9 Best Essex Coastal Towns to Live or Visit

Welcome to the charming and diverse Essex coast!

Whether you’re dreaming of a seaside escape, a family-friendly area, or a tranquil seaside spot to call home, Essex coastal towns have something for everyone.

Moving to Essex coastal towns ensures locals are provided with some breathtaking locations.

As with all of the best coastal counties, Essex is home to some truly unique spots that are sure to appeal to a range of potential buyers.

The county also boasts a fascinating history, spectacular countryside as well as some beautiful villages.

If you have decided to move to the area you will surely be aware of the numerous attractions on offer here.

Now that you have made the decision to move to the Essex coast it is time to ask, which town is the best for me?

In this article, we take an in-depth look at some of the best seaside towns the region has to offer.

This is the blog for you if you are thinking of moving to any of the best Essex coastal towns!

Here are our 9 best Essex coastal towns to live or visit.

Let’s dive into what makes these towns so special and why you might consider making one of them your next home.

Canvey Island

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of some of the county’s larger towns, Canvey Island offers a perfect seaside escape with its charm and friendly community vibe.

This island is steeped in history, initially gaining popularity during the Victorian era as a beloved holiday spot.

Today, it’s a haven for those looking to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in one of its welcoming neighbourhoods alongside a traditional British seaside experience—think bucket and spade and a stick of rock.

But Canvey Island isn’t just popular thanks to its coastal location.

It’s home to a robust community, with many locals commuting to London for work while enjoying the island’s quieter lifestyle in their spare time.

With over 30 schools, many highly rated, Canvey Island is also an excellent place for families considering a move to the coast.

Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or considering a permanent move, Canvey Island offers a little slice of coastal paradise that is sure to appeal!

Chalkwell

A hidden suburban gem tucked between Westcliff-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell is a great location for those who appreciate a mix of grand properties and a laid-back seaside atmosphere.

Chalkwell Beach, while far less commercialised than some of its Essex counterparts, offers a fast more relaxed seaside experience that will be appealing to many.

The local Chalkwell Park is a delightful retreat from the often chaotic urban lifestyle, with plenty of open green spaces to enjoy and events like the Village Green music festival.

Commuting to London from Chalkwell is a breeze with a 50-minute journey to Fenchurch Street, this makes it an ideal spot for those wanting a coastal lifestyle without being too far from the capital and has led to the area becoming increasingly popular with commuters.

Local connections are also excellent, with Chelmsford sitting 19 miles to the north and Basildon being directly to the west of the town residents have plenty of options with regard to employment within Essex itself.

On top of this, competitive property prices and excellent amenities add to the appeal, making Chalkwell a fantastic place to live.

Moving here means you will be close to the fresh air of the Essex seaside but not too far away from the action to be cut off from larger locations in the region.

Southend-on-Sea

When you think of Essex coastal towns, Southend-on-Sea likely springs to mind straight away!

A tourist hotspot for decades, this seaside destination has truly put Essex on the map!

Regardless of your experiences with coastal towns in the UK, everyone has been given the image of a quintessential seaside town.

This iconic seaside destination is famous for its 1.34-mile-long pier, the longest in the world, where you can even ride a train to the end!

Southend epitomises the British seaside experience, complete with amusements, cafes, bars, and the ever-popular Adventure Island amusement park.

Southend-on-Sea isn’t just for day-trippers, its vibrant community houses a rich cultural scene, including the Focal Point Gallery showcasing local and regional talent.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or looking to move, Southend offers a lively and engaging coastal experience.

For a more in-depth look at this popular town check out our Southend-on-sea article!

We simply couldn’t write a blog about the best Essex coastal towns and not include this famous location.

Mersea Island

Just 10 miles from Colchester, Mersea Island feels worlds apart from its neighbouring city, with stunning natural landscapes and a charming village vibe, it’s a top choice for those seeking a peaceful place to call home.

It’s the UK’s most easterly inhabited island and a popular spot for both day visits and those looking to stay on a permanent basis.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a car if you’re thinking of relocating here because there isn’t a station nearby (although you can take a ferry from Mersea to Brightlingsea).

Mersea Island has stunning coastal views and a tranquil atmosphere thanks to its location between the Blackwater and Colne estuaries.

The sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely strolls, and locals can take in the breathtaking sunsets over the peaceful water.

West Mersea, the island’s main hub, is known for its pastel beach huts along Victoria Esplanade and its array of shops and restaurants.

Mersea Island is also a haven for seafood lovers, with plenty of local restaurants serving up fresh catches.

The island’s close-knit community organises various events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Secret Island Festival.

Whether you’re exploring the beach huts or enjoying a ferry ride to Brightlingsea, Mersea Island offers a tranquil yet engaging coastal experience.

Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton-on-Sea is a quintessential British seaside town, boasting a bustling pier, amusement arcades, and sandy beaches and it will come as no surprise that it is one of the most famous coastal towns in Essex.

This seaside town is the largest settlement on the Tendring peninsular and has been a prevalent tourist destination for years!

Brimming with typical British seaside excitements, living in or moving to Clacton on Sea is sure to tick all the boxes for lovers of the beach.

The town’s popularity grew massively during the 1950s and 60s when a journey to a beautiful beach became a popular choice for many of Essex’s residents.

Clacton-on-sea made newspaper headlines in 1964 when rival gangs, The Mods and Rockers, clashed on the beach!

This infamous event went a long way to putting the town on the map.

It really does seem that all publicity is good!

A favourite among Londoners looking for a beach escape, the town also hosts an annual air show and various other community-driven events, adding to its vibrant and welcoming feeling.

The town’s remarkable pier, amusement arcades and stunning beaches all further solidified the popularity of the town as a staple British coastal destination.

Beyond the traditional seaside fun, Clacton offers a variety of activities and amenities, making it a great spot for both visitors and residents.

So, whether you’re playing crazy golf or simply soaking up some sun on the beach, Clacton-on-Sea promises a delightful coastal adventure.

For a more in-depth guide, read our full article which focuses on living in Clacton-on-Sea.

Brightlingsea

Steeped in history, Brightlingsea is a medieval port town on the Colne estuary, steeped in history, the area has been inhabited by Bronze Age settlers and much later by the Romans!

Its historical ties to the Cinque Ports and picturesque coastal views make it a fascinating place to explore.

The town is located within the Tendring Districts in northeast Essex which extends from the River Stour in the north to the coast and the River Colne in the south, a pretty area indeed.

Brighlingsea’s traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding, however, with the decline of these industries, the town is now largely a commuter town for Colchester, which is just 10 miles away.

Brightlingsea is known for its sandy Blue Flag beach backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts.

This wonderful strip of Essex coastline means that Brightlingsea has become well known for its sailing community, with plenty of opportunities for locals to enjoy boating and variety of water sports.

Being a coastal town there is much to do on the water, from swimming to jet skiing and from sailing to cruising.

Brightlingsea Creek Harbour offers all-time access so you are not restricted to the tidal table, it offers some of the best cruising grounds in the UK.

For a town that is so accessible and has so much to occupy holidaymakers and those who call it home, you would naturally assume house prices would be on the high side.

Clearly, moving to Brightlingsea is a very good option for a variety of buyers!

Leigh-on-Sea

Leigh-on-Sea offers a delightful mix of old and new, with a small sandy beach and a high street lined with charming old fishermen’s cottages.

The lovely coastal setting of Leigh-on-Sea is one of its greatest draws, its location along the River Thames estuary offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Locals can take leisurely strolls along the beach, unwind on the sandy shores, and enjoy a variety of water sports.

Furthermore, the nearby Leigh Marsh Nature Reserve and Two Tree Island offer beautiful, windswept landscapes perfect for nature walks.

Leigh-on-Sea continues to retain its village charm.

Winding cobblestone streets, independent stores, and quaint cafes add to this rustic appeal.

But don’t be fooled, this town combines a quaint village feel with modern amenities, making it a great place for families and professionals alike.

The community in the town is warm and welcoming, giving its residents a strong sense of community and ensuring you will feel at home in no time.

The town has its own railway station, providing direct services to London and other destinations.

Additionally, easy access to major roads makes commuting convenient for those who work outside the town.

Its close-knit community and scenic views make Leigh-on-Sea a wonderful place to call home.

Walton-on-the-Naze

Walton-on-the-Naze is another great addition to our list, offering buyers a family-friendly seaside resort packed with a range of activities for all ages.

A special location, Walton-on-the-Naze is surrounded by the sea on three sides!

From its sandy beaches to the iconic Naze Tower, this town is packed with charm and fun and is an ideal spot for those looking to explore the Essex Coastline, you may even discover fossils that date back to the Ice Age!

The town’s historical significance and natural beauty make it a popular destination for both tourists and long-term residents.

Locals can enjoy a spot of sailing, kayaking and even kite-surfing, although you’ll want to bring a wetsuit to combat the chilly waters!

The area even offers something for those with families.

Be sure to check out the Essex Wildlife Trust Centre, enjoy the views from the top of The Naze Tower, and even enjoy the wildlife, including the seals found in the Walton backwaters.

Whether you’re visiting the nature reserve or exploring the town’s history, Walton-on-the-Naze provides a delightful coastal experience for everyone.

Frinton-on-Sea

Another of Essex’s coastal beauties, Frinton-on-Sea is small, with a population of approximately 5,000.

First appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086, the area appeared as Frientuna, meaning ‘fenced-in’ or enclosed town or settlement.

Like so many coastal towns in Essex, the beach is popular both in summer for its zoned areas for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing and during the winter as a wonderful place to walk.

The promenade is popular with young and old alike.

Stretching from the boundary with Walton-on-Naze to the golf club in the south is also a favourite walking route.

Having had a reputation as being particularly popular with retirees, Frinton is currently experiencing an influx of young city folk who have been buying up the town’s fine mid-century houses.

Particularly in the northern seafront area.

It is not just the younger generation who are waking up to the town’s great property market either.

Its immaculate beaches, green open spaces and good schools make it a great choice for young families to move to Frinton as well.

Ready to Move to an Essex Coastal Town?

Are you thinking of relocating to one of these coastal towns?

Hopefully, we have been able to highlight some of the best locations to consider moving to Essex.

Each of these coastal towns in Essex has a variety of excellent attractions, with one sure to tick all of the boxes.

Did one of the 9 locations appeal to you? If so, it is time to start planning your move.

GoodMove will make your move to the best Essex coastal towns an easy and stress-free process.

We take great pleasure in confirming everything runs smoothly and flawlessly.

Hopefully, we can help you to settle into your new home right away.

As well as our competitively priced removals package, we can also offer extra services such as temporary or long-term storage facilities should you need them.

GoodMove covers all areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex and our friendly estimators can call round at a convenient time for you and strategically plan your move to perfection.

During these unique times, GoodMove are also offering a new video survey service.

Using our new technology, we can gather all the information required to assist with your move, from the comfort of your home!

Video surveys will help you save valuable time and preserve the best safety levels.

To find out more about how we could get your dream move to one of Essex coastal towns or any other location underway do not hesitate to call us on the number listed above.

Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form or click on our live bot in the bottom right and a member of our customer services team will be in touch shortly.

We look forward to helping you move to one of these Essex coastal towns.