5 Best Beaches Near Colchester For A Fun Family Day Out

Are you planning a trip to Colchester and looking for some nearby beaches to go to? If that’s the case, this is the article for you.

Essex has the UK’s longest coastline, and Colchester is not far from the coast. With beautiful weather, blue skies, and plenty of seaside fun in the summer, we’re sure you and your family will enjoy a day at the beach.

As a trusted Colchester removal company that provides moving services to customers throughout Essex and the surrounding areas, we’d like to recommend some of the nicest beaches to visit while you’re in Colchester.

If you’ve recently relocated to Colchester, we hope this guide will help you find some great beaches to visit where you and your family can have some seaside fun; hopefully, visiting nearby attractions will help you settle in quicker in the new environment and begin enjoying your life in Colchester!

Here are the 5 best beaches near Colchester that are perfect for family outings:

#1. Brightlingsea Beach

Brightlingsea Beach in Colchester is the first on the list. This lovely blue flag beach is well-known for its sandy beaches and colourful beach huts.
Brightlingsea beach runs along the Western Promenade which provides scenic walks with wonderful views, next to Batemans Tower, and ends in a safe bathing area.

This sunny beach is perfect for a family day out as it offers a variety of activities, such as rock pools for crabbing, a paddling pool for young children, swimming in the sea, and many more.

Brightlingsea Beach is smaller than the popular and crowded Clacton-on-Sea or Southend Beach, but it offers a more relaxed atmosphere for visitors. You’ll be surprised to discover that there are many unique things to explore at this family’s favourite beach.

However, please be aware that from 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not permitted on the sand, including on both beaches to the east of the paddling pool area.

About Brightlingsea Beach:

• About 11 miles from Colchester
• Sandy and shingle beach
• Promenade
• Cafe
• Children’s play park
• Toilets
• First aid
• Lost child centre
• Activities: Jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, canoeing
• Free Parking and low-cost parking are available
• Disabled parking
• Disabled access
• Disabled toilets
• Beach hut for hire
• Dogs restricted area – between 1st May to 30th September.

Please visit the website for more info, or check out Brightlingsea Beach on Google here.

#2. West Mersea Beach

West Mersea Beach is located on the outskirt of Colchester in West Mersea, a small fishing village famous for its oysters and beautiful sea views.

Did you know West Mersea is a small island that is connected to the mainland by a causeway known as ‘The Strood’? You can drive to the beach or take public transportation from Colchester town centre.

Please keep in mind that the causeway onto the island becomes impassable during high tides, so check the tide times before you travel.

The beach at West Mersea is sandy with pebbles and shells, surrounded by colourful beach huts and grassland. The sea is very shallow, making it ideal for children to dip their feet in.

Don’t forget to bring your beach shoes; they will make walking on the beach more comfortable.

About West Mersea Beach:

• Approximately 10 miles from Colchester
• Sandy with pebbles and shells
• Low-cost Car Park
• No lifeguard service
• Toilets facilities
• No baby changing facilities
• Café
• Dog-friendly beach

Check out West Mersea Beach on Google Maps here.

#3. Clacton Beach

If you’re looking for a fun beach near Colchester, come to Clacton Beach!

Clacton Beach, which is less than half an hour’s drive from Colchester, is a popular destination for many families.

The Beach is well-known for its sandy beach and various seaside fun activities such as Clacton Pier, the Pavilion Fun Park, water sports, restaurants, bars, and town centre shopping.

During the August bank holiday season, Clacton hosts a free air show, as well as other events such as Carnival Week.

Clacton is a great place for a family outing, with a variety of activities to choose from, and the Clacton child safety wristband scheme will give many parents extra peace of mind knowing that their children’s safety is being looked after.

About Clacton Beach:

• Approximately 16 miles from Colchester Town Centre
• Sandy beach
• Café, restaurant, Pub
• Toilets
• Disabled toilet facilities
• Pushchair access to the beach
• Deckchair hire
• Slipway
• First aid
• Beach and Boat Patrol
• Lost child centre
• Promenade
• Pier
• Amusement arcade
• Entertainers
• Crazy golf
• Bus stop at the beach and on a cycle route
• Car Parking – Pay car park and street parking
• Disabled visitors’ spaces
• Dog-restricted area
• Walkable to the train station

Please visit the website for more info, or check out Clacton Beach on Google here.

#4. Frinton Beach

Frinton Beach is located in Frinton on Sea, a small coastal town between Walton-on-the-Naze to the left and Clacton-on-Sea to the right, both of which can be reached by walking along the seafront.

Travelling by car to Frinton Beach from Colchester takes about 30 minutes, and it’s about 40mins if you travel by train.

Frinton’s sand is fine and firm, making it perfect for building sandcastles, playing ball games, and strolling along the beach. There is a large grassy area called the Greensward that is an ideal place for a picnic.

This is a quiet and relaxing family beach destination with a Blue Flag award for exceptional cleanliness. It is uncommercialised and has a beautiful sandy beach and a tranquil seafront. if you prefer busy and lively seaside fun with entertainment, Clacton beach is a good option.

About Frinton Beach:

• About 18 miles from Colchester Town Centre
• Sandy with cliffs and restricted access
• Promenade
• Seasonal Lifeguard service
• Beach and Boat Patrol
• Lost child centre
• No café
• Water Sports: Sailing, windsurfing
• Toilets
• Disabled toilets
• Free parking
• Disabled visitors’ parking
• Pushchair access to the beach
• Dog restricted area and dog exercise area
• Bus stop at the beach
• Walkable to the train station

Please visit the website for more info, or check out Frinton Beach on Google here.

#5. Walton-on-the-Naze Beach

Walton-on-the- Naze Beach is one of the best sandy beaches in Essex, and it also has the UK’s second longest pier. The beach has received a regional Seaside Award in recognition of its high-standard beach amenities.

The beach is also known as Albion Beach and is located near the town of Walton-on-the-Naze. It has amazing cliffs called the Naze. If you enjoy nature, the stunning Naze cliffs and the nearby National Nature Reserve are excellent places to go for a walk and bird watching.

There are some nearby shopping and entertainment options to ensure that there is always something going on in Walton-on-the-Naze Beach to keep everyone entertained during their day at the beach.

The most convenient way to get to the beach is to drive, but there are bus services from Frinton-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea and the nearby train station is within walkable distance to the beach.

Before you travel, please check the local government’s website for more information.

About Walton-on-the-Naze Beach:

• Sandy beach with dog-restricted area
• Café and restaurant
• Toilets
• Disabled toilet and
• Pushchair access to the beach
• Deckchair hire
• Slipway
• First aid
• Beach & Boat Patrol
• Lost child centre
• Promenade
• Pier
• Bus stop near the beach
• Walkable to the train station
• Pay car park and street parking
• Disabled visitors’ spaces

Please visit the website for more info, or check out the reviews about Walton-on-the-Naze Beach on Google here.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has given you some ideas for family outings in Colchester. Please keep in mind that this article is only for informational purposes, so please do your research before visiting any of these beaches. Have a fantastic day out and a lot of fun!