Herts &amp; Beds


<p>Golden beaches, flaming sunsets and pretty promenades. Yup, you don&#8217;t have to go far to find some seaside serenity. All of the suggestions below are within 1-3 hours in the car, depending of course which part of the county you live in. Pack the coolbox, slap on the SPF and off you go. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frinton-on-sea-essex"><a aria-label="Frinton-on-sea (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.visitessex.com/explore/coastal-destinations/frinton-on-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frinton-on-sea</a>, Essex</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="617" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Frinton-on-Sea-1000x617.jpg" alt="FRINTON ON SEA" class="wp-image-77679" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Frinton-on-Sea-1000x617.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Frinton-on-Sea-800x493.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Frinton-on-Sea-851x525.jpg 851w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Frinton-on-Sea.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Frinton is known as Essex’s Sunshine Coast’s exclusive resort, and a trip here puts you in mind of those fun vintage beach postcards from the 1920 and 30s. It’s all very genteel – lots of flowers planted along the tree-lined avenues and esplanade, colourful Victorian beach huts and a delightful sandy beach. And, fyi kids&#8230; you won&#8217;t find any amusement arcades in this upmarket town! Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caffegloriafrinton/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caffe Gloria</a> for a cute place to grab a snack and some doggy ice cream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mersea-island-essex"><a href="https://visitmerseaisland.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Mersea Island (opens in a new tab)">Mersea Island</a>, Essex</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/mersea-island-1000x749.jpg" alt="Mersea Island pastel coloured beach huts against blue sky" class="wp-image-77664" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/mersea-island-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/mersea-island-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/mersea-island-701x525.jpg 701w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/mersea-island.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pastel beach huts, delectable oysters and rolling countryside views – who knew this hidden gem island was just outside of Colchester? Just seven miles across, Mersea Island is a smidge under a three-hour drive away (depending on where you are in the county), but the beautiful wild beaches and fresh seafood are worth the trip. Twice a day, high tide covers the road, forcing everyone to slow down and wait – no bad thing in this beautiful setting. You can check the tides <a href="https://visitmerseaisland.co.uk/tides-and-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> before you travel. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk" target="_blank">West Wittering</a>, West Sussex</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="619" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/West-Wittering-1000x619.jpg" alt="Birds eye view of West Wittering white sands and beach" class="wp-image-77665" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/West-Wittering-1000x619.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/West-Wittering-800x495.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/West-Wittering-849x525.jpg 849w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/West-Wittering.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With its wide, gently shelving golden sands, Blue Flag rating and ample parking, West Wittering is perfect for a family day out. Bring a picnic or BBQ, and loll on the grassy area behind the beach to take in views across to Chichester harbour. Just be sure to <a href="https://www.westwitteringestate.co.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book your car parking</a> in advance, as spots quickly sell out during hot summer weeks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visitbrighton.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brighton</a>, East Sussex</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/BrightonBeach1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Brighton Beach" class="wp-image-91783" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/BrightonBeach1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/BrightonBeach1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/BrightonBeach1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You probably don’t need me to tell you about Brighton but don’t dismiss it as too far for a day trip – it&#8217;s doable if you hammer it round the M25. It’s a pebbly beach of course but that doesn&#8217;t matter when there’s so much else to do. All the cool kids live in Hove now, so head west&nbsp;for a slightly quieter beach and amazing pizza at <a href="http://www.fattoamanopizza.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fatto A Mano</a> on Church Street</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barton-on-sea-new-forest-hampshire"><strong><a href="http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/discover/barton-on-sea.aspx?AskRedirect=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barton-on-Sea</a>, New Forest, Hampshire</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="561" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/barton-on-sea-1000x561.jpg" alt="Barton-on-sea beach huts and coastline" class="wp-image-77667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/barton-on-sea-1000x561.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/barton-on-sea-800x449.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/barton-on-sea-900x505.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/barton-on-sea.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It can be windy in Barton – it’s a prime para-gliding spot – so don’t forget to pack your kite (and wind break). Above the safe, sandy beach, you can stroll along the clifftops and stop off at <a href="https://beachcomber-cafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beachcomber Cafe</a>, which serves breakfast from 9am – 11am and then lunch and dinner options from 12pm – 4pm (Mon – Thur and Sun) and 12pm – 8pm (Fri and Sat). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/mudeford-quay-p1153033" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mudeford Quay</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<p>What&#8217;s not to like? Pristine white sands enclosed by rocks and backed by candy-coloured beach huts. There’s even a Noddy train to keep youngsters amused and a fantastic outdoor café with food pods called <a href="https://www.beachhousecafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beach House</a> across the sandspit (you can get a little ferry there – bring cash if you can),  with caffeine, cakes and more all on offer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay" target="_blank">Studland</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="619" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Studland-dorset-1000x619.jpg" alt="Studland beach sunset over the sea" class="wp-image-77668" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Studland-dorset-1000x619.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Studland-dorset-800x495.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Studland-dorset-848x525.jpg 848w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Studland-dorset.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are four miles of divine sandy beaches here backed by dunes and low cliffs. Middle Beach is an easy stroll from boutique hotel/restaurant <a href="http://www.thepighotel.com/on-the-beach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pig</a>, aka the perfect spot for a G&amp;T at the end of a hard day’s sunbathing. Alternatively, there are plenty of watersports on offer at Knoll Beach and a cafe, plus a 1km stretch for naturists, should you fancy going au natural.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.bournemouth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bournemouth</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="661" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Bournemouth-beach-1-1-1000x661.jpg" alt="Bournemouth beach, pier and cliffs" class="wp-image-77670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Bournemouth-beach-1-1-1000x661.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Bournemouth-beach-1-1-800x529.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Bournemouth-beach-1-1-794x525.jpg 794w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Bournemouth-beach-1-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An obvious choice, but you can’t beat Bournemouth. Miles of golden sands, a massive <a href="https://harryramsdens.co.uk/locations/bournemouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harry Ramsden’s</a> – possibly the world’s largest fish and chip restaurant with seating for 420 diners – add views out across the water, tacky arcades to wow the kids and a little train that runs around the tropical gardens and up to <a href="https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/boscombe-beach-p2497343" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boscombe beach</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southwold-suffolk"><a href="https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/southwold" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwold</a>, Suffolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/SouthwoldBeachupload-1000x667.jpg" alt="Southwold Beach" class="wp-image-91788" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/SouthwoldBeachupload-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/SouthwoldBeachupload-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/SouthwoldBeachupload.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Beach huts that cost more to own that the average flat in the UK. Yep, that’s Southwold, or Poshwold as some people like to call it. But there&#8217;s also an arcade with all your faves, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southwoldpier.co.uk/business/under-the-pier-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Under the Pier Show&nbsp;</a>– English eccentricity at its best! It might be expensive, but for good reason. The beach is sandy and wide, so even on a hot summer’s day there’s room to swing a bat. The town is charming and full of cool indie shops and eateries and it’s home to Adnams Brewery so there’s a delicious hoppy whiff about the place. It&#8217;s about 2.5 hours from Bedford but worth the effort. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowestoft-suffolk"><a href="https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/suffolk-coast-towns-and-villages/lowestoft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowestoft</a>, Suffolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Lowestoftbeach1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Lowestoft Beach" class="wp-image-91785" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Lowestoftbeach1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Lowestoftbeach1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Lowestoftbeach1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This huge wide expanse of sand is as soft as a tropical island’s beach. The town has a long, buggy-friendly promenade to walk on if the sand starts to get hard work and there’s plenty of fish and chips and candy floss outlets. On a sunny day, you can’t beat it for child-friendly attractions, and the beach down at the Pakefield end is good for a spot of horse-riding against the wild backdrop of the dunes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holkham-beach-norfolk"><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/plan-your-visit/holkham-beach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Holkham Beach (opens in a new tab)">Holkham Beach</a>, Norfolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Holkham-from-Norfolk-site-1000x665.jpg" alt="Holkham beach view across sand dunes" class="wp-image-77671" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Holkham-from-Norfolk-site-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Holkham-from-Norfolk-site-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Holkham-from-Norfolk-site-789x525.jpg 789w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Holkham-from-Norfolk-site.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy a nice long walk? Good, because Holkham is a long beach and to reach the sea is no mean feat. Park along a tree-lined avenue and then follow a charming path through woodland. There are sand dunes to play in and shelter you from any wind and miles of unspoilt beach to explore. The real clincher is that <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holkham Estate</a> is across the road and home to <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/eat-stay-shop/places-to-stay/the-victoria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Victoria</a>, a delightful pub and hotel that’s famous for it’s crab sandwiches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more-try-these">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? TRY THESE:</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/whats-on-summer-holidays-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What’s on while school’s out in Herts &amp; Beds</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/what-a-scoop-8-of-the-best-artisan-ice-creams-near-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best ice-cream spots serving late night scoops near you</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kid-friendly/dive-in-the-best-heated-outdoor-swimming-spots-near-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dive in! Lovely local lidos to make a splash in this summer</a></li>
</ul>


To the beach! Seaside trips which are doable in a day

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