During the Easter holiday season, considering the escalating costs of vacations abroad, you might be pondering the ideal destination to enjoy quality family time. If you are in search of a place with seafront gardens, sandy beaches, and opportunities for fossil hunting, look no further than Walton-on-the-Naze, a charming seaside resort situated on the Essex coast and easily accessible within an hour and a half from Liverpool Street Station.
One of the most iconic features of Walton-on-the-Naze is the Naze, a picturesque headland that extends into the North Sea and is recognized for its exceptional geological and biological significance by the Essex Wildlife Trust. This peninsula serves as a vital habitat for various migratory birds and diverse land and marine ecosystems.
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the cliffs of Walton-on-the-Naze are off-limits for climbing due to rapid erosion rates. Visitors, however, can explore the surrounding reserve on foot and reach the scenic Crag Walk viewpoint nearby.
The Crag Walk platform, strategically positioned at the southern tip of the Naze cliffs, is a specially constructed viewing area designed to safeguard the SSSI site from coastal erosion. Built using 16,000 tonnes of granite rock, this man-made structure incurred a cost of £1.2 million.
Tourists can relish breathtaking vistas from the Crag Walk and visit the historic Naze Tower, an 86-foot tall structure erected in 1720. Climbing the 111 steps of the spiral staircase rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surroundings.
A prominent attraction in the town, Walton Pier, is the third-longest pier in the UK, stretching over half a mile. Initially established in 1830, the pier has been modernized and revitalized with amusement rides, boutique stores, and local fish and chip vendors.
For fishing enthusiasts, Walton Pier offers a prime spot to cast lines, with locals often starting their fishing activities at 10 am. The pier is open to all, with a reported day ticket price of £9, payable to the staff managing the area.
The beach below Walton Pier is renowned for its ideal sandcastle-building sand consistency and is monitored by active lifeguards, making it a favored spot for families on vacation. Moreover, the beach is a hotspot for fossil hunting, with two fossil beds, the London Clay and the Red Crag, easily accessible on the foreshore, especially after stormy weather.