Walton-on-the-Naze North Beach

The cliffs at Walton-on-the-Naze North Beach are properly dramatic for Essex. Red and brown layers of clay and sand tower above the shingle, eroding steadily - you can almost watch the geology happening in front of you. The beach itself is wide and sandy at low tide, with the cliffs rising up like a compressed history book of the Ice Age.

It's genuinely worth the walk if you're into coastal erosion, geology, or just want somewhere that feels a bit wilder than your standard Essex beach. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough before the novelty wears off, but teenagers interested in nature or anyone who enjoys fossil hunting could spend a decent afternoon here. The pier at Walton itself, just south of here, gives the whole trip more purpose - you can combine a beach walk with fish and chips and a proper seaside wander.

There's free access to the beach. Parking is available in the town centre, though it can get tight in summer. Best visited at low tide when you've got maximum sand, and early morning beats the crowds by miles. The cliffs are unstable in places, so keep back from the base and absolutely don't dig into them - it's dangerous and illegal.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine just down the road, you're basically on top of the place. Even from the further parks like Grange Farm or Valley Farm, it's an easy drive for a morning or afternoon excursion alongside the rest of the coast.