TRIPADVISOR’s top ranking beauty spots in south Essex show there is a lot on offer.
From deciding on a place for a great family day out, to going on a scenic walk with the dog, south Essex has got you covered this bank holiday weekend.
The following rundown has been compiled based on an average rating from visitors taking to TripAdvisor to share their opinions.
East Beach, Shoebury
Rating: 4.5
Coming out on top is the Blue Flad Award-winning East Beach. Its long sandy beach, grassy hinterland and being set away from the seaside makes it appealing for picnickers and visitors.
It is also a popular place for watersports on the estuary.
One reviewer said: “A very clean and pleasant area for summer strolls and winter brisk walks.”
And another wrote: “Nice open area for kids to play in. Dogs to be walked. Parking good. Lovely views across the Thames to Kent and out to sea.”
Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve, Southend
Rating: 4.5
Acting as “the gateway” to the Daws Heath Woodland, some of the 469-hectare site is dates back to more than 1,000 years – making it the earliest woodland recorded in Essex.
It is also considered a “crucial green lung” and provides a “tremendous” space for the people of Southend and Castle Point.
One guest who visited last year said: “We come here often, the woods are delightful, managed well and largely free of litter.
“There are two parks for children to choose from, a fantastic visitor centre which serves delicious food and drink, and a nature reserve.
“There is also a creek that runs through the woods and a golf course.”
Barling Magna Wildlife Reserve, Southend
Rating: 4.5
Described as an “oasis of peace”, Barling Magna Wildlife Reserve is a haven for nature and wildlife.
Guests can take part in organised walks and activity days, explore the wildlife in the reserve from the sanctuary of the hide and bird watching stations or choose one of the reserve walks to see the greenery.
A contributor said: “Nice little place to walk the dog, it’s kept very well by volunteers. And I'm very impressed with the large amount of bird feeders dotted around which are always full up.
“I've watched many different types of birds enjoy the feeders and the safety of the reserve. Also spotted many crested newts in the ditches at the start of the summer, which was fantastic!”
Rochford Resevoir
Rating: 4.5
Nestled in the centre of the town, the natural beauy and peaceful space of the resevoir makes it the perfect place for a sense of escapism.
The site is popular with fishermen and is a top place to cast a rod.
One visitor penned: “A very well kept lovely circular walk around the freshwater pond. A great place to walk the dog on lead.”
Gunners Park and Shoebury Ranges
Rating: 4.5
Maintained by the Essex Wildlife Trust, the 25-hectare nature reserve offers more than a dozen habitats for visitors to walk through, via the five-kilometre tarmacked and gravel paths, including costal grasslands, sand dunes and historic military buildings.
The different habitats allowed various species to reside here, such as the scarce sandwich click beetle.
One person said: “A beautiful area to walk around and explore. I never tire of visiting. There’s always something new to see, and every season brings an abundance of nature to spot and enjoy.
“The history of the sight - displayed on signs around the park - is really interesting, and it’s fabulous to be so up close and personal with such an important part of the UK’s history.”
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