As well as being a very rural county, dotted with pretty villages and picturesque countryside, Essex has one of the longest coastlines of any county in England. Indeed Essex boasts a real maritime flavour. The resorts of Southend-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, and the quieter resorts of Walton-on-the-Naze and Frinton-on-Sea offer all the traditional fun of the Seaside and more.

However, Essex's coastline has far more to offer the visitor. From its most northerly point at Harwich and the estuary of the River Stour, the coastline takes its southerly journey with finesse. There are many hidden treasures to be found, with quiet cliff top walks, seductive rugged coves sheltered from the weather, right through to the lengthy stretches of beautiful beaches. Less well know is the quieter side of the coast where ports steeped in heritage, such as Harwich, can be found. Maldon and nearby Mersea Island have been described as the ‘New Brittany'. You can sample famous seafood in rustic family run restaurants such as the Company Shed, serving fresher than fresh world famous Colchester Oysters, whilst watching the boats bobbing in the water.

Get a sense of true maritime Essex by taking a trip on one of the many Thames Barges moored at Maldon. Alternatively, visit the coastal towns of Burnham-on-Crouch, often called the Cowes of the East, and Brightlingsea that come alive with yachts during the boating season.

The Maritime Essex tour has been created to give visitors a guide to some of the best attractions along the coast. It's an eight point route, starting at Harwich and finishing at Leigh-on-Sea, close to Southend-on-Sea. Delights on this tour include Walton-on-the-Naze, which is an early Victorian seaside resort, where you can visit the second longest pleasure pier in the country. In Burnham-on-Crouch you can enjoy a stroll along the attractive quayside and take in the vistas of the estuary. Alternatively visit Maldon where the graceful Thames Sailing Barges are moored and provide a splendid spectacle.

Click on the link below to download our maritime Itinerary.

Maritime Essex