Key Facts
- Park name
- The Tideaway
- Owners
- Brothers Billy and Elliot Ball
- Location
- Near St Osyth, Essex
- Opening
- This month (August 2026)
- Size
- Seven acres of landscaped grounds, woodland, and open green space
- Pier operation
- Ball family have run Clacton Pier since 2009
Background
The Ball family, who have run Clacton Pier since 2009, are expanding their presence on the Essex coast with the launch of a new luxury holiday park called The Tideaway. The park is set to open near St Osyth this month, according to a report by clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk.
The family welcomes more than a million visitors to the pier each year. The Tideaway is described as a boutique holiday destination set within seven acres of landscaped grounds, woodland, and open green space, offering luxury lodge stays and holiday home ownership.
Current Situation
The Tideaway has been designed to cater for growing demand for high-quality coastal breaks while encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring Clacton and the surrounding area. Operators believe the park will provide a boost to the local visitor economy by supporting nearby attractions, shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout the year.
Elliot Ball, director of the Tideaway, said the family remains committed to investing in the town and surrounding coastline. He said: “We believe Clacton has enormous potential and we're proud to continue investing in the area. Having spent years welcoming visitors to the pier, we've seen how the area has evolved and recognised an opportunity to offer something different.”
The site has been designed with a limited number of lodges to create a more exclusive feel and allow the family to maintain a personal approach to customer service. Visitors and owners at the Tideaway will also benefit from exclusive links with Clacton Pier, further strengthening ties between the two destinations.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Park name | The Tideaway |
| Owners | Billy and Elliot Ball |
| Location | Near St Osyth, Essex |
| Opening | This month (August 2026) |
| Size | Seven acres |
| Pier operation since | 2009 |
| Annual pier visitors | More than one million |
Impacts
The new park is expected to support the local visitor economy by attracting more visitors to the area, which could benefit nearby businesses such as shops, restaurants, and attractions. The family's investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Clacton and the surrounding area.
Billy Ball said the project is also about celebrating the area's long-standing holiday heritage. He added: “A key part of the Tideaway's vision is welcoming back those who spent their childhood holidays in Clacton-on-Sea and giving them the chance to create new memories with their own families.”
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the Tideaway attracts the expected number of visitors, it could provide a sustained boost to the local economy throughout the year, supporting jobs and businesses. The exclusive links with Clacton Pier may encourage more visitors to explore both destinations, potentially increasing footfall in the area.
However, the success of the park may depend on factors such as tourism trends and economic conditions. If demand for high-quality coastal breaks continues to grow, the Tideaway could become a significant contributor to the region's tourism offer. Alternatively, if visitor numbers fall short, the impact on the local economy may be limited.
The family's commitment to investing in the area suggests they see long-term potential, but the actual outcomes will depend on how the park is received by visitors and the broader market.
Source: clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk
