East Anglian beaches: part 1 – Essex escapes!
With the British Summer fast approaching – and before you remark, we remain positive at camp SbN that there will be a summer – we hope that like us you are getting excited about all the things that make summer great. A non-exhaustive list of great things about summertime includes ice creams, picnics, sunny walks, watching the sunset over an al fresco dinner AND…going to the beach!
If you want my opinion a visit to East Anglia is truly incomplete without a visit some to of the UK’s most stunning beaches.
Below are a few of the favourites frequented by the SbN team, but there are so many stunners that we’ve had to split this series into three articles to ensure we leave no stone unturned.
Our story begins with Essex beaches…
Essex Beaches – approximately 30 minutes’ drive from SbN
Island feel: West Mersea
Our featured beach is West Mersea. The beautiful beach huts that sit on the small estuary of Mersea Island seem to solidify its place as a colourful, tucked-away secret escape from the hubbub of urban Essex. West Mersea offers everything you’d want from an escape to an island – exotic food (Mersea is famous for its oysters), colourful scenery (the beach huts and golden sand of Monkey Beach) and opportunities to explore (boat trips around the bay are common).
Classic Seaside Feel: Clacton-On-Sea
Another worth a visit is Clacton-On-Sea. If you’re looking for a classic kiss-me-quick, stick of rock, fish and chips kind of day, Clacton really has it all. The pier has all the seaside arcade games and attractions you could name, so make sure you’ve got your change jar with you! The beach itself is very clean and there’s a literal plethora of eateries vying for your attention – both standard seaside fare but also finer dining – Armstrong’s on the pavilion is not to be missed.
Relaxed Feel: Frinton-On-Sea
Frinton-On-Sea is a far cry from the chaotic lights, music, beeps and pings of Clacton and is most certainly worth going to if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter. Although still adorned with cute beach huts, Frinton is a little less garish than West Mersea. The muted pastels serve for gorgeous photos opportunities, especially as the sun sets. A genteel picnic on the spotlessly clean beach is a must – just be aware that the tide comes up very high.
Also recommended: Old Harwich town, Walton-On-The-Naze and Brightlingsea.
If you liked this article and want to venture farther, look out for East Anglian Beaches – Part 2 – Suffolk Secrets – coming soon!