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

  1. This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it…

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  2. Othona is an open and inclusive Community rooted in the Christian tradition and drawing…

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  3. RAF Bradwell Bay is a former Royal Air Force station located on the Dengie Peninsular,…

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

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

    2.05 miles away
  3. Bradwell Marina, on the Blackwater Estuary is ideally situated for exploring the river,…

    2.5 miles away
  4. Information: Founded in 1993 by Fiona Oakes, Tower Hill Animal Sanctuary is a forever…

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

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

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

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

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

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

    4.78 miles away
  11. Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

    4.9 miles away
  12. St James, Dengie is a small parish church serving the rural villages of Asheldham and…

    4.92 miles away
  13. WhimbrelArt in Tollesbury is a gallery specialising in the work of local artists and…

    4.92 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 460

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    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.

  2. Address

    4 King Georges Place, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BZ

    Telephone

    01621 840870

    Maldon

    Phoenix stocks an eclectic range of women's clothes & accessories for all ages, sizes 8-20. We offer affordable fashion collections from a vast range of designers, There are stylish dresses for that special occasion as well as funky tops and tunics…

  3. Address

    West Field car park, North Street, Tillingham, CM0 7TP

    Tillingham

    2.73 miles. This gentle walk lets you explore Tillingham, with its pretty village green lined with weatherboarded cottages, and the wide-open expanses of the surrounding Dengie farmland. There's a historic church to investigate, and two historic…

  4. Address

    St George’s Close, Heybridge Basin, Essex, CM9 4RZ

    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.

  5. Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Maldon

    For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High…

  6. Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Telephone

    01621 450450

    Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

    Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
    The Wine Barn has…

  7. Address

    Maldon Road, Langford, CM9 4SS

    Langford

    St Giles' is a unique Grade II* Listed parish church dating from the late 11th century, with an unusual apse at the western end.

  8. Address

    Ulting Wick, Ulting, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QX

    Telephone

    01245 380216

    Maldon

    Inspirational private garden open for charity.

  9. Address

    Keelings Road, Dengie, Essex, CM0 7UH

    Telephone

    01621 779620

    Dengie

    St James, Dengie is a small parish church serving the rural villages of Asheldham and Dengie. The Grade II listed church building dates back to the 14th century, but the Nave walls may be even earlier from Saxon times, and remains of Roman bricks…

  10. Address

    Off Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621868113

    Tollesbury

    Walkers along the sea wall at Tollesbury will be fascinated by the large red ship moored on the saltmarshes. This is the Trinity Lightvessel, which was built in 1954 for Trinity House - the organisation which looks after shipping navigation marks…

  11. Address

    East St, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD

    Telephone

    01621 869230

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

  12. Address

    Friends Meeting House (Quaker Church), Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Telephone

    01621 854056

    Maldon

    Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms; originally one for women and one for men, but now everyone worships together. The Georgian benches and tiered elders’ benches remain.

  13. Address

    9-10 Mildmay House, Foundry Lane, Burnham, CM0 8BL

    Telephone

    01621 786688

    Burnham

    Beauty salon offering a range of treatments including nail art, eyebrow and lash tints, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, needle-free Collagen Lift for face and body, microdermabrasion and facials.

  14. Address

    70 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 928 107

    Maldon

    Charity shop selling good-quality women's, mens' and children's clothes, along with china, collectibles, jewellery, housewares, accessories, shoes, books and more.

  15. Address

    Elysian Gardens, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QN

    Telephone

    01621 869039

    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.

  16. Address

    Bell Meadow, The Street, Woodham Walter, CM9 6RF

    Woodham Walter

    2.7 miles. This undulating walk explores the pretty village of Woodham Walter and its nearby woodland, known as The Wilderness, plus a visit to the scenic Hoe Mill Lock with its canal boats and wildlife.

  17. Address

    Saint Lawrence Hill, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7LN

    Telephone

    01621 776203

    Steeple

    This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary provides exhibitions and community activities. Light refreshments available.

  18. Address

    School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

    Telephone

    0345 6037628

    Wickham Bishops

    Mondays. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! Come along and join in with Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Wickham Bishops Library

  19. Address

    Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

    Telephone

    01621 776256

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Get on the water with Essex Outdoors and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy…

  20. Address

    Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 850222

    Maldon

    Monkey Puzzle is holding a monthly play session during term times for children with additional needs (SEND). The sessions are closed to the general public, allowing a safe and comfortable play session for children with disabilities and their…