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Maldon District has an incredible 75 miles of coastline, although when it comes to beaches we are not as lucky as some areas. However, there are still some possibilities for a fun and free beach day. Please note that none of these areas have lifeguards, so children must be supervised at all times.
Maldon Promenade Park – you can’t swim, but there is a lovely area of sand by the ornamental lake where you can make sandcastles to your heart’s content, with toilets and a café on site. You can fish for crabs in the boating lake or by the quay and enjoy the galleon play equipment all without charge, or for a small fee enjoy some watery fun in the Splash Park (summer only).
Mill Beach, Heybridge – a mixture of sand and shingle, with some mud at low tide. Mill Beach is the closest “real” beach to Maldon. It mainly serves the nearby holiday parks, but the area between high and low tide is open to everyone, and there are two cafes, The Beach House Bar at Mill Beach Seaside Resort and Osea View (which also have toilet facilities for customers) by the sea wall. Unfortunately, there is no public parking at the beach, so you will need to walk from Daisy Meadow car park at Heybridge Basin (a pleasant half-hour walk) or use the 73/A (The Colliers stop in Heybridge Basin, then take the footpath heading north from the bus stop).
St Lawrence Bay - Also known as Stone, this broad sweep of shingle and sand is undoubtedly the best in the Maldon District and worth the effort to get to. By car you will need to park at Jubilee Field car park as you come into the village on the left - don't be tempted to drive closer to the beach, there really isn't anywhere else to park and the beach is only a 10-minute walk. Refreshments (and toilets for customers) are available at The Stone Inn, right on the sea wall, or St Lawrence Inn by the car park, and there's a convenience store for picnic supplies.
Woodup Pool, Tollesbury – a hidden gem of the district; a real tidal saltwater lido with a sandy beach area and grassy banks with picnic tables, usually open late May to end of September. There are no lifeguards so children must be supervised at all times and dogs are not allowed. Inflatables and paddleboards can be used with care and the pool is occasionally closed for kayaking groups. Free admission and toilets on site. Parking is free at Woodrolfe Road, a 10-minute walk away. Be careful about parking on nearby roads , they flood at high tide!
Burnham Beach, Burnham-on-Crouch – a small sandy area on the estuary of the River Crouch, suitable for crabbing, paddling and swimming at high tide. It is on the edge of Riverside Park where there is free parking, toilets, picnic areas and play equipment, and there are shops and cafes further along West Quay.
Goldhanger – the word “beach” may be optimistic, but there are some pockets of sand and shingle where it’s possible to have a paddle or a dip if the tide is right. Free on-street parking is available in Head Street or Church Street (do not drive down Fish Street, it’s a dead end with only residents’ parking), then it’s a 15-minute walk down Fish Street, left by the Parish Field, then on to the sea wall (turn either right or left to find a quiet beachy spot). There are no public toilets or cafes, but you will pass The Chequers Inn which has a beer garden and serves coffees.
Bradwell-on-Sea – there are several lovely spots for a bit of beach time, either using the free parking by Eastland Farm near St Peter-on-the-wall Chapel or the small free car parking area by Bradwell Power Station. Either way you will have a 10-15 minute walk to the sea wall, from where you can take your pick of places to play and paddle (high tide is best, otherwise there is miles of mud). Close to the Chapel you will find a fantastic number of sea shells. No facilities near the beach area, although Bradwell Marina has public toilets and a café (small parking charge).
Top tips for a fun beach trip:
The Beach House Bar at Mill Beach Seaside Resort
Bradwell-on-Sea beach is great for hunting for shells
For more low cost outdoor activities...
Number of results: 60
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Heybridge
Located near to the centre of Heybridge, this site has good access from the surrounding area. Large car park, modern hall, enclosed children's play site and football pitch.Also know locally as the 'Planny' after Plantation Hall.
Heybridge
Part of the site is accessible via a boardwalk from the footpath leading to the bridge over the canal at the far end of Tesco car park. Visitors should not leave this boardwalk as the site contains areas of deep water.
Maldon
An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the River Blackwater. At the top of the site near the road is a tarmac path and a number of benches.
Maldon
Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century
Heybridge Basin
Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is the only open space contained within the village and available for public use. There's a popular, well-equipped play area for younger children.
Southminster
One of the largest and best equipped parish fields in the Maldon District, this open, flat site is bordered to the south by a large flooded former gravel pit.
Heybridge
A small children's play area accessible from Elizabeth Way and the Elms Farm development.
Tolleshunt D'Arcy
This is a large open site on the edge of the village with views to the south towards the Blackwater Estuary. There is an outdoor gym consisting of twelve exercise stations including a cross trainer, leg press and sit up bench.
Althorne
Large recreation ground with adjacent wooded area. Car park, hall, two football pitches, tennis court, children's play eqpt.
Great Totham
A pleasant, undulating site, approximately half woodland and half grassland with some large oak trees. Childrens play site, basketball net and kickabout area.
North Fambridge
Facilities include a car park, football pitch, children's play site, and basketball net. Visitors should take care on leaving the site as visibility is restricted.
Essex
It is an old garden site and suffered a period of neglect but is now being cared for by volunteers from Maldon & Heybridge Horticultural Society. The garden is very small and normally open to the public for a short time once a month.
Maldon
This site consists of two large areas of grass, a large block of ancient woodland and buffer strips of shrubs and trees.
Large car park, modern and well equipped community centre, enclosed children's play site, kickabout area and seating.
Burnham-on-Crouch
Overlooking the River Crouch, Burnham’s Riverside Park offers activity and relaxation in equal measure. It is an ideal place for a stroll, a run, a picnic or to take part in some sport.
Purleigh
A large, well equipped site in a lovely setting on the edge of the village. Car park, sports pavilion (available for private hire), cricket pitch, football pitch, two croquet lawns, enclosed children's play area and basketball hoop.
Maldon
Millenium Wood is an extension of Promenade Park & is a wildlife area consisting of woodland plantation, scrub & rough grassland.
Mundon
One of the last areas of surviving ancient woodland in the Dengie peninsular. The dominant tree species are oak and ash. Although there is something of interest to see all year round, the best time to visit is early morning in the spring.
Maldon
The Deckchair Hut, operated by The Maldon Deckchair Company is offering deckchair hire at Promenade Park - sit in comfort to watch the children play, the barges sail by or simply soak up the sunshine or enjoy a picnic.
Deckchairs have to be booked…
Maldon
The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children will enjoy. At the centre is a sculpture, in the shape of a standing stone or obelisk, that is called the Singing Stone.
Latchingdon
This is a large well equipped rec ground with good access from the surrounding area. Car park, village hall/pavilion, children's play equipment, full size & mini football pitch, youth shelter, small woodland area & dog walking area.
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