The Naze Nature Reserve

The Naze juts out into the North Sea like a defiant finger, and walking to the end feels properly dramatic on a blustery day. This nature reserve near Walton on the Naze is all about the Essex coastline in its rawest form - shingle beaches, eroding cliffs, and if you time it right, significant numbers of migrating birds in spring and autumn. The pier at the end of the shingle spit has a certain appeal, though it's a decent walk to reach it, so bring sensible shoes.

You're looking at roughly an hour to walk out and back, longer if you're stopping to watch waders or taking photos of the constantly shifting shingle. Families with younger kids might find the return journey a bit much, but older ones will appreciate the sense of adventure. Birdwatchers and coastal erosion enthusiasts will genuinely enjoy themselves here - the cliffs reveal fossils and geological layers that tell proper stories about what this coastline has been through.

It's free to visit, no gates or admission charges. The beach itself is quiet compared to busier Essex resorts, which counts in its favour. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine or any of the nearby holiday parks - Suffolk Sands, Grange Farm, or the others clustered within a few miles - The Naze makes an excellent morning or afternoon excursion without needing to venture far. Spring and autumn are best for birdwatching; summer works if you want fewer crowds and clearer visibility across the water.