Jaywick has a beautiful sandy beach perfect for families close to Clacton-on-Sea. The area is a hive of activity during the summer. There is a golf course, gardens and pleasant green areas, streams with a flotilla of ducks for children to feed and plenty of cricket and football pitches. This is an area rich in caravan and chalet parks and there is no shortage of shops, pubs, cafes or restaurants. The streets are alive with amusement arcades, but it is the sandy beach that remains the focal point for visitors and locals alike. Located close to the beach is the historic Jaywick Martello Tower. Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century, the tower is home to a gallery, children's activity area and a local heritage information centre.