10 Best walks in Essex
We think Essex is underrated as far as its coastline is concerned, so we’ve put together a list of Essex coastal walks that will bring many a holiday memory to every family.
The county has over 350 miles of sea facing areas to explore, many of the best within touching distance of our awesome Essex holiday park at Orchards. Let us guide you through some of the best walks in Essex so you can plan your next holiday to the county with some activity in mind. We’ll give you the length and terrain of the walk to, so you’ll know what to expect and pack in order to make the most of it.
- 1. Seawick to Clacton Pier
- 2. Orchards Holiday Village to St Osyth
- 3. Point Clear Bay circular walk
- 4. Clacton Pier to Holland-on-Sea coastal walk
- 5. Colne Point Nature Reserve
- 6. John Weston Nature Reserve and Walton Backwaters loop
- 7. Cudmore Grove Country Park coastal loop, Mersea Island
- 8. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park circular trail
- 9. Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park: hides and short nature trails
- 10. Harwich Old Town to Dovercourt seafront walk
1. Seawick to Clacton Pier
Distance: 3.5 miles Terrain: easy
Jump in the car from Orchards Holiday Village and take a five-minute drive down to Seawick, where you can park in the area around the Sailor Boy pub, café and amusements (which is actually a great place to relax and fresh on your way back from this Essex coastal walk too).
From here, head along the beautiful Essex seaside on an uninterrupted stroll that’s also a great dog walk. You’ll pass Jaywick Martello Tower, an 1800s defensive structure that’s now a contemporary art venue. Walk past the untouched Jaywick Beach as Clacton Pier slowly comes into view. Soak up the sea breeze as you pass Toby Carvery, another great place to stop, especially on a Sunday! This marks your arrival in Clacton. When you reach the pier, grab some fish and chips from the seafront, or some seafood from Tubby Isaacs. You can walk back or jump on the bus to Jaywick’s Martello Tower, just a stone’s throw from where you parked.
2. Orchards Holiday Village to St Osyth
Distance: 2 miles Terrain: easy
This walk in Essex is proof that Orchards Holiday Village is amongst some of the best scenery the county has to offer. Leave through the main entrance of the holiday park and head along Point Clear Road. Stay on the left side and you’ll find a picturesque left turn just before the road itself veers to the left.
Walk through the stunning countryside and back out to where the road meets the stunning Mill Dam Lake, home of the entertaining Curve Water Sports, which you should definitely try out at some point! See the historic stone walls of St Osyth on the left, the gateway to St Osyth village. You can stop off for a pint or refreshment at The Red Lion or Kings Arms before taking the same route back to your van.
3. Point Clear Bay circular walk
Distance: 2 miles Terrain: easy
Point Clear Bay is where Orchards Holiday Village sits and must be discovered when you’re here for a stay with us. An easy route to navigate, the route gives you great views of Brightlingsea across the bay, and you can relax on the pebbly beach, which is a particular delight at sunset. Stroll south past the holiday park and see more brilliant sea views, and head back through our park to see where St Osyth and Brightlingsea Creeks meet.
The feeling here is particularly maritime, and this dog friendly walk sets you up nicely for a boat ride across to Brightlingsea for a refreshment or two.
4. Clacton Pier to Holland-on-Sea coastal walk
Distance: 2.5 miles Terrain: easy
Head into the heart of Clacton and start your stroll from Clacton Pier north towards the sleepy town of Holland-on-Sea. This walk in Essex is a brilliant way to see some of the county’s finest coastline, with a lovely and easy route along King’s Promenade.
This is one for the whole family. There are several resting spots along the way with pretty gardens and a couple of cafes providing sustenance. When you get to Holland-on-Sea, head to Frinton Road for a wide range of eateries and watering holes to rest before heading back home.
5. Colne Point Nature Reserve
Distance: 2 miles Terrain: rough
Colne Point Nature Reserve is a great dog walk in Essex and a place where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle. Pack your wellies or walking boots for this one as the terrain can vary in places. Your effort is rewarded with a real breath of fresh air as you stroll along Ray Creek.
If you fancy adding some distance, the nature reserve is neighbours with Orchards Holiday Village. Walking directly from your accommodation adds a mile or so to this walk, depending on your location on park.
6. John Weston Nature Reserve and Walton Backwaters loop
Distance: 5 miles Terrain: easy
For a flat coastal walk with big skies, this loop near Walton-on-the-Naze is a good pick. The route begins at the Walton seafront and follows sea wall paths with saltmarsh, streams, and mudflats on one side plus open farmland on the other. Birdlife is the main draw, especially around the backwaters. There’s usually plenty happening out over the water, so bring binoculars if you have them. A quick detour to The Naze Tower viewpoint offers a better survey of the backwaters and a view towards Hamford Water.
Underfoot it’s easy, although the areas between tracks, gates and field edges can get muddy after rain. Shoes with decent grip keeps it manageable. There’s little shade for long stretches, so take water and sunscreen on warmer days. Pack a light windproof jacket to ease the effects of those biting coastal winds. There aren’t many places for refreshments on the route itself, so you’d be well advised to bring a snack and water before leaving the seafront.
The Naze cliffs are nearby, and they can be unstable after storms. Keep well back from the edge and keep children close. Dropping onto the beach is tempting, though tide times matter and soft sand can slow things down.
7. Cudmore Grove Country Park coastal loop, Mersea Island
Distance: 3.3 miles Terrain: easy
On Mersea Island, this coastal loop provides a mix of grassy paths, winding trails, and short sections of shoreline. The views take in the estuary while the open spaces make it easy to stroll at your own pace. The route is mostly flat, with only gentle slopes between the grassland and the beach’s edge. There’s a wildlife hide on site, plus toilets and picnic spots, which make this a convenient choice for a family walk.
Start and finish at Cudmore Grove Country Park main car park. Pay close attention on cliffs and bank edges: parts of the coastline can be unstable. Also, the drop-offs can appear abruptly, so keep children within arm’s reach near the edges. The beach sections are often shingly and uneven, which can feel harder going than the grass paths. Firmer sand tends to be easier at low tide, making a quick tide check worthwhile before you arrive. The park is open daily from 8am until dusk, which makes early or late walks a possibility.
8. Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park circular trail
Distance: 4.1 miles Terrain: moderate
Set alongside the Colne Estuary, this circular trail beginning at Fingringhoe Wick packs in woodland, open meadows, ponds and reedbeds. Much of it is based around old, decommissioned industrial land (sand and gravel extraction). Several hides and viewpoints form convenient stopping places along the way. Café and bathroom facilities at the visitor centre are a bonus, especially for a longer wander, or as a place to hide if the weather turns.
This walk’s terrain fits the moderate bracket because the paths can be changeable. Expect uneven surfaces, narrow sections, exposed roots, and muddy patches in winter. After rain, some corners and short slopes get slippery, so steady pacing matters more than speed. A grippy sole makes the whole route feel safer.
Stick to the marked trails where paths split, especially around scrubby edges, and older quarry areas. The wildlife areas are sensitive, so keeping to the route helps protect the site too. Dog access is limited, with a designated dog trail rather than full access everywhere. Check the on-site signs before setting off, then plan the loop around the dog-friendly sections.
9. Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park: hides and short nature trails
Distance: 1.5 miles Terrain: easy
For an easy walk that packs in plenty to see, Abberton Reservoir is ideal. The short trails near the visitor centre are flat and well-surfaced, with wide views across the water and several hides for watching birds. Swans, geese, ducks, and waders are common sights, plus the occasional bird of prey over the reserve edges.
The visitor centre helps with logistics, with providing loos and refreshments on site. A few benches flank along the short trails, which helps you pace the walk without cutting it short. Seasonal opening hours apply for the centre, while the wider reserve access is generally year-round. The reservoir edge is exposed, and the wind howls through quickly, which can make it feel colder than expected. A light windproof is useful even outside of winter.
Water safety is the main thing here. Keep children away from the edge and stay on the paths around the hides rather than cutting across rough ground. The site does not allow dogs, so plan the day without the pup. Binoculars are worth bringing, although the hides offer a good view without them.
10. Harwich Old Town to Dovercourt seafront walk
Distance: 2.5 miles Terrain: easy
Set along the Harwich and Dovercourt seafront, this walk is flat, paved, and easy to follow. Starting around Harwich’s old town and quayside, the route follows the promenade towards Dovercourt Bay. Harbour activity adds plenty of interest, with big ships moving through the estuary and wide seaside views. Harwich’s two lighthouses are easy to spot from the promenade, and they make a useful landmark for the halfway point.
Because most of the route is on a shared promenade, expect cyclists and faster runners, especially on busier afternoons. Sea wall edges and steps down to the beach need a bit of care, particularly with smaller kids. Wind can be strong along the front, which makes an extra layer a good idea even on mild days.
The paved surface keeps things manageable after rain, useful when you’ve decided inclement weather won’t stop you walking. Cafés and shops in Harwich and Dovercourt provide an opportunity to add a break without planning anything complicated.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Terms and conditions
New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 22 January 2026
Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Cardigan View, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Orchards, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 22 January 2026
As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Cardigan View, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Orchards, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Cardigan View, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Orchards, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2032
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Move your caravan to Haven for free - full terms and conditions
This offer is available for holiday home owners not located at a Haven park and that want to relocate their holiday home from their current holiday park a Haven holiday park, subject to pitch availability and the satisfactory completion of our standard onboarding checks. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion, apart from the free 2026 site fee promotion if applicable to the Haven park. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice.
In order to be eligible to participate in the offer, your holiday home must be situated within a 50-mile radius of the Haven park that you wish to relocate to. The holiday home must be no more than 15 years old from the date of manufacture and if it has been purchased under a finance agreement, the holiday homeowner must provide confirmation from their lender that the holiday home can be moved to the Haven park.
Haven will transport your holiday home from the entrance of its current holiday park location to the required Haven park and will reimburse your transportation costs up-to a maximum value of £750; any excess must be paid by the holiday homeowner. Haven does not accept any responsibility for any damage that happens to the interior of your holiday home whilst it is being transported to one of our holiday parks. We recommend your holiday home is fully packed down and ready for transportation. Transportation does not include decking. Any decking bought onto a Haven park must be approved by the General Manager of that park to ensure it meets Haven standards. Siting and connection costs for your holiday home on a Haven park will be paid for by Haven. Offer excludes payment of holiday home disconnection at your current park and transportation costs from its current pitch to the entrance of its current park.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times. Images are shown for representational purposes. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.