Top 10 Beaches in Essex

Discover amazing beaches along Essex’s 350 mile coastline!

1.Westcliff Beach, Southend-on-Sea

One of Essex’s top seaside destinations for family days out and short breaks, Southend boasts some of the best beaches in Essex. Westcliff Beach, with its sand and shingled shoreline, is in a great spot nearby top attractions such as the Cliffs Pavilion and beautiful Southend Cliff Gardens. Bring your bucket and spade, plenty of sun cream, and enjoy a day by the water with your family! If you get peckish, enjoy a classic seaside snack of fish and chips at Sands by the Sea overlooking the Thames Estuary.

2.Three Shells Beach and Lagoon, Southend-on-Sea

Three Shells Beach and Lagoon is in a prime spot along the Southend seafront, situated near Adventure Island and Southend Pier and Railway, voted the Top Icon of Essex in our 2025 survey by the public. If you’re headed to Southend for a full day of fun, thrills, and sightseeing, then this beach is the ideal spot to settle down with an ice cream or classic meal of fish and chips. Looking to stay a night or two? The Park Inn by Radisson Palace is perfect for guests of all ages, with two main line train stations within walking distance, fantastic views of the coast, hotel gym and restaurant.

3.Bell Wharf Beach, Leigh-on-Sea

This small, sandy Essex beach is just a short 10-minute walk from Leigh-on-Sea station. Nearby, see the famous cockle sheds and watch the working fishing boats coming out of the marina. This beach offers a certain old British seaside charm. Fresh fish that is caught every morning is often sold by the fishmongers on the shore – take some home with you for the full experience! On sunny days you’ll see the pubs humming with locals and visitors enjoying drinks and locally caught cockles.

4.Cudmore Grove, Mersea Island

On the East side of Mersea Island you will find Cudmore Grove Country Park, home to a wonderful sandy beach. Throughout the year, particularly when the days are warm and sunny, dog walkers, families, and everyone in between visit Cudmore Grove to breath in the fresh sea air and admire the impressive views. As well as the beach, the country park boasts grassland, meadows, a play area, and even historic features including WWII pillboxes and gun emplacements. The cliffs nearby have been used in the filming of popular TV series Liar, and have been the discovery site of 300,000-year-old fossils!

5.West Mersea, Mersea Island

For picturesque beach huts, local pubs, and even fossil hunting, West Mersea beach is an idyllic spot to spend a summer’s day. The West Mersea beach huts create a rainbow of colour along the shore, creating a wonderful photo opportunity – why not hire one out for the day? Close by, you have a choice of some wonderful spots to eat and drink. Enjoy a pint and nibbles at The Victory or try local oysters at The White Hart Inn. If you’re looking for a fun coastal getaway for the family, Waldegraves Holiday Park boasts its own private beach, touring and camping facilities, entertainment, activities, and more!

6.Martello Bay, Clacton-on-Sea

Part of the Essex Sunshine Coast, Martello Bay boasts Blue Flag status with beautiful sandy shores perfect for building sandcastles in the sunshine! Just one mile from the town centre, this Essex beach is in an excellent location. Parents can relax as this gently shelving beach benefits from having a child safety wristband scheme to help everyone stay safe and give families peace of mind! Other beach facilities include great accessible toilet facilities and beach access, deckchair hire, nearby carparking, a bus stop for easy travel access, kite and wind surfing, and much more.

7.West Beach, Clacton-on-Sea

Adjacent to Martello Bay is sandy West Beach – a popular spot for those who want to be near local attractions, and walkable from the train station! On the beach, hire deckchairs and read a book in the sun, go for a swim in the sea, or build sandcastles. This beach also features the same child safety wristband scheme. Keep any boredom at bay with the great attractions surrounding you, such as rides and amusements at Clacton Pier – enjoy fantastic views from the wheel, get an adrenaline rush on the waltzer, or cool off on the log flume! There’s also a great range of indoor activities from arcade games to bowling and soft play. 

8.Harwich Beach

For a peaceful day out by the coast, Harwich Beach should not be overlooked! Adjacent to the charming historic town of Harwich, and on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell, this beach is a rare example of an emerging dune system, meaning the coast is primarily saltmarsh. Although the area may not be ideal for those looking to sunbath or go for a swim, the wonderful views of Felixstowe docks make it a perfect spot for a coastal walk all year round. You may even catch fishermen and sailors using the beach to launch, land and moor their boats on. Harwich Beach can be accessed via public transport, with a bus stop nearby. Another Blue Flag beach in the area is Dovercourt Bay, a peaceful family resort with a range of activities available. Visit the two cast iron lighthouses, known as Dovercourt Range Lights, that were named one of our Icons of Essex!

9.Brightlingsea Beach

The quaint seaside village of Brightlingsea sits on the river Colne, with an intriguing seafaring history and the title of being the only Cinque Port outside of Kent and Sussex. The beautiful, sandy Blue Flag beach stretches along the Western Promenade by the historical landmark of Batemans Tower. The vibrant beach huts line the shore adding to the scenic coastal views. Head out on a waterside walk or relax on the sand and let the waves lap at your feet – if you’re feeling peckish, head to a local café or restaurant for a bite! For a unique experience, why not enjoy a trip on a historic sailing barge with Brightlingsea Harbour?

10.The Naze Beach, Walton-on-the-Naze

Located just north of Walton-on-the-Naze, The Naze Beach is a stunning coastal spot offering breathtaking views and natural beauty. The towering Naze cliffs and national nature reserve provide a haven for walkers and bird watchers, with sweeping sights across Hamford Water. The beach is known to be a fantastic spot for fossil hunting – can you find hidden treasures such as shark teeth? Visitors can watch yachts glide through Titchmarsh Marina while larger vessels navigate to and from the Port of Harwich. Accessible by train, bus, or road, the beach features sandy and rocky areas, a café, toilets, and parking. However, caution is advised—some beaches become cut off at high tide, and submerged rocks and mudflats pose challenges.

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