The Best Things to do in Port Isaac: A 48 Hour Guide
You voted Port Isaac as the best place for a spring short break, so we've put together the a...
by Jack Price / Day Out Guides
If you’re looking to find some of the best beaches in Essex, then you’ve come to the right place! We’re going to walk you through our top picks, so you know where to visit on your next getaway.
The Essex coastline offers everything from traditional seaside resorts to quiet, unspoiled stretches of sand. With over 350 miles of shoreline, the county is home to a variety of beaches perfect for family days out, coastal walks, and watersports.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a winter coastal walk, read on to find the best beaches in Essex…
The first beach in our guide to the best beaches in Essex is Brightlingsea Beach. This small but picturesque beach features a mix of sand and shingle, and offers stunning views across the Colne Estuary.
One of its most iconic sights is the row of colourful beach huts that line the promenade; have your camera ready as it is definitely the perfect photo opportunity to help remember your trip. This Essex beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to relax by the sea, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or watch the boats coming in and out of the nearby harbour.
If you have a young family, then you won’t want to miss heading to the paddling pool at Brightlingsea. Situated at the end of the promenade, the pool is surrounded by colourful beach huts on one side and railings on the other that head out to sea, perfect for young children looking to paddle safely.
The promenade provides a scenic walking route, connecting the beach to Brightlingsea’s historic waterfront and marina, where visitors can explore local cafés, pubs, and shops. Lovers of history will enjoy a stop at Batemans Tower, an octagonal, block-built folly with arched windows, believed to have been built as a lighthouse back in the day.
Make sure you check the tide times before arriving, as there is very little water to wade through or admire when the tide is out. On the contrary, strong winds during high tide can cause the water to spill over onto the promenade, so be sure to check before your trip!
Brightlingsea Beach is a wonderful destination and perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful escape by the coast.
Key information about Brightlingsea Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Promenade Way Car Park, CO7 0HH
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £3.00 | Up to 4 hours – £4.00
Postcode: CO7 0HH
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Next on the list of the best beaches in Essex is Clacton Beach, one of Essex’s most popular seaside towns. We aren’t surprised, as it promises the full British beach experience with golden sands, a lively promenade, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
The sand stretches along the coastline, so you have plenty of space to pitch up your chair or beach mat wherever you like and relax for a bit of sunbathing or building sandcastles with the family.
Speaking of the family, Clacton Beach offers a wide range of attractions, with a number of amusement rides, arcades, and even an indoor soft play area for children. The seafront also has a wide variety of cafés, fish and chip shops, and ice cream vendors, perfect for enjoying a traditional seaside treat. Keep your eyes peeled for the pesky seagulls!
Time your visit right to experience the countless events this Essex beach hosts. These include the famous Clacton Airshow, which draws large crowds with its impressive aerial displays. Clacton Beach is an ideal destination for a fun and memorable seaside break!
Key information about Clacton-on-Sea Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Carnarvon Road, CO15 6QE
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £3.50 | Up to 4 hours – £5.50
Postcode: CO15 6JS
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
A hidden beach on the Essex coast is Frinton Beach. While some of the other beaches on the list are more popular with tourists, this sandy Essex beach offers a quieter retreat for those seeking a relaxing beach escape.
The beach is just a short walk from the town centre, boasting a number of great cafés, restaurants and shops, meaning you will have everything you need for an unforgettable day by the sea.
With its quieter setting, Frinton Beach is ideal for families looking to enjoy a game of football on the beach or those looking to build the biggest sandcastle possible, as there is plenty of space here. The beach is also backed by a beautiful promenade lined with colourful beach huts, adding to its British coastal charm.
Frinton Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to find the best beaches in Essex.
Key information about Frinton Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Frinton-on-Sea Station, CO13 9JT
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £2.00 | Up to 24 hours – £3.00
Postcode: CO13 9DN
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Jaywick Beach is next on our list of the best beaches in Essex. Positioned just west of Clacton-on-Sea, this beach offers a quieter setting for those looking to get away from popular shores or the hustle and bustle of a tourist seaside town.
The beach is known for its soft sands and beautiful sea views, making it a great spot for peaceful walks with your partner if you are on a romantic getaway or the perfect spot for sunbathing and topping up your tan. Jaywick beach is also the perfect beach for the family, with calm, shallow waters that are perfect for paddling, swimming and playing games on the sand.
As one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, Jaywick Beach welcomes dogs all year round; you really can bring the whole family! Nearby, there are local cafés and convenience stores for refreshments, and if you’re looking for more, you’re close to Clacton-on-Sea with its wide range of eateries and attractions that are perfect after your day at the beach.
Jaywick Beach is a great choice for a laid-back seaside holiday and is up there with some of the nicest beaches in Essex.
Key information about Jaywick Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Jaywick Beach car park, CO15 2HZ
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £2.50 | Up to 4 hours – £4.00
Postcode: CO15 2HN
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round – there are restrictions in neighbouring Clacton-on-Sea so be aware when walking
Now, onto one of the more popular beaches in Essex, Jubilee Beach, which is often also considered one of the best beaches in the UK.
As one of the four of the town’s beaches, this Essex beach offers golden sand as well as a plethora of fun-filled activities, including Adventure Island, amusement arcades and Sea Life Adventure, a fabulous ‘zooquarium’ with otters, marine life and even penguins!
The town of Southend-on-Sea is one of the most famous seaside destinations in Essex, offering a mix of traditional seaside fun, golden beaches and fantastic attractions. Southend’s collection of beaches ranges from lively resort areas close to the famous pier to quieter spots further along the coast.
Southend-on-Sea has plenty to offer beyond just the beach. The town is home to the world’s longest pleasure pier, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll or hop on the pier train for stunning coastal views. Adventure Island, a popular amusement park right by the seafront, provides thrilling rides and family entertainment, from adventure golf to rides such as Rage and The Barnstormer.
The promenade is also lined with arcades, fish and chip shops, and ice cream stands, giving you that nostalgic seaside atmosphere. Can you win anything at the arcades? With a mix of sandy shores, classic seaside charm and entertainment, Southend-on-Sea beaches are the perfect destination for a fun and memorable holiday.
Key information about Jubilee Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Royals Shopping, SS1 1DG
Parking Charge: Up to 2 hours – £2.30 | Up to 4 hours – £4.80
Postcode: SS1 2EN
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Last but certainly not least on our guide to some of the best beaches in Essex is Point Clear Bay, located near St Osyth on the Essex coastline.
This hidden gem looks out towards the River Colne and offers a beach with a mix of sand and shingle as well as shallow waters that are ideal for paddling and beachcombing. Point Clear Bay provides a beautiful coastal escape away from the crowds of busier seaside resorts, making it perfect for leisurely walks along the shoreline and spotting local wildlife, including wading birds and maybe even seals in the estuary.
The sheltered waters also make it a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. While there is no on-site café around the beach, just a short drive away is the village of St Osyth, which offers a number of charming pubs, such as The Kings Arms, the perfect way to round off your visit to the beach.
If you are looking for a more peaceful escape, then Point Clear Bay is a wonderful destination for that laid-back seaside holiday.
Key information about Point Clear Bay Beach:
Type: Sandy
Parking: Point Clear Bay parking, CO16 8LG
Parking Charge: Free parking
Postcode: CO16 8LW
Dog-friendly?: Dogs are permitted on the beach between October – April
Has our guide to the best beaches in Essex inspired you to book your next adventure? Then book one of these delightful cottages in Essex and begin making memories today. You can also browse more of the best beaches in England, for further inspiration.
by Jack Price / Day Out Guides
I joined the Sykes team in November 2021, helping to produce content for existing and potential owners. I love a good film, tr...
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