10 of the best beaches in Essex

If you’re itching to dig your toes into the sand and smell the sea breeze, check out our choice of 10 of the best beaches in Essex.  Whether you're camping, touring or glamping, we've picked a selection to suit everyone. From families looking for entertainment to adrenalin junkies after some watersports and nature lovers looking to spot some wildlife.

Clacton Beach

Clacton Beach is a great choice for a traditional seaside trip that all the family can enjoy. Clacton Pier is bursting with things to see and do including fun family rides, fishing, bowling and the SeaQuarium. Lifeguards patrol the beach and there are convenient facilities such as toilets, shops, deck chair hire and a first aid point on offer. There are also watersports available too including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and jet skiing.

Three Shells Beach

Three Shells Beach in Southend-on-Sea is another attractive choice for families who are seeking some seaside fun. The sandy beach has a variety of handy facilities including toilets, a beach shower, shops and places to pick up refreshments. Kids can have fun in the paddling pool and on the climbing frames and the beach is situated close the world’s longest pleasure pier as well as the exciting Adventure Island amusement park.

Frinton-on-Sea

Looking for somewhere fairly quiet to enjoy a long beach stroll? Then head along to Frinton-on-Sea with its rows of eye-catching beach huts and take a slow meander along the sand or bring a towel or chair and enjoy catching up on some reading. Parking and toilets are available but there are no shops on the seafront.

Thorney Bay Beach

Canvey Island’s Thorney Bay Beach is well suited to visitors who are looking for a quieter beach or who are keen to bring the dog on a day out as there are no dog restrictions on the beach. Nearby facilities include toilets, shops and refreshments as well as picnic spots for visitors who want to bring packed lunches.

Shoebury Common Beach

Also situated within Southend-on-Sea is Shoebury Common Beach which is a good choice for visitors who are keen to try out or watch watersports such as windsurfing, jet skiing and kitesurfing. Refreshments, toilets, a first aid point and a lost child centre are also accessible here.

Martello Tower Beach

Martello Tower Beach at Clacton-on-Sea is a Blue Flag winner that was named after the beach’s defensive fort, which is a Martello tower. There are lots of facilities on this sandy beach including cafes, toilets, beach huts, a first aid post and shops to help visitors have an enjoyable day out.

Albion Beach

Albion Beach situated next to Walton on the Naze is a superb sandy beach that is a great choice for a fun family day out. There is an abundance of handy facilities here including a first aid point, deckchair hire, toilets, a lost child centre and refreshments, while visitors who are keen to explore a bit may want to visit the Naze which is a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Shoebury East Beach

Southend-on-Sea’s Shoebury East Beach is a fantastic option for enjoying a picnic thanks to the big grassy area situated next to it. The extensive and sandy beach is a pretty spot for walking and also popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Brightlingsea Beach

Exciting watersports such as sailing and jet skiing are on offer at Brightlingsea Beach but it’s also a good choice for swimming, with a designated children’s paddling pool as well. Enjoy a stroll that takes in the colourful beach huts or follow the nature pathway for the chance to spot local birds and insects.

Dovercourt Bay Beach

There are lots of fun activities at Dovercourt Bay Beach including a boating lake, skatepark, windsurfing, sailing and jet skiing. This Blue Flag winner is also close to the Hemford Water National Nature Reserve which is a great place to see seals.

A day to delight all

Spending a day by the beach in Essex is an activity that can suit everyone thanks to the wide variety of beaches on offer. From quiet spots that are great for relaxing walks to family-friendly beaches with great facilities and excellent spots for watersport enthusiasts, anyone can enjoy their perfect day by the beach.