WE’RE rightly proud of our stretch of Essex coastline.
Steeped in maritime history and full of beauty, there’s something for everyone - from clean, sandy beaches and tourism hotspots to nature, peace and tranquility at the Naze.
It’s no surprise, therefore, to hear that many of our favourite places feature in a new campaign to boost tourism on the East coast, following Covid-19.
The campaign is being run by England’s Coast, a new initiative in conjunction with Visit England, P&O and other tourism groups around the UK.
It has pinpointed a number of tourism opportunities this year, including exploring Harwich during the Mayflower 400 celebrations.
Mersea Island’s famous oysters have also been flagged up as a tasty reason to visit the Essex coast.
The Mayflower celebrations, marking the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims setting sail from Plymouth to cross the Atlantic to reach the New World, had to be postponed last year because of the pandemic but it should be full steam ahead in 2021.
The port of Harwich played a key role as the Mayflower was built there by the Pilgrim Fathers.
Captain Christopher Jones also lived in the town.
To celebrate news of the campaign, we’ve dipped into our photo archive with some of our favourite images of the north Essex coast.
Ale drink to that - James Woodford enjoys a recent Harwich Beer Festival at the Redoubt Fort
Packed with history - Christopher Jones, the captain of the Mayflower, lived in Harwich
Tower of strength - the Naze Tower
Pearl of wisdom - Tom Haward looks delighted with this huge oyster caught at Mersea
Hardy - it took more than a wet day to deter these people attending a Mayflower walk, following the Essex Way from Harwich to Manningtree. Their journey started at the low lighthouse, in Harwich
Battle - fun and games in the Redoubt Fort
Somewhere to explore - Maritime Heritage Trail
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