Can anyone tell me where the good beaches are in South Essex?

[anorak]

I live in Herts and I'm looking for beach resorts I can drive to for days out in the Summer. But I'm not familiar with the S Essex area and hoped some of you ladies could guide me? TIA

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hi there, S essex... not sure there are very many good beaches... they're all stony! well certainly southend, chalkwell and westcliff beaches are, the other direction southchurch, thorpe bay and shoebury arent much better, i guess shoebury would be the best of the lot... but in my experience they're all pretty grim!

Can you keep going round the M25 until you get to that motorway that heads off to Whitstable and Margate and Broadstairs?

Burnham is nice

yes come here you loon

Yeah fio you say that now but when I get there you'll be hiding behind the sofa

as if i would anorak

southend has the odd sandy bit of beach (man made) and my ds loves it (although it isnt the best resort, I live there so it is walking distance) it depends what you are looking for. Ds loves riding on teh train up the pier as well. There are lots of little cafes.
Like cushion said shoebury (east beach) is ok and has parking. Not sure of other beaches in s essex.

Chalkwell has a sea filled pool which is quite nice but the beach isn't all that. If you want sand there's a cool sand pit at barleylands farm (basildon)!

the bit of beach along southend called millenium beach (I think) has a pool bit, sand and play equipment. It is right by the Three Shells cafe.

agree with fee - barleylands farm is great as is marsh farm

jaywick/clacton has a nice beach in places.

Just found a cool site that gives you info on all the beaches in britain - hope this helps
beaches

Thank you everyone. Will try some of these suggestions in the Summer hols.