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…

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

    0.8 miles away
  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 121 to 140.

  1. Address

    163 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621 781067

    Burnham

    The Lovely Shop is sells handbags and purses, scarves, accessories and jewellery alongside other gift items and homeware.

  2. Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    Heybridge

    The Chigborough Maze is located next to the campsite and is available for guests to use. It can be hired exclusively for events between October and May.

  3. Address

    The Square, Church Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QJ

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury's little prison was opened in 1700 and was in operation for around a century as a holding cell for accused prisoners and as a lock-up for drunken locals. Sometimes called The Cage, the tiny building can be found by the churchyard wall of…

  4. Address

    Papermill Lock, North Road, Little Baddow, Maldon, Please select a region, state or province., CM3 4BS

    Telephone

    01245226245

    Little Baddow, Maldon

    This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.

  5. Address

    Station Rd, Southminster, Essex, CM10 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 772300

    Southminster

    Parts of this historic parish church are nearly 1000 years old, dating back to about 1100 AD. In modern times it has become a vibrant community church hosting a number of activities such as concerts and art displays.

  6. 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…

  7. Address

    Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Telephone

    07768 086248

    Maldon

    We are a friendly bunch of people who take seriously our responsibility to seek first the Kingdom of God.

  8. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 776256

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Get on the water with Essex Outdoors for a Sailing Experience Day 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 the stunning surroundings, the choice is yours.…

  9. Address

    Fish Street, Goldhanger, Maldon, CM9 8AU

    Telephone

    01621 860265

    Goldhanger

    Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall footpath and good views over the Blackwater estuary. Childrens play site, football pitch and benches.

  10. Address

    Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6QH

    Purleigh

    This walk explores the countryside around the hilltop village of Purleigh and provides an opportunity to visit a working vineyard and an historic World War I aerodrome near Stow Maries

  11. Address

    Garden Fields, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7JY

    Telephone

    01621 868352

    Steeple

    This site consists of a large area of grass surrounded by hedges. Football pitch, unfenced children's play site and basketball net

  12. Address

    St Peter’s Tower, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 851628

    Maldon

    The Maeldune Heritage Centre, set in the beautiful old St Peter's Church, is one of Maldon's most fascinating visitor attractions, mixing local history, temporary art and craft exhibitions, tourism information and the permanent home of the…

  13. Address

    The Yacht harbour, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869202

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Marina is set in the heart of the East Coast on the mouth of the River Blackwater, gateway to the rivers and creeks of Essex and Suffolk.

  14. Address

    2-6 Devonshire Road, Burnham, CM0 8BH

    Telephone

    01621 784378

    Burnham

    Hardware and homeware shop selling a wide range of decorating supplies, including Dulux paint, along with all kinds of items for the home and garden.

  15. Address

    Althorne Recreation Ground car park, Burnham Road, Althorne, CM3 6BY

    Althorne

    2.3 miles. Althorne sits on the southern ridge of low hills on the Dengie Peninsula; so you can glimpse both the Blackwater and the Crouch rivers on this gentle walk. Look out too for the grapes growing in the many vineyards that benefit from the…

  16. Address

    Burnham Road, Summerhill, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BX

    Telephone

    01621 744825

    Althorne

    Large recreation ground with adjacent wooded area. Car park, hall, two football pitches, tennis court, children's play eqpt.

  17. Address

    Beeleigh, Langford, Essex, CM9 4SS

    Telephone

    01621 853212

    Langford

    Challenging tight parkland course set in picturesque countryside.

  18. Address

    Bradwell Marina, Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7RB

    Telephone

    01621 776684

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.

  19. Address

    St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, CM3 6NP

    Telephone

    07955 383364

    Cold Norton

    Scooty Wooty's is a small riding establishment that offers horse riding lessons, pony riding , stable management, own a pony sessions and children's parties.

  20. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 927171

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Hello dog lovers!

    Welcome to Rafadoodle's in Burnahm-on-Crouch where you can spoil your furry friend.

    Come visit Rafadoodle's for your dog food, dog toys, dog treats & much more.