitable for every taste and budget.
Today, we focus on the latter with our handpicked selection of the best pubs in Essex. We’ve also made sure there are a fair share of dog friendly pubs too, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on all the fun. We’ve focused things on pubs in Clacton-on-Sea and the surrounding area, so you can tie a visit to these watering holes in perfectly with a stay at Orchards Holiday Village in the picturesque Point Clear Bay.
Ferry Boat Inn, Point Clear
Address: Tower Estate, Point Clear, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8NG
The Ferry Boat Inn is one of the best pubs in Essex and couldn’t more convenient for tying in with a stay at Orchards. Located just outside the boundary of the holiday park, this traditional Essex boozer is a has everything from great food to bar games and live music. Get here early in the evening at the weekend to kick off a night of fun with the family. Reasonable prices and friendly service combines to make this spot a no brainer for any holiday with us in Essex.
Yachtsmans Arms, Brightlingsea
Address: 35 Waterside, Waterside Marina, Brightlingsea, Colchester CO7 0AZ
Dog friendly
Head across the bay to Brightlingsea and you’ll find a whole host of the best pubs in Essex, but if we had to pick one it would be the Yachtsmans Arms. Brightlingsea’s distinctive maritime feel is represented perfectly by this waterside pub. With a range Greene King ales and beers on tap, the pub’s style is more than matched by substance. There are a range of classics on the menu too, and with this being a dog friendly pub in Essex, its right at the top of the county’s Haven league table.
The Robin Hood, Clacton-on-Sea
Address: 211 London Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4ED
Dog friendly
Make the journey into Clacton and reward yourself with a drink or two at one of the best dog friendly pubs in Essex. The Robin Hood is inland about a five-minute drive away from the coast, making the atmosphere just as chilled as the drinks are.
A pub with a distinct country feel to it, there’s a lovely beer garden in which you can bask in the sun over a tipple or two. The cocktail and spritz menu is particularly popular, and the Sunday roasts here are top notch. In fact, the food offering is great throughout the week, so The Robin Hood really is a place to settle down for a few hours on any day out to Clacton.
The Old Lifeboat House, Clacton-on-Sea
Address: 39 Marine Parade East, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 6AD
Dog friendly
A trip to The Old Lifeboat House ties in perfectly with some time on Clacton Pier. The establishment is just a couple of minutes’ walk away along the town’s Marine Parade East. And marine really is the feel when you set eyes on this place.
The circular window in the centre of the building makes it look like a boat itself, and of course from the name it did deal with all things seafaring back in its heyday. Today, it functions as a down-to-earth, friendly pub in Essex that’s more than worth a drink or two if you’re in the vicinity enjoying the delights of Clacton seafront.
Robert Burre, Clacton-on-Sea
Address: 183 Burrs Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4LH
Dog friendly
Described as the ‘Clacton Community Hub’, Robert Burre is homely from the moment you lay eyes on it. This former 14th-century farmhouse oozes character outside and in and is a great find whatever day of the week you find yourself in Clacton. There are themed nights with everything from live bands to karaoke, bingo to psychic nights.
Delicious food is served throughout the week and there’s a brilliant free VIP club to sign up to for a discount on the already very reasonably priced food. Undoutedly one of the best pubs in Clacton-on-Sea, it’s run by a family of pet lovers making this ideal for your dog and little ones too. Everyone is welcome at Robert Burre.
The Sailor Boy, Seawick
Address: Beach Rd, St Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8TB
The Sailor Boy in Seawick really personifies what the seaside is all about. The pub has been welcoming holidaymakers from the local caravan parks for many years, and it’s a firm favourite of this writer. Complete with a café for all your breakfast needs and a fish and chip shop for a real taste of the sea, it has everything needed for a great day or night out on the coast.
This pub in Essex is also right on the seafront, and a walk up a few steps is all it takes to get a great vantage point of the North Sea. Even if you’re here at night, it’s a great spot for some stargazing while you enjoy a drink or two. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Orchards Holiday Village and a regular taxi service will get you from A to B if there is no designated driver.
Tom Peppers, Clacton-on-Sea
Address: 2 Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1RH
Tom Peppers is a sports bar that’s conveniently located opposite Clacton Pier in the very heart of the town. Arguably the best pub in Clacton-on-Sea for live TV, there are loads of great spots when you walk in, so you won’t be restricted when you want to catch the big match.
The décor is fantastically modern, but that doesn’t mean the drink prices are through the roof. There’s a nice outdoor seating area if you fancy people watching, and you’re just steps from loads of places to eat when you’re done with a liquid lunch.
The Red Lion, St Osyth
Address: 8 Clacton Road, St Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8PA
A 30-minute walk or five-minute drive is all it takes to get to you The Red Lion from us at Orchards Holiday Village. One of the best pubs in Essex, The Red Lion has a lovely middle England feel to it with great, friendly service that caters for your every need. It’s an important place for the community in St Osyth, and attracts many a visitor passing through the area too.
There’s a small but delightful menu to try, with each dish given loads of love and care so you won’t be disappointed. There are a range of local beers and ales on offer, as well as the standard set of household names. This has to be one of the quaintest pubs in Essex, so pay it a visit next time you stay with us.
The Kings Arms, St Osyth
Address: 10 Colchester Road, St Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8HA
The Kings Arms is another great place to head to in St Osyth, and it can be reached on foot or by car. If you fancy the former, there’s always a taxi service available to take you a short and reasonably priced ride back to us at Orchards Holiday Village. There are a fantastic selection of ales, lagers and spirits here, and the setting is just what the doctor ordered for an escape from the hustle and bustle.
Local produce is at the heart of all the food here, with an experienced chef presiding over incredibly high standards. Keeping it local keeps the prices reasonable, so you won’t break the bank for a brilliant time at this, one of the best pubs in Essex.
The Walton Tavern, Walton-on-the-Naze
Address: 30-31 The Parade, Walton on the Naze CO14 8AP
Dog friendly
The Walton Taven is the place to sit back and relax when you head for a day out in Walton-on-the-Naze. Just along the parade from the pier, the pub is open Thursdays to Sundays with food being served throughout lunchtime and in the evenings.
The Sunday roast is very reasonably priced, and the regular menu is full of great value options that go down so well with a drink or two. The atmosphere is relaxed and is both family and dog friendly, making this one of the best pubs in Essex for an all-round great experience with the loved ones.
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Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
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Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
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An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.