
Best beaches in Essex | Over–55s retirement bungalows for sale
Our over–55s retirement bungalows for sale at Burnham Waters in Essex are attracting many purchasers, looking for a retirement property by the sea. In East Anglia and the South East of England, we are spoilt with a wonderful selection of coastal locations, all within a short drive from one another.
At Burnham Waters, our lifestyle retirement village is nestled on the quiet coast of Burnham-on-Crouch. Looking for the best beaches in Essex? This week, we take a closer look at just some of the best beaches and coastlines in the County - according to our retired community.
Best beaches in Essex: our top five
1. Walton-on-the-Naze
With its beautiful fine sand beach, people in the UK travel far and wide to experience a weekend at the ‘blue flag’ awarded, Walton-on-the-Naze beach! With plenty to do here, the beach itself is long, with a pier on the seafront. If you’re an avid sandcastle maker, you’re in for a treat because the sand is hailed as the best in Essex!
Walton beach is family friendly with no shortage of facilities for beachgoers, from classic seaside amusements to a number of beachside cafés, it’s got it all. If you need anything else then you can easily pop into Walton town, which is just a few minutes away, for shops, seafront pubs and fresh food - including an award-winning pie and mash shop!
A mile or so north from the sea is “the Naze” itself. An unspoilt headland, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Naze consists of the Naze tower, grassland and cliffs that are home to thousands of fossils!
Walton-on-the-Naze beach is easy to get to; there is plenty of parking nearby and the town’s train station is next to the seafront.
2. Frinton-on-Sea
A 10 minute drive, or 40 minute seafront walk away from Walton-on-the-Naze is Frinton-on- Sea. Frinton, with its wide sandy beach, has gone out of its way to remain as uncommercialised as possible and maintain its reputation as a quiet family resort.
Somewhat in contrast to neighbouring Clacton or even Walton, Frinton has an air of reserved gentility and has been commended for its outstanding cleanliness with a Blue Flag award.
Frinton is perfect for a solo beach walk, or fun in the sun with family. There is also an extensive grassy area, the Greensward, which is an ideal spot for a picnic. To the rear of the beach is an extensive promenade, which is lined with colourful, old-fashioned beach huts. If you’ve been looking for over–55s retirement bungalows for sale and you are seeking a quieter scene, Frinton is extremely welcoming.
If you carry on upwards, you’ll reach Holland-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea. These beaches are the furthest out on the long stretch here. They offer similar facilities to both Walton and Frinton but are typically a bit busier.
3. West Mersea Beach
Just outside of Colchester, you’ll find Mersea Island. West Mersea beach is located to the west of island and is south facing, overlooking the Blackwater Estuary. This sand and shingle beach is an old-fashioned type of resort, with its seafood sheds and stripy deck chairs in prime view, making it a popular choice among the over–55s community.
Whilst you will find holiday parks and beach huts, there is also a laid-back and easy feeling about the place. Pleasures are simple; crabbing off one of the jetties, digging in the sand or just watching the boats go by.
Mersea has some of the best oysters and shellfish seafood available in Essex. Our recommendation would be to go to The Company Shed if you can! Be sure to check the tide times – Mersea is an island connected to the mainland by a small causeway. However, this all but disappears in very hide tide!
4. Brightlingsea Beach
Brightlingsea is a flat sandy beach backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts. With its blue flag and marine conservations society awards, it’s certainly one of the most sought-after beaches locally. Formerly an important fishing and ship-building area, Brightlingsea is now a haven for yachting. Local activities include windsurfing, canoeing, jet-skis and swimming, as well as pleasure trips on sailing barges.
Brightlingsea beach runs along the Western Promenade, where there is also a paddling pool area, perfect for young children. There is also a play area for children and rock pools for crabbing – nets are available from the café.
5. Burnham-on-Crouch Coastline
If you have been searching for over–55s retirement bungalows for sale in Burnham-on-Crouch, then you will hopefully have come across Burnham Waters, our new lifestyle retirement village. If you choose to make one of our new retirement bungalows your home, then you can of-course enjoy all the benefits of the Burnham coastline – right on your doorstep!
Although Burnham doesn’t have a beach as such, there is a lovely marina and sandy area surrounding the coastline. Burnham is home to some superb waterside eateries and there is plenty to see and do here. From taking a picturesque sea wall walk to enjoying some quaint local shopping, or embracing the area’s yachting culture, if you’re looking for an authentic coastal town experience, Burnham-on-Crouch has it in abundance!
Read more about the Essex coast and all it has to offer in our blog post here.
Over–55s retirement bungalows for sale at Burnham Waters
Not only is Burnham-on-Crouch home to some of the most authentic and unspoilt coastal surroundings, it’s just a short journey away from all of the beautiful Essex beaches listed above. If you’re looking for retirement villages by the coast, Burnham Waters offers one of the most welcoming over–55s communities around.
If you’d like to receive more information about our new build bungalows, or enquire about reserving a property, our friendly team are on hand to help you. Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559, or request a brochure here!
Our sales suite and show home are open daily, 10am – 3pm and there are show homes to view.
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