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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.
Little Totham
This site has a small car park and is also accessible on foot from School Road. It is managed for informal recreation and a number of events are organised by the local community throughout the year.
Heybridge
Consists of meadow, rank vegetation, scrub trees, wet ditches and open water. A man-made lake and island make up about one third of the site. Facilities include all weather paths and a number of seats near the lake.
Cold Norton
Small wooded area with a pond in St Stephens Road. Picnic table and access for walking. Nearby lay by has parking for 2 cars.
Woodham Walter
This is a steeply sloping site with a relatively flat area at the top of the site. The elevated position allows good views over the village of Woodham Walter and beyond to the Chelmer Valley. A new children's playground has recently been built and…
Steeple
This site consists of a large area of grass surrounded by hedges. Football pitch, unfenced children's play site and basketball net
Maldon
Maldon's Promenade Park Beach Huts are located in the valley, with the Splash Park and Galleon, so you can be right in the middle of the action throughout your visit.
Wickham Bishops
Large car park, changing rooms, pavilion, cricket pitch, two football pitches, four tennis courts, youth shelter, basketball net, public open space and nature area.
Mayland
A large well equipped rec ground with good access for cars & pedestrians. Football pitches, floodlit tennis/5 a side courts, a range of play equipment for older children, rebound wall, youth shelter & large erath mounds for BMXing.
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.
Cold Norton
Well equipped and maintained site in a pleasant setting with views to the north west towards the Blackwater estuary. Village hall, car park, football pitch, basketball court, skateboard ramps, childrens play site, wildflower meadow & copse.
Little Totham
This large site is registered common land. It is mainly rough grassland with some areas of blackthorn scrub.
Burnham-on-Crouch
Creeksea Place is a 16th century fairytale Tudor Mansion set in beautiful gardens. The house with its captivating façade and tranquil surroundings is steeped in history.
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.
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.
Goldhanger
Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall footpath and good views over the Blackwater estuary. Childrens play site, football pitch and benches.
Maldon
Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century.
Tillingham
Car park, public toilets, football pitch, cricket pitch, bowls club, sports pavilion, enclosed children's play site and youth shelter.
Mayland
Previously a dense blackthorn scrub that was completely inaccessible, this site has now been opened up in part with paths & a central glade. There are a number of picnic benches & an information board about the site & its abundant wildlife.
Althorne
Large recreation ground with adjacent wooded area. Car park, hall, two football pitches, tennis court, children's play eqpt.
Mayland
A large, open site adjacent to Lawling Playing Field which also contains the Memorial Wall. Large car park, enclosed children's play site, developing woodland areas and surfaced paths.
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