Most people who visit Essex for the first time are well aware of our beautiful sandy shores at Clacton, Frinton and Walton, as well as our pebbled beaches at Southend and Dovercourt.

However, very few know about the ‘secret’ beaches of our beautiful county, and it appears, not all residents do either, according to tourism body Visit Essex

Boasting 350 miles of glorious coastline it is the second longest in the UK and also one of the most diverse, a place of surprising beauty and rich in wildlife.

Nestled in between our well-known beaches are mudflats, saltmarshes and lonely creeks, once the haunt of smugglers and today home to thousands of wintering seabirds. From old sea-faring towns, to seals and Thames barges, our shores are full of unexpected delights.

  • 1. The Naze

Unique because it’s surrounded on three sides by the sea – the mostly sandy beaches and steadfast sea defence, make the Naze beach perfect for walking and discovering - wait for it - fossils and shark’s teeth dating back to the Ice Age! (It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest). Also great for lovers of marine activities such as sailing, kayaking and kite-surfing, and you couldn’t possibly leave without visiting the Essex Wildlife Trust Centre, walking to the top of the Naze Tower, or taking a wildlife trip to see the seals in the Walton backwaters.

  • 2. Wrabness

Between Manningtree and Harwich, next to the train station you can take a walk along the footpath which will bring you to ‘Julie’s House for Essex’, designed by celebrity artist and sculpturer Grayson Perry. This ‘ginger-bread’ style creation is available to hire and the views across to Wrabness beach and marshland are stunning. It is a haven for artists, nature lovers and sailors, and the perfect place for a romantic picnic for two.

  • 3. Earlham’s Beach

Just around the corner from Wrabness, you’ll find the port of Harwich and Dovercourt Bay. It’s a little known secret, but walk along the path from Dovercourt west- end, past the caravan park and you’ll find Earlhams beach. Not good for swimming, but where marshland reaches the sea and perfect for mud-larking and wildlife. Just be mindful of the tides.

  • 4. Brightlingsea

Well-known by residents, it is still little known by visitors, and when ‘out of season’ a trip here will definitely be good for the soul. Perfect for families, it has a tidal ‘paddling’ pool for the little ones and is a popular spot for crabbing. Ideal conditions make it suitable for sailing as well – keeping everyone happy! The beautiful sunsets found here and many brightly coloured beach huts, make it an ideal location for photography too.

  • 5. East Mersea

The home of Cudmore Grove Nature Reserve, and as well as wildlife and beautiful walks along the sea wall, a regular ferry during the summer time carries passengers to and from Brightlingsea. The beach is sand and pebble, but go there during the week, or out of season and you’re likely to be the only one there - bliss!

  • 6. Monkey Beach – West Mersea

The curiously named ‘Monkey Beach’ is a small area of beach in West Mersea. On one side, moored on the mudflats, are the beautiful, weather-beaten house boats, while on the other, small causeways among marshland, with which to access it by. Once on the beach it is the essence of tranquillity with amazing views over to Bradwell-on-Sea, and the perfect paradise for photography lovers and sunbathers alike. A short walk away will take you to the Company Shed and Oyster Bar where you can indulge in native Mersea oysters and fresh fish caught that morning. Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon and you can buy the ‘fresh catch’ direct from the fishermen.

  • 7. Bradwell-on-Sea

Although Bradwell can be seen from Mersea Island, it is nearly an hour’s drive away. Bathed in part by cockle shells, it is a very lonely shoreline and saltmarsh. In 653 AD, Saint Cedd was sent by Pope Gregory to found a monastery and bring Christianity to Essex. The building has survived as the old chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, and is one of the oldest and most atmospheric churches in England, warranting a ‘must see’ while in the area. You can also walk along the sea wall to Burnham-on-Crouch, once a centre for cockle, whelk and oyster trade, now famed for sailing activities.

  • 8. Shoeburyness

Within walking distance of Southend, this beach is sand and shingle, with a promenade backdrop and lovely beach huts. It’s a world apart from Southend beach though, and you’ll find a relaxing haven here. It was an important location during the Second World War, and there are still some remains of sea defences left which prevented enemy ships entering the Thames. It’s a popular spot for kite-surfing and sailing, but the best thing about Shoeburyness this summer, is the installation of the ‘Poppies Wave’ on Barge Pier until June 24.

  • 9. Thorpe Bay

A pebble and sand, quiet beach, and because of the tide, perfect for sunbathing, bathing, sailing and paddle boarding. It’s popular with families, but not at all crowded, even in in the summer season. Also beautiful for sunset ‘spotting’ – so don’t forget your camera. You can cycle over-looking the sea 5 kilometres one way, and 2 kilometres the other, or just walk!

  • 10. Canvey Island - Thorney Bay

A dog walking paradise, Thorney Bay is a small sheltered beach on Canvey Island, and is a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by, and all the ships going up and down the Thames. On a clear, sunny day there are also great views across to the Kent coast.