East coast beach

[Usernamerequired123]

I'm in west Essex near M25.

I am looking for a beach day since the weather has warmed up. I have a 3 year old so anywhere with sand - we've enjoyed Bournemouth in the past but that's a long travel.

Anywhere with car - maximum drive of 2 hours. Lots of sand..

TIA

Frinton, loads of sand, easy and free parking on the road. Potential downside (some would say benefit) - no kiosks etc by beach so you need to take everything with you although there are icecream places etc on the high street.
Otherwise, Walton - harder to park, it has a pier, ice cream fish and chips etc.

If you just want sand though Frinton is your best bet.

Thanks - I have been to Walton earlier and I agree it's good. Even Clacton was busy. But don't remember if it was purely sandy or not.

Southend?
A bit towny but the 3 year old won't car.
I love Mersea island but not so good for sandcastles. Cudmore Grove on east mersea is by the beach and has a fantastic playground with lots of sand.