Dog Friendly Walks & Beaches in Essex
Everything we've reviewed in Essex. Walks, beaches, and everything in between, built for dog owners who don't leave their dogs behind.
beach
Frinton-on-Sea Beach
EssexA quiet, well-maintained Edwardian resort beach with year-round access and a genteel character unlike anywhere else on the Essex coast.
walk
Hatfield Forest Circular Walk
EssexA walk through one of England's best-preserved royal hunting forests, with ancient coppiced woodland and a lake at the centre.
walk
River Stour: Flatford to Dedham
EssexA riverside walk through Constable Country from Flatford Mill along the Stour to the village of Dedham in Essex.
beach
St Peter’s Chapel, Bradwell-on-Sea
EssexA pilgrimage to one of England's oldest churches above the saltmarshes of the Blackwater, with year-round foreshore access and big sky Essex scenery.
beach
West Mersea Beach
EssexA Mersea Island beach with oyster shacks, sailing activity and a year-round estuary atmosphere, best known for its seafood.
walk
Cudmore Grove Coastal Walk
EssexA short coastal walk on Mersea Island with estuary views, fossils in the clay cliffs and a relaxed seaside feel.
walk
Danbury Country Park Loop
EssexA short woodland and lake circuit in Danbury Country Park with good facilities and a relaxed feel close to Chelmsford.
beach
Goldhanger Beach
EssexA quiet Blackwater estuary foreshore near the village of Goldhanger with year-round access and a peaceful, very local feel.
walk
Hanningfield Reservoir Circular
EssexA full reservoir circuit at Hanningfield with waterside paths, birdwatching hides and a visitor centre for refreshments.
beach
Leigh-on-Sea Beach
EssexA traditional Essex estuary seafront with cockle sheds, boat yards and a year-round relaxed atmosphere.
walk
Maldon Promenade to Heybridge Basin
EssexA flat riverside walk from Maldon's historic Promenade Park to the canal lock at Heybridge Basin, with estuary views throughout.
beach
Mersea Island East Beach
EssexA peaceful, year-round dog-friendly beach on the eastern tip of Mersea Island, backed by a country park with WWII history and estuary views across to Brightlingsea.
beach
St Osyth Beach
EssexA quiet, undeveloped Essex coast beach near Clacton with year-round access and the kind of lonely shore that Essex does best.
walk
Thorndon Country Park North Loop
EssexA woodland walk through ancient Essex countryside near Brentwood, with deer sightings possible and a peaceful feel throughout.
beach
Two Tree Island
EssexA nature reserve island in the Thames estuary with saltmarsh and foreshore walks, year-round access and excellent birdwatching.
beach
Walton-on-the-Naze Beach
EssexA traditional Essex seaside beach with a Victorian pier and the dramatic Naze headland nearby, year-round access with seasonal restrictions on the main beach.
walk
Weald Country Park Woodland Loop
EssexA woodland loop through Weald Country Park near Brentwood, with mature trees and a country feel just outside London.
beach
Canvey Island Beach
EssexA seawall foreshore on Canvey Island with Thames estuary views and year-round access, functional rather than scenic.
beach
Holland-on-Sea Beach
EssexA quieter, less-developed stretch of sandy Essex coast with seasonal dog restrictions from 1 May to 30 September, and good year-round promenade access for dog walkers.
beach
Shoeburyness Beach
EssexA Blue Flag sand and shingle beach near the mouth of the Thames with a year-round dog exercise area and seasonal restrictions on the main beach from 1 May to 30 September.
beach
Thorney Bay
EssexA quiet foreshore on Canvey Island with unusual estuary views and year-round access, best appreciated as an off-the-beaten-track local option.
beach
Brightlingsea Beach
EssexA Blue Flag sandy beach on the Colne estuary with seasonal dog restrictions from 1 May to 30 September, and year-round access to the promenade and surrounding area.
beach
Chalkwell Beach
EssexA Thames Estuary sandy beach at Westcliff-on-Sea with the historic Crowstone landmark on the mudflats, open to dogs outside of the 1 May to 30 September seasonal restriction.
beach
Clacton-on-Sea Beach
EssexA classic Essex seaside resort with a golden sandy beach and Victorian pier, open to dogs outside of the 1 May to 30 September seasonal restriction on the main beach.
beach
Jaywick Beach
EssexA quieter sandy beach west of Clacton with Martello tower history, a good promenade for dog walkers, and likely seasonal dog restrictions in summer months.
beach
Westcliff Beach
EssexA Thames Estuary sand and shingle beach in Westcliff-on-Sea with popular year-round promenade access, open to dogs outside of the May to September seasonal restriction.