Clacton-on-Sea, often referred to simply as Clacton, is a coastal town located in Essex, England. Situated on the Tendring Peninsula, it serves as the largest settlement within the Tendring District. The town is positioned approximately 77 miles north-east of London, 16 miles south-east of Colchester, and 16 miles south of Harwich.
The development of Clacton-on-Sea as a seaside resort began in the 1870s. The suffix "on-Sea" was specifically used to distinguish the coastal town from the older village of Great Clacton, located about one mile inland. Historically, the two settlements were administered together as a single urban district between 1895 and 1974, eventually merging into a single urban area during the 20th century.
As of 2021, the town has a population of 53,200. It currently lies within the Parliamentary constituency of Clacton.