Second World War pillbox and concrete barges used in D-Day Landings visible from the shell bank, picture by Marion Sidebottom

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About

At Bradwell-on-Sea, close to the ancient Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Walls, you can see the Cockle Spit or shell bank, a massive and ever-moving spit made from cockle and oyster shells. There is a small area of beach adjacent. Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, the Cockle Spit sees a huge number of wading birds and is a great place to see murmurations.

From here you can see a row of old ferro-concrete barges that are now used to limit erosion of the wildlife-rich saltmarshes. These are a legacy of the Second World War when they were towed out to France to form part of the Mulberry Harbours that helped the D-Day Landings of the Allied Forces. By the seawall you can also see the remains of a wooden control tower, part of the 1930s bombing range that was once here.

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Parking

  • Free Parking - about quarter of a mile away

Map & Directions

Bradwell-on-sea Shell Bank Nature Reserve and Mulberry Harbour remains

Type:Nature Reserve

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PN

Opening Times

* At any time

What's Nearby

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  1. Grade II Listed church dating from the 14th century, with the parish War Memorial inside…

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  2. Attractive site, surrounded by hedgerows and with a number of mature oak trees. Village…

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    2.5 miles away
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  5. This Grade II listed parish church has a beautiful setting in the village square in…

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  6. Car park, public toilets, football pitch, cricket pitch, bowls club, sports pavilion,…

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  7. This church belongs to the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches. It is the…

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  8. Walkers along the sea wall at Tollesbury will be fascinated by the large red ship moored…

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  9. One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing…

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  10. This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary…

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  11. Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

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Number of results:

Number of results: 460

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    St Leonard's Church, Station Rd, Southminster, Essex, CM10 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 772300

    Southminster

    Southminster War Memorial is a 2.4m obelisk in the grounds of St Leonard's Church, bearing the names of 75 casualties of war.

  2. Address

    Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PQ

    Telephone

    01621 783963

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    All Saints' Church at Creeksea lies in an idyllic setting with beautiful views over the River Crouch. The current church building dates from the 1870s although there has been a church on this site since the 13th century.

  3. Address

    West Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AS

    Telephone

    01621 782624

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Our club offers a friendly atmosphere, a varied social programme and good facilities. We provide excellent training for our strong junior section. There is competitive Wednesday evening racing for cruisers, day boats and dinghies.

  4. Address

    135 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Maldon

    New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)

  5. Address

    5 High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AA

    Telephone

    01621 773198

    Southminster

    Convenience store selling groceries, confectionery, cards, wines and spirits, newspapers and more.

  6. Address

    Tollesbury Road, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, CM9 8UA

    Telephone

    07498 218283

    Tolleshunt D'Arcy

    Our two passions are craft beer and aviation. In late 2021 we created Datum Attitude Brewing Co, brewing the beers that we love inspired by our passion for aviation.

    Sam, our brewer and founder, is ex Royal Air Force and has a real passion for all…

  7. Address

    Hillside, Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4QL

    Maldon

    As you walk up or down Market Hill, among the many historic buildings is a collection of Listed townhouses opposite the Market Hill Garden, just below Cromwell Lane. Now elegant, private homes, these buildings were once a single institution,…

  8. Address

    Church Hill, Purleigh, CM3 6QH

    Telephone

    01621 829600

    Purleigh

    Owned and run by local residents, Purleigh Community Shop offers convenience shopping, local produce and a social hub  in the heart of Purleigh. Produce includes fresh bread and cakes, locally produced meat, vegetables and fruit, wines,…

  9. Address

    54 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AA

    Telephone

    01621 786243

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Templeman Galleries specializes in original pictures and also provides a bespoke picture framing service. The gallery stocks a large selection of unusual gifts, objects d’art and jewellery.

  10. Address

    Shipways Yard, North Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HQ

    Telephone

    01621 854280

    Maldon

    Maldon Chandlery

  11. Address

    Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 784535

    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.

  12. Address

    Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7US

    Telephone

    01621 856503

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    The Dengie National Nature Reserve is a large and remote area of tidal mudflat and saltmarsh between the Blackwater and Crouch Estuaries near Bradwell-on-Sea.

  13. Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JG

    Telephone

    01621 770836

    Maldon

    Welcome to Maldon Promenade Park's new Multi Use Games Area. Situated in the heart of Maldon's famous Promenade Park and offering 4 Pickleball Courts, 4 Tennis Courts, 2 Netball Courts and a wide hard standing area for additional sports. All of…

  14. Address

    118 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 852969

    Maldon

    Maldon Newsagent & Off Licence is a convenience store selling magazines and newspapers, groceries, sweets, alcohol and everyday essentials.

  15. Address

    Burnham Road, Woodham Mortimer, Essex, CM9 6SR

    Telephone

    01245 222276

    Woodham Mortimer

    9 hole Pitch and Putt available all day for only £5 per person. Juniors £3, under 8 free.

  16. Address

    Church Road, Tolleshunt Major, Essex, CM9 8EH

    Tolleshunt Major

    Grade I Listed St Nicholas church dates from the 12th century and has expansive views from the churchyard, which also contains a Commonwealth War Grave.

  17. Address

    Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.25 miles. This most enjoyable waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside, including the scenic Beeleigh Falls and the seawall beside the Blackwater Estuary.

  18. Address

    179 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    0333 032 9655

    Maldon

    With state of the art key machines and programming software along with over 4000 key variations in stock Key Station is now ready to serve Maldon & the surrounding areas in cutting domestic and commercial keys as well as cut and program vehicle keys…

  19. Address

    40 White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5QP

    Telephone

    01621 859444

    Maldon

    As an independent business we can offer you expert knowledge and advice. Whether you need a set of brake pads, a new battery, some seat covers or mats to brighten up your car or even a set of furry dice we can help! Our massive web store contains…

  20. Address

    Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 855058

    Maldon

    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.