Beach Trips
With 350 miles of sandy beaches on the Essex Sunshine Coast and 50 miles of sand and pebble shores on the Suffolk heritage coast, there are plenty of places to enjoy a dip in the sea, build a sandcastle, or simply enjoy some tasty fish and chips and watch the world go by!
Mersea Island (26-minute drive)
The perfect location for day trips, you’ll find activities for all ages on Mersea Island. Take part in water sports, boat trips and river cruises to enjoy the island from the water, or sink your toes into beautiful sandy beaches to spend the day on dry land. Take a tour of the island on a 13-mile, 3-hour walk around its beautiful coastline, or simply sit back and relax with fish and chips or an ice cream. Check out tide times to ensure you can drive across the causeway at low tide!
Frinton-on-Sea (45-minute drive)
Lined with Victorian beach huts and sandy beaches, Frinton-on-Sea retains the charm of times gone by. This resort remains uncommercialised, so you can enjoy a peaceful day on the beach. Why not browse around the boutiques and independent shops during your visit, or take a stroll along the promenade. For walking enthusiasts, enjoy the two-mile coastal walk from Frinton on-Sea to Walton-on-the-Naze.
Walton-on-the-Naze (45-minute drive)
Just a few miles down the coast from Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze is another charming seaside resort with miles of beach hut-lined sandy beaches. The seafront boasts the second-longest pier in Great Britain, featuring the world’s oldest operating amusement park. Hunt for treasure on Naze beach, where you can search for fossils or shark teeth. Enjoy a wildlife boat trip through the backwaters, spotting seals, or venture out on foot, walking on the Walton Trail.
Clacton-on-Sea (40-minute drive)
The largest of Essex’s beach towns, Clacton-on-Sea is a popular destination on the Essex Sunshine Coast. The large pleasure pier at West Beach is a great place to while away a few hours, full of amusements, rides, bars and restaurants. Spend time on the clean, award-winning beaches, which offer plenty of sandcastle building opportunities, or enjoy a walk through the beautiful seafront gardens.
Aldeburgh (1-hour drive)
Aldeburgh is the perfect destination for a traditional seaside escape. Take a stroll along the promenade, lined with pastel-coloured Victorian holiday villas, or sit back and enjoy the view from the beautiful pebble beach. Visit the charming high street, bursting with boutiques, cafes, craft shops, galleries, and independent retailers, and be sure to stop by the renowned Aldeburgh Fish & Chip shop for a tasty treat!