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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.
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.
Maldon
This attractive site was formerly part of a garden & was donated to Maldon Town Council for the use of the town's residents. It features a wide range of native & ornamental trees & shrubs along with views towards Beeleigh Weir.
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.
Southminster
Orchard Meadows consists of five adjoining meadows, each surrounded by hedges. The central meadow contains the remains of an old orchard with apple, pear, plum and walnut trees.
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.
Heybridge Basin
Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the Blackwater Estuary and would once have enabled smaller boats to enter and exit the canal and travel around the coastline. Today it is can still be used by suitable…
Maldon
Millenium Wood is an extension of Promenade Park & is a wildlife area consisting of woodland plantation, scrub & rough grassland.
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.
Southminster
Seasons Wood consists mainly of hawthorn & blackthorn scrub. To the northern end of the site is a small area of grassland & a balancing pond.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mayland
An area of grassland adjacent to the sea wall in Mayland. Across the middle of the site is the remnants of an old borrow dyke which is now dry most of the year.
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.
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.
Little Totham
This small, triangular shaped site is located at the centre of the village. Swings, slide and pond. Pedestrians are advised to take care when crossing the road to this site.
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