This dynamic and diverse coastline is made up of seventy five miles of stunning landscapes and beautiful wilderness. Experience panoramic views across the wild low lying Dengie marshes between the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries. The Saltmarsh Coast is an important wildlife habitat, with plenty of wide open spaces, dynamic tidal estuaries, traditional villages and historic towns. At any time of year, it is the perfect destination to stretch your legs and discover something new.
YOUR JOURNEY ON THE SALTMARSH COAST
Along the coastline of the Maldon District, five Saltmarsh Coast Hubs are being installed as part of Maldon District Council's Dengie Gateway Project. These include:
These inspirational visitor information points make the perfect starting point for your journey and provide you with engaging facts and details about this fascinating part of Essex's Discovery Coast.
Additionally, audio posts, signage and waymarking will continue to be installed. This work has been undertaken as part of the Maldon District Council’s Dengie Gateway Project funded by the Coastal Community’s Fund.
These inspirational visitor information points make the perfect starting point for your journey and provide you with engaging facts and details about this fascinating part of Essex's Discovery Coast.
Additionally, audio posts, signage and waymarking has also been installed. This work has been undertaken as part of the Maldon District Council’s Dengie Gateway Project funded by the Coastal Community’s Fund.
SALTMARSH TOWNS
-Marion-Sidebottom160720-480x235.jpg "The Hythe Quay, Maldon")
Maldon's Hythe Quay is a historic working waterfront that is home to the largest collection of active Thames Sailing Barges. From the quay, you can take a trip on one of these barges with Topsail Charters and the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, or you can also take a cruise aboard the Viking Saga pleasure boat and take in views of the Blackwater Estuary.
Burnham's Quay is home to numerous pubs, cafés, and houseboats, as well as the Burnham-on-Crouch & District Museum. Walking along the quay, you will pass Riverside Park, Burnham's four sailing clubs, and the RNLI lifeboat station. From the quay, you can take the Burnham Ferry over to Wallasea Island from Easter to the end of September.
-Marion-Sidebottom160825-480x235.jpg "Burnham-on-Crouch Quay")
SALTMARSH VILLAGES
NATURE RESERVES
RSPB Wallasea Island Wild Coast project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.
Small Island in the Blackwater Estuary with a large area of undisturbed salt marsh. Site of special scientific interest. Site of the Battle of the Maldon in AD991. Guided tours by prior arrangement.
Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.
One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing marsh that is managed as a traditional coastal farm using the Trust's own rare breed livestock to encourage a superb variety of wildlife.
Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank together with extensive saltmarsh. The spit has been built up by tidal currents and is mainly cockle and oyster shells.
SALTMARSH75 ULTRA MARATHON
Take on the challenge as a walker, a runner, or a bit of both, the choice is yours. If you're not quite up for the full challenge, then we have a variety of packages to suit all, including our new duo option.
ON THE WATER
Topsail Charters
Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.
The Viking Saga Boat Trips
The Viking Saga, listed on the UK National Historic Ships Register, was built locally in 1947. After a complete restoration she is now used for public cruises from Maldon and neighbouring ports.
Seal trips at Burnham Quay
Discovery Charters offers fishing and seal watching wildlife trips which leave from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island and the Quay at Burnham-on-Crouch.
Marigold Charters
Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.
Frangipani SUP
Frangipani SUP is a friendly, family run Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board school based in Essex. We operate in various locations in the Maldon and Chelmsford area.
Steam Tug Brent
Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.
The Cirdan Sailing Trust
Residential sailing voyages abroad traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.
Thames Barge Sailing Trust
Weekend and week sailing charters on the east coast for parties or individuals on board fully rigged traditional east coast sailing barges. Participation actively encouraged. Trust membership available.
Traditional Charter
Traditional Charter offer bespoke birdwatching tours, seal trips and wildlife tours tailored to suit your requirements whether be it a day trips or longer.
There are also numerous events that take place on the water throughout the year, from regattas and barge matches, to gig races and river festivals.
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CONNECT WITH US
Specially trained staff at the Maldon District Tourist Information Centre (TIC) are on hand to offer expert and friendly advice to help you make the most of your visit. Situated off the town's High Street down Wenlock Way, the TIC offers visitors a selection of free guides and brochures to help you understand and appreciate this unique area. The Maldon District TIC is an Enjoy England Official Partner.
-Marion-Sidebottom-480x235.jpg "Tollesbury Cafe")
