Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-Sea

Unsurprisingly Clacton Pier is located in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea, along the promenade. The pier offers a huge variety of things to do; activities include both indoor and outdoor facilities, so no matter the weather Clacton Pier has something to occupy the whole family. 

Brightlingsea Beach, Brightlingsea

Brightlingsea Beach is well known for its colourful beach huts lined up along the promenade, while across the water the lovely Mersea Island is visible. Located near to Brightlingsea town, it’s a small sandy beach, in a semicircle shape, where the River Colne flows into the sea. Brightlingsea town was originally an important fishing and shipbuilding area, it is now a quiet and relaxing beach retreat.

Frinton Beach, Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea’s beach is sandy and golden when the tide is out, with pebbles near the top of the beach. On the seawall above there’s a mile-long promenade accompanied with rows of Victorian style beach huts. This beach deliberately has no modern amusements, imbuing an atmosphere for a real old-fashioned day out. Frinton-on-Sea beach is a quiet family orientated location, you can enjoy walks along the extensive greensward or a short walk into the town centre, with a fantastic variety of shops to visit.

Walton Pier, Walton on the Naze

Walton Pier is the second longest pier in Great Britain and is an ideal location for a fun family day out! There’s something for everyone to enjoy, choose from arcade games, a fun fair, a bowling alley and more. The beach is also worth a visit, as it is sandy and has no shortage of facilities, including classic seaside amusements and a variety of traditional beachside cafes and restaurants.

Jaywick Beach, Clacton-on-Sea

The sandy beach at Jaywick is positioned between Clacton-on-Sea and Colne Point, and is very popular for dog walks along the promenade. On this stretch of coastline there is a collection of Martello Towers, small round forts that were built during the 19th century to defend against attacks from across the English Channel. This is a fairly quiet and peaceful beach, perfect for relaxing on a sunny day. Plus, it’s one of our favourite dog friendly beaches in Essex.

Westcliff Beach, Southend

This family friendly beach is ideal for bathing, kayaking or paddle boarding along with languid strolls along the promenade. On Westcliff beach is Southend Pier; the pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea, and is the longest pleasure pier in the world, extending 1.34 miles in the Thames Estuary! At the end of the pier you are rewarded with a café, offering tasty refreshments. If the walk to the end was too much, then you can always ride the train back along the pier, for a small fare.

Our favourite beaches in Essex

Whether you're a thrill seeker or simply looking for a peaceful day by the sea, Essex delivers. With its stunning coastlines, Essex remains a top destination for beach lovers. Grab your towel and sunscreen, and head out to discover some our favourite Essex beaches.