Here’s a super seaside claim to fame - Essex boasts the longest pleasure pier in the whole world! Stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary, Southend pier is both a record breaker and a much loved historical landmark. If you don’t fancy a stroll, you can catch the train all the way to the Royal Pavilion at the very far end!
Essex has 350 miles of coastline and 35 islands. The shoreline is rich in wildlife and diverse in habitat - from saltmarshes, tidal inlets and islands to mudflats, cliffs and fossil filled beaches.
There has been human settlement on the Essex coastline for thousands of years with archeology particularly well preserved in the mudflats and tidal areas, with remains of 4,000 year old forests seen in some places.
Popular places to hire an Essex beach hut include Southend, Clacton and Walton - all of which have sandy beaches, piers with amusements, cafes and all the fun you’d expect from a traditional British seaside town. Friton has remained less commercialised with a more peaceful ambience - its sandy beach is ideal for sandcastles and slopes gently into the sea making it very family friendly.
Other seaside towns such as Brightlingsea, West Mersea and Maldon are ideal if you want a quiet day out and wish to avoid a packed beach resort on a hot summer day. They all have pretty rows of beach huts and offer a good alternative for beach goers.
PROS
- Less than 2 hours from London by train or car
- The main resorts have all the entertainment and amenities you’ll need
CONS
- The popular beaches can get crowded (but walk away from the main area, and you’ll find a quieter spot)
- Coastal roads can get busy during holidays
- Many beaches have restrictions for our four legged friend - check before you go
