What the 350 Miles of Essex Coast has to Offer

Tantalise your tastebuds in Essex with fresh, locally caught oysters, or refresh yourself with a drink at a traditional pub by the sea.  

The Essex Coast isn’t short of wonderful, independent establishments to indulge in a bite to eat. Home to many outstanding pubs and restaurants serving home-cooked food to warm and revitalise you after a day at the beach, Essex is a proud county when it comes to being able to serve up a storm. The White Hart Inn can be found at the heart of West Mersea, dishing up delicious lunches and serving refreshing pints for both locals and visitors alike. They are one of many Essex restaurants that serve famous Mersea Oysters – there aren’t many places in the UK where you can enjoy fresh seafood just a short walk away from where it was caught! 

If you’re a lover of fresh seafood, then you won’t want to miss out on the famous Leigh-on-Sea Cockle Sheds. We recommend paying a visit to the Osborne’s Café, a family run business who have been sourcing and supplying fish and shellfish since the 1880s to customers around the world.  

For those who love a glass of red, you’ll be pleased to know that Essex boasts a number of vineyards, thanks to the ideal growing conditions. To name one, Crouch Ridge Vineyard is located in Althorne, North Chelmsford, which is easily accessible via train routes from London. Welcoming visitors all year round for tours and tastings, as well as hosting wonderful events, Crouch Ridge also offer a wonderful dining experience which includes delicious food accompanied by their locally produced and award-winning wines.  

The Essex Coast has a rich and abundant history and heritage to discover and explore when visiting. 

A must-see location along the coast bursting with history is the town of Harwich, found in the Tendring district. Harwich is famous for its links to American history, being the presumed launch point of the Mayflower and birthplace of captain Christopher Jones.  

One of Harwich’s most outstanding attractions has to be the Harwich Redoubt Fort – built in 1808, the circular fort is open as a military museum complete with battle re-enactments and other events held during the summer months.  

Harwich is also famous for its seal colonies, hop aboard one of its many seal watching tours. If Harwich sounds an ideal weekend away for you, then we highly recommend staying at The Pier at Harwich Hotel. Built back in 1862 in the style of a Venetian palazzo, this hotel boasts a wonderful seafront view with an accompanying seafood restaurant serving local fish.  

Further South in Essex, you’ll find the charming Maldon District, with quaint sailing villages such as Tollesbury and Heybridge – ideal for long walks along the sea wall. Topsail Charters offer excellent cruises aboard vintage sailing barges – ‘Thistle’, built in 1895, and ‘Hydrogen’, built in 1906 – where you can spend a relaxing day sailing along the river Blackwater.  

Situated at the end of the beautiful long distance walk ‘St Peters Way’ in Bradwell-on-Sea, Maldon, you will find The Chapel of St-Peter-on-the-Wall, the oldest church in England built by Essex Patron St Cedd back in 564AD. It truly is a sight to behold with a background of stunning coastal views.  

Enjoy a family day out or weekend away by the sea, with an array of activities and fun for all ages. 

If you’re wanting a family day out or weekend away that’s going to please everyone, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Southend-on-Sea. Famous for being home to the world’s longest pier and the delicious Rossi ice cream brand, you’ll never be stuck for how to fill your time. Thrill seekers will love Adventure Island for their amazing rides, or Adventure Inside for a game of mini-golf and some arcade classics! Alternatively, make a visit to Sealife, where you’ll find stingrays, meerkats, monkeys and more... 

If Southend is now on your bucket list of places to visit with the family, check out The Camelia Hotel or Suenos Guesthouse for accommodation. 

For some of the best family friendly beaches in the UK, head on down to Clacton-on-Sea. Only an hour away from London by train, Clacton has so much to offer, from West Beach to the Clacton Breeze Open Top Bus, Clacton Pavilion theme park, and so much more.  

If camping or caravan holidays are up your street, the Waldegraves Holiday Park on Mersea Island is perfect for either a relaxing or fun-packed weekend away! With their own private beach, family entertainment, crazy golf, and outdoor heated swimming pool, you’ll be tempted to not leave the comfort of the facilities. However, we highly encourage you to, as there is so much around to explore, such as fossil hunting on Cudmore Grove in East Mersea. An exciting and engaging activity for both kids and adults!