We had a tour of the Essex beaches last week and have been asked by a few people which beach we would recommend on the Clacton stretch of the Essex coastline. We have to say that the beaches and resorts on this short stretch of coast are of two types: at either end, you have full resorts with piers and amusements, but in between, you have more old world.
For the energetic, you can walk along the coast between them, and the distance is approximately 8 miles.
We started in the North at Walton-on-the-Naze, which has the traditional beach and beach huts and a pier with amusements.
Next, when heading south, is Frinton-on-Sea, a more old world with a long beach backed by a large grass area, here you will not find amusement arcades and will need to bring everything with you.
Just a short distance from Frinton and before the beaches of Clacton you have Holland-on-Sea which is much like Frinton and you visit just for the beach.
Clacton-on-Sea has a larger beachfront and returns to the complete seaside resort with lots of shops, places to eat, a large beachfront and a pier.
I know we are not answering the question, but this is because it is really down to personal preference and whether a beach trip needs to involve amusements or not.
For more information, have a browse around our Essex Beaches page.