Walton Pier

The pier juts out into the North Sea like a Victorian finger, and it's one of those proper old-fashioned seaside structures that takes you back. Built in 1830, Walton Pier stretches 800 feet into the water - enough to feel genuinely out to sea while keeping your feet dry. You can walk the full length, peer down at the water, watch the fishing folk cast their lines, and if you time it right, catch the light turning everything golden in the late afternoon.

It's the sort of place that works for families with restless kids - the walk keeps them occupied for a solid half hour - but honestly, it's just as good solo if you want a bit of breathing space. Walton on the Naze itself is modest enough that the pier becomes the main event rather than one attraction among many. There's a takeaway at the entrance, and you can sit on the benches watching boats come in. No pretension about it.

You won't need more than an hour here unless you're seriously into fishing or photography. Free to walk, though donations are welcome for upkeep. The Naze Marine Holiday Park sits just 0.7 miles away, making this an easy stroll if you're based there - or any of the other sites clustered round Walton. It's particularly nice on a clear day when you can actually see what you're looking at. Weather's everything on this stretch of coast, so check the forecast. Windy? That's part of the charm, frankly.