Enjoy it while it lasts, so as the sun beats down why not head for the coast, of which our county has an impressive 350 miles of? Some of that coast has some rather nice beaches too

1. Frinton-on-Sea Beach

Much mocked for its tight regulations, Frinton is actually a gorgeous family-friendly resort with a lovely beach that’s hard to beat - although watch out the sea does come in quite close at high tides. Behind the beach is an extensive promenade, lined with colourful, old-fashioned beach huts and there’s also the lovely grassy area, the Greensward, which should the weather allow is a great place for a wintery blanket picnic.

2. The Naze, Walton

Just along from Frinton is the strangely Jurassic Naze with its historic hexagonal Navigational Tower, which is open throughout the summer for refreshments and some of the best art work around. Don’t climb the cliffs, they’re very dangerous, but there’s plenty of fossil ‘finds’ to be had on the beach itself.

3. Bradwell on Sea

The landscape of Bradwell is breathtaking, mainly because as you stand on the beach, behind you will be the 7th century Chapel of St Peter on the Wall, the oldest church in England. The ancient chapel was built in 674 using the brick of the ruined Roman fort, hence ‘on the wall’ and is a must for any Essex walker and beachcomber.

4. Dovercourt Beach

If you’re looking for views, those “headless giraffes” over the way at Felixstowe docks are hard to beat, not to mention the huge ships that sail into Harwich. But Dovercourt is also rather nice for just lying back and taking in some rays.

5. Cudmore Grove, East Mersea

Perhaps not the most obvious place to have a summer beach day, mainly because of the mudflats, but when the tide is in the swimming at the Wildlife Reserve is surprisingly hard to beat. They also have a great new adventure playground and lots of footpaths to explore.

You can also get there from, via the ferry, from Brightlingsea, which also has a beach with a super lido.