Brightlingsea Beach

  • Brightlingsea Beach - Essex
    © Brian Green and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Brightlingsea Beach - Essex
    © Neil Theasby and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Brightlingsea Beach - Essex
    © Stephen McKay and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Brightlingsea Beach - Essex
    © Bob Jones and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Brightlingsea Beach - Essex
    © Bob Jones and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Brightlingsea Beach - Essex
    © Nigel Cox and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Brightlingsea is a flat sandy beach backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts. Formerly an important fishing and shipbuilding area, Brightlingsea is now a haven for yachting. A popular resort with plenty of amenities including a lifeguard service. Other activities on offer in this charmingly nostalgic location include windsurfing, canoeing, jet-ski, swimming, and bathing as well as pleasure trips on sailing barges. There are several annual sailing events. 

    Brightlingsea beach runs along the Western Promenade, which offers attractive walks with pleasant views. From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on the sand, including both beaches to the east of the paddling pool area. 

    There is plenty of low cost or free parking including spaces for disabled visitors and disabled access to the beach. There is a play area for children and rock pools for crabbing – nets are available from the café. There are public toilet facilities, a lost child centre, and first aid points.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    Yes

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st May - 30th September. (From West Marsh Point covering the paddling pool area and both beaches east of pool.)

    Essex dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Jet-skiing
    • Sailing
    • Swimming/bathing

    Facilities

    • Cafe/restaurant
    • Toilets
    • Disabled facilities
    • Shop
    • Beach hut hire

    Nearest town

    Brightlingsea

    Postcode

    CO7 0HH

    OS grid ref.

    TM 0779 1621

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Blue Flag AwardMarine Conservation Society Recommended

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    Brightlingsea Beach Reviews

    Perfect for swimming

    May 05th 2024

    The sun bakes the concrete steps that line the promenade, so on sunny days the water temperature is always so pleasant.

    Jul 24th 2019

    Please be careful on this beach. My daughter and grandsons came back with badly cut feet from the shells.