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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 21 to 40.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Althorne
Large recreation ground with adjacent wooded area. Car park, hall, two football pitches, tennis court, children's play eqpt.
Heybridge
A small children's play area accessible from Elizabeth Way and the Elms Farm development.
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
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.
Burnham-on-Crouch
Small site accessible on foot from Hester Place or The Pippins.
Enclosed children's play site, kickabout area, basketball net, wildlife 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Steeple
This site consists of a large area of grass surrounded by hedges. Football pitch, unfenced children's play site and basketball net
Maldon
Inspirational private garden open for charity.
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.
Tollesbury
This is a large, open site with good views across the Blackwater Estuary towards St Lawrence. Car park, hall, cricket and football pitches, pavilion, unfenced play site, benches and monument.
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.
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.
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