Essex Beaches

Whether you’re planning a staycation or a day trip to Southend on Sea. Use our coastal holiday guide to discover beautiful Essex beaches.

Find your favourite Essex Beaches

The beaches in Essex are often known for popular seaside resorts and family fun, but there is more to see along the the Sunshine Coast. Southend-on-Sea, Canvey Island and Clacton. Find traditional, dog friendly, or quiet beaches in Essex, this beautiful stretch of coastline has it all.

Full List of Essex Beaches

Do you know the name of the beach you are looking for? See our full list of beaches in Essex in alphabetical order.

Albion Beach

Experience the beauty of Albion Beach, located in Walton on the Naze, one of the Blue Flag Beaches in Essex.

Bell Wharf Beach

Enjoy a day of family fun at Bell Wharf Beach, a small sandy beach perfect for young children.

Brightlingsea Beach

Steeped in maritime history, Brightlingsea Beach is situated on the River Colne in Essex and is a blue flag winner and popular destination for sailing enthusiasts.

Chalkwell Beach

Situated next to Chalkwell train station, Chalkwell Beach is a small but charming seafront that provides visitors with easy access to the beach.

Dovercourt Bay

A favourite family holiday destination, Dovercourt Bay is a popular Blue Flag Beach in Essex that offers a wide range of activities, including swimming and sailing.

East Mersea Beach

Ideal for nature lovers, East Mersea Beach is a picturesque spot on the Essex coast that offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife watching.

Frinton Beach

Located in Frinton-on-Sea, a charming seaside town on the Essex ‘Sunshine Coast’, Frinton Beach is a wide, sandy beach that remains unspoilt and provides visitors with a peaceful seaside experience.

Harwich Beach

Overlooking the Port of Felixstowe, Harwich Beach is a small but beautiful sandy seafront that offers excellent views of the sea.

Holland-on-sea

Stretching for miles, Holland-on-Sea is a quiet beach located just north of Clacton Pier on the Essex Coast.

Jaywick Beach

Jaywick Beach in Essex offers plenty of wide open space for a quiet walk along its sandy shores. Take in the sea views and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Jubilee Beach

Jubilee Beach is an award-winning beach stretching from Southend Pier to Thorpe Bay. Ideal if you are looking to explore the attractions of Southend-on-Sea for a fun day out with the family.

Labworth Beach

Labworth Beach on Canvey Island overlooks the Thames Estuary with a bold art deco cafe on the seafront.

Martello Bay

Martello Bay is an award-winning beach named after the historic ‘Martello Tower’ on the beachfront. With its beautiful golden sand and clear water, this beach is a perfect destination for family beach days.

Manningtree Beach

Manningtree Beach is a small man-made beach on the south bank of the River Stour. A local spot for paddling and relaxing by the water.

Point Clear

Point Clear is a sandy beach in Essex backed by holiday parks all along the Point Clear Spit. The beach offers stunning views of the estuary and a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing day out.

Shoebury East Beach

Shoebury East Beach is an award-winning beach great for a family day out. Also great if you are looking to go kitesurfing in Southend.

Shoebury Common Beach

Shoebury Common Beach is a south-facing sand and shingle Blue Flag beach in Essex. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful surroundings.

St Osyth Beach

St Osyth Beach is an unspoilt south-facing sand and shingle beach perfect for a quiet day out. Located just West of Clacton-on-Sea, this beach offers stunning views and beautiful scenery.

The Naze Beach

The Naze Beach is just north of Walton on the Naze, a couple of miles from Frinton-on-Sea. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and is perfect for long walks.

Thorpe Bay Beach

Thorpe Bay Beach is a family-friendly destination with a range of beach huts and attractions near the seafront. Located in Southend-on-Sea, this beach offers stunning views of the estuary and a variety of activities for all ages.

Thorney Bay Beach

Thorney Bay Beach on Canvey Island is a quiet sandy beach perfect for families. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, this beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.

Three Shells beach

Three Shells Beach in Southend. The central location and sandy seafront, make for a fun day out.

West Beach – Clacton on Sea

West Beach – Clacton on Sea, is well-known for its bustling atmosphere, a fun-packed pier, seafront gardens, theatres, and a variety of shops.

West Mersea Beach

West Mersea Beach on the Essex coast is a yachting hotspot, with busy boatyards and beautiful views. This sandy beach is perfect for long walks and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Westcliff Beach

Westcliff Beach is a small beach safe for swimming, and at low tide, it offers an expanse of sand. This beach offers stunning views of the estuary and a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing day out.

Award Winning Beaches in Essex

Frinton, Brightlingsea, and Dovercourt Bay have proudly been awarded the Blue Flag for 2024. Additionally, Harwich, Albion and Naze beaches in Walton, along with Martello Bay in Clacton, have received Seaside Awards, highlighting their exceptional quality.

Piers in Essex

The Southend Pier stands out as the longest pier in Essex and the world, while Clacton Pier and Walton-on-the-Naze Pier offer additional attractions and scenic views. Each pier has its unique charm and contributes to the rich seaside culture of Essex.

Southend-On-Sea Beaches

Southend-On-Sea in Essex is a popular seaside town, about 40 miles east of London. The town has a long history as a seaside resort, with lots of coastal attractions and activities for visitors. Being so near to London, it is popular for a day trip.

Popular Southend-on-Sea Beaches

COASTAL EVENTS

Coastal Festivals and Events in Essex

Coastal events and seaside festivals taking place throughout the year.

Regattas
Seafood Festivals
Carnivals

What’s On

Explore other areas near Essex

Explore the miles of UK coastline with popular seaside destinations, coastal walks and water sports. Find more beaches in the East coast of England, covering the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Stop off at a beach for the day or walk or cycle the coastal trails.

UK Beach Guide

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