Today could be the hottest day of the year! Time to get out the buckets and spades and head to the beach.

Wednesday could see the hottest day of the year so far – as temperatures may reach as high as 25C (77F) in the South East.

Tuesday was the warmest this year, with 20.9C (69.6F) recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, but the mercury is set to rise even further on Wednesday.

At 25C, the temperature is expected to be more than 10C higher than the UK average for the time of year.

We have great beaches around Southend, but the county has so much more to offer – the Essex coast is 350 miles of golden beaches, remote inlets and shimmering mudflats just waiting to be discovered.

Clacton Beach

West Beach at Clacton is every inch a traditional sandy beach with a pier. It is perfect for families with young children, as it has gently shelving sand that runs down to the water’s edge. Nearby, is the Pavilion Fun Park and an excellent choice of bars, cafes and restaurants.

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Walton Beach

Walton enjoys some three miles of sandy beaches and the Naze itself, red sandstone cliffs formed in the Ice Age, is a fossil-hunters paradise. According to Trip Advisor, Walton’s beach ranks as excellent. With the pier and the pretty beach huts adding to the ambience.

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Frinton

Frinton is a very different proposition. The esplanade is bare, save for a fine, sandy beach and Victorian-style beach huts.

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Wrabness

For those who like their coastal escapes to be a little more, whisper it, secret, then Wrabness is a must.

This sleepy village, west of Harwich, is a haven for artists, nature lovers and sailors.

It is an ideal destination for a romantic picnic with a loved one, or a tranquil place to take a stroll with the dog.

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Shoebury

Just up the road from Southend, Shoebury beach is a lovely shingle and sand beach with rows of beach huts. A little quieter then Southend beach and a nice place to sit and relax.

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Thorney Bay

Thorney Bay is a small beach on Canvey Island, and perfect for dog walkers

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Thorpe Bay

Get your boards out, as this beach is perfect for it. You’ll find great spots to top up your tan and chillout with family and friends too.

The view here can be quite stunning, so remember to bring your camera, you’ll be in for a treat.

Concord Beach, Canvey

Another hidden gem on Canvey. There are paddling pools, a cafe and beautiful views across the estuary to enjoy.