Near Colchester Is A Charming Coastal Town With An Award-Winning Beach, Tasty Eats, And Shops

From classic Victorian resorts to historic fishing villages, there are quaint coastal destinations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. But not all seaside towns boast award-winning beaches — if that is a must for you, the charming town of Brightlingsea should be on your bucket list. Located in Essex, this quiet town is nestled on Brightlingsea Creek. You won't have a commercialized mega-resort experience there; rather, you're in for a relaxed, unhurried getaway, with candy-colored huts lining its sandy edge.

Brightlingsea is home to a namesake beach on the Colne river. It isn't your average stretch of sand, as it has multiple points of interest, such as a historic tower and lido. When hunger strikes, indulge in fresh seafood, fish and chips, or other tasty eats. When you're in the mood to window shop or to find a special gift, you'll discover a collection of stores. There are the usual clothing spots, alongside cooler hangouts. 

Brightlingsea is around 30 minutes by car from Colchester or about 2.5 hours from London. Alternatively, you can take the train from London to Colchester, then switch to a bus and arrive within two hours. Cambridge is also within driving distance, approximately an hour and 45 minutes away. As for accommodation, book a stay at The Courtyard Rooms, or look for other options on Airbnb.

A day spent by the water is lovely, but a day spent at an award-winning beach just might be a flex. Brightlingsea's namesake beach might be a small stretch of sand and shingle, but the waterfront meets several international standards for Blue Flag certification, and has maintained the status since 2002. There's a meaning behind the Blue Flag award for beaches that goes beyond just water quality. Safety and environmental management are among the criteria, too, and Brightlingsea Beach hits all the marks.

Visitors can take advantage of a wide range of activities at Brightlingsea Beach. Curate the ultimate packing list for a successful beach trip then enjoy swimming when the tides allow it — there are lifeguards on duty seasonally. If you head there at low tide, you can spend the day lounging on the shore and building sandcastles. Those who like crabbing can plan a visit during the summer or early fall, specifically two hours before or after high tide. Brightlingsea is a great place to stroll past beach huts along the promenade. You can also try your hand at watersports. From non-motorized paddling to windsurfing and sailing, the water offers optimal conditions for a diverse array of vessels.

Brightlingsea Lido, a renovated, open-air swimming pool that has been open since 1932, is also on the beach. It features a paddling pool as well, which is perfect for nervous bathers who want to avoid deep water. Besides splashing around, you can admire Bateman's Tower at Brightlingsea Beach — look closely, and you'll notice the landmark, built in 1883, has a slight tilt. Aim to go there during sunset for the best possible views of the horizon.

Brightlingsea's food scene consists of British fare, international cuisine, and of course, seafood. There's a good spectrum of dining options available, and it also helps that England is regarded as one of the safest countries for dining out with food allergies. Get yourself a table at The Rosebud Seafood Pub & Restaurant to sample classic pub grub alongside seafood. Rated 4.5 on Google Maps, it serves up delicious food that's best enjoyed from the outdoor seating area, which opens up to scenic garden views. Customers recommend ordering the mussels and smoked haddock chowder — the service gets a lot of praise, too. Las Naranjas Sanguinas is another top-rated establishment. Ideal for those in the mood for Spanish food, it is known for its authentic tapas, flavorful paellas (be sure to preorder), and gin-based cocktails. In fact, it makes its own gin. With a great atmosphere coupled with attentive staff, you can have a slice of Spain without leaving the U.K.

As for retail therapy, you can get a unique gift for yourself or a loved one from The GoodLove. Boasting a high rating on Google Maps, the record store has a solid selection of house music, classic rock, hip-hop, soul funk disco, and other L.P.s. You can also shop for clothing and accessories, such as jackets, sweatshirts, and caps. The GoodLove regularly hosts live music and D.J. sets, so you might just discover a new artist, too. But if you prefer traditional souvenirs, head to Little Boat Gifts to purchase journals, patterned socks, kids' toys, scented candles, and diffusers, among other self-care products. 

To continue exploring the area around Brightlingsea, drive less than an hour northeast to the coastal town of Felixstowe for more award-winning beaches, tasty restaurants, and ferry rides.