With the summer well and truly here (for a few days at least) where better to go than the beach?
But of course, there is no need out to stray too far from Essex, a place with plenty of beautiful beaches of its own.
See our list below for some suggestions for the summer
Frinton-on-Sea
Boasting rows of Victorian beach huts, Frinton is known for its clean, sandy beaches, located near antique shops and small boutiques. Perfect for the more quant, traditional beach visit (as the area does not have amusement arcades).
How to get there: Follow the A120 to B1033. Turn into Frinton at 'the Gates'. The Esplanade is at the end of Connaught Avenue. There is a railway station in Frinton-on-Sea and a bus service runs from Clacton-on-Sea.
Walton-on-the-Naze
Backed by the cliffs, the gently sloping beaches at Walton surround the Walton pier, filled with many amusements. Also featuring a miniature indoor theme park and restaurants with sea views. Within the surrounding area are the Naze Tower, the Maritime Museum and the Clifftop Gardens as well as numerous coastal paths.
How to get there: Follow the A120 to Harwich, A133 to Clacton, then the B1033 and B1034 to Walton. Go through Walton town centre and follow the brown tourist signs to The Naze, P&D Car Park. There is a station at Walton-on-the-Naze from London Liverpool St.
Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton beach is a sand and shingle beach close to the Walton and Frinton attraction. The beach has won two awards: Quality Coast Award and the Marine Conservation Society Recommended.
How to get there: Follow the A133 to Rosemary Road/B1032 in Clacton-on-Sea. Trains to Clacton-on-Sea from London Liverpool Street
Martello Tower
Named after a small defensive fort, Martello Tower beach is located in Clacton-on-Sea. The sandy beach has a lifeguard service as it is normally very busy. It is a popular beach with many activities on offer including crazy golf, sailing and kayaking. Located near the beach are disabled toilets, a first aid point and a lost child centre.
How to get there: Go from the A120 to take the A133 into Clacton. The closest railway station is at Clacton-on-Sea and Thorpe-le-Soken. National Express trains run from London.
Leigh-on-Sea
Situated at the far end of Southend seafront, this beach appeals to all ages. It is considered calm and relaxing, even during the summer months, when it is a hotspot for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts. During the peak of the summer season, seafood stalls sel cockles and jellied eels. A stroll away is Leigh-On-Sea, which has a choice of restaurants, shops and stores.
How to get there: Follow the A1114, A130 and Southend Arterial Rd/A127 to Southend-on-Sea. Trains to Leigh-on-Sea from London Fenchurch Street
Brightlingsea
Packed with colourful beach huts, Brightlingsea is a non-commercial resort, and is suited for a quiet day out. It is a small area where you can go for a swim, relax or watch the boats bobbing on the water. If you're looking for further entertainment, there is a sports centre in the nearby town. Also there is a walk, close to the beach, where you can enjoy the nature and scenery.
How to get there: Take the A133, the B1029, Station Rd and B1029 to Upper Park Rd in Brightlingsea. The nearest railway station to Brightlingsea is at Alresford, but a more regular service is available from Wivenhoe. Trains from here travel to London Liverpool Street via Colchester and Chelmsford. There is a regular bus service no. 78 between Brightlingsea and Colchester via Alresford and Wivenhoe every day.
Canvey Island
This sandy beach is surrounded by shops, cafes and there is even a promenade. When the sun is shining windsurfers and bodyboarders can be seen in the water, while dog walkers wander down the beach. It is very accessible, with parking available adjacent to the beach.
How to get there: Take the A1114 to A130. Continue on A130 and drive to Essex Close in Canvey Island. The nearest railway station is Benfleet, trains to London Fenchurch Street.
Shoebury
The beach is one of Southend's only sandy beaches, and the water quality is stated as excellent. It is home to a hype of activity, topped of with a grassy hinterland, making it perfect for a picnic.
How to get there: Follow the A1114, A130 and A127 to Nestuda Way/B1013 before arriving at Eastwoodbury Ln, Eastwoodbury Crescent and A1159. c2c runs regular services to Shoeburyness from London Liverpool Street
Harwich
Located adjacent to the historical town, Harwich beach is an uncommon example of an emerging dune system in Essex, where the coast is mainly saltmarsh. Fishermen and sailors often use the beach, although it is host to many visitors. In Harwich there is plenty to see, including the Redoubt Fort and the National Wireless and Television Museum.
How to get there: Get on the A12 and A120 until you reach Parkeston Rd. The nearest station is Harwich, with trains from London Liverpool Street
Shoeburyness
Shoeburyness beach, otherwise known as Shoebury common beach, is a blue flag beach consisting of sand, shingle and mud. There is a promenade lined with beach huts behind, and also a grassy area which can be used for a calm picnic. Recogniseable for its water sports, Shoeburyness hosts jet skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Uncle Tom's cafe offers refreshments after an exhausting surf.
How to get there: Follow the A1114, A130 and A127 to Nestuda Way/B1013 before arriving at Eastwoodbury Ln, Eastwoodbury Crescent and A1159. c2c runs regular services to Shoeburyness from London Liverpool Street
West Mersea
The sand/pebble beach is usually visited by many people, with their excellent water quality appealing to tourists. There are facilities surrounding the beach, including toilets, cafes and shops. There are different footpaths around the beach and childrens playgrounds are allocated close by, offering something for the whole family to do.
How to get there: Head to A12, Braxted Park Rd, Maldon Rd/B1022, and B1025 to East Rd in West Mersea. The nearest railway station is Colchester
East Mersea
East Mersea contains very open, sandy beaches in a beautiful area. It isn't usually very busy on the beach, therefore it is very pleasant to have a quiet stroll down it. Behind the beach is Cudmore Grove, a huge grassy area, which is a great place to walk to and have a picnic. Sharks teeth are commonly found here along with other fossils.
How to get there: Take the A12, and follow Braxted Park Rd again before heading to Maldon Rd/B1022 and Colchester Rd/B1026 to E Mersea Rd. The nearest railway station is Colchester
