Thorpe Bay Beach

Joan Agie
Jun 07, 2022 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Oct 07, 2021
info_i
Beach huts with stairs leading into the sea.

  • Don’t miss out on an action-packed day at Thorpe Bay Beach near Southend-on-Sea, perfect for kayaking, windsurfing and sailing.
  • Looking for a great family day out in Essex? This family-oriented sandy beach is an award-winner for both cleanliness and safety. 
  • With picturesque beach huts, it's a great place to go for a walk; why not bring your dog along in the winter?
  • Experience one of the best beaches in England for fantastic views, water sports and more. 
     

Thorpe Bay is a wonderful sandy beach that is situated in the Southend-on-Sea area of the Thames estuary near the popular resort of Thorpe Bay, making it an all-round great family day out.

Just a mile to the east of the iconic Southend Pier, the beach is perfect for kids and families, for a day of relaxing or sporting fun.

Winning both Blue Flag and Quality Coast awards, Thorpe Bay Beach will most definitely provide not only clean water but a safe family beach that has a variety of facilities for you to use. Thorpe Bay is a fantastic destination for water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and sailing.

After your adventures in the sea, you can get back to land and find nearby tennis courts, a paddling pool and a bowling club.

Thorpe Bay has a wonderful array of beach huts that make for a beautiful family photo shoot background, and some can be hired too if you’re looking to stay over and making a weekend of your trip toThorpe Bay.

With spectacular views of Thames estuary, walks along this beach and in the surrounding area are refreshing and great fun for a family looking for a relaxing break.

There’s so much a family can do, from taking a wander down the coastline past the cute little beach huts, or maybe you’ll want to grab a bite to eat at one of many cafes and restaurants that are nearby. Some even lead straight onto the beach with decking, for some fresh sea air and incredible seafood.

Of course, there's always the option of grabbing some takeaway fish and chips and eating it on the beach as you admire the views.

Be sure to check out the beach once the tide is out, because the mud flats run for just over a mile and stretch all the way out to the River Thames. This transforms the beach and creates a different world for the little ones to discover.

From small little pools that have crabs, cockles and fish, it's a great opportunity to discover sea life. If you're lucky, you might even see a jelly fish too.

For those looking for some adventure and excitement, make a trip to Thorpe Bay Marine to rent or buy some jet skis, which can be great fun for older thrill-seeking kids and their similarly adventurous parents!
 

What to know before you go

  • Thorpe Bay has plenty of cafes and restaurants, many of which with decking that overlooks the beach, making it a wonderful atmosphere for a bite to eat.
  • In the shopping area in the town of Thorpe Bay, there is The Broadway, which has a range of shops, services and restaurants offering lots of family-friendly food and drink.
  • If you're in the mood for some affordable alfresco dining, picnics are allowed on the beach too.
  • There are some paths that will make navigating the beach easier, but please note that this is both a pebble and sandy beach, so navigating it with a wheelchair or buggy may be difficult.
  • There is a platform on the beach for visitors with a disability and those who need it.
  • Opposite Thorpe Hall Avenue there are toilet facilities available, although there are no baby-changing or accessible facilities here.
  • Nearby cafes and restaurants do have such facilities, however.
  • Dogs are not allowed on Southend's beaches between 1 May and 30 September. During the winter months, however, they are allowed. 

Getting there

  • Thorpe Bay Beach is located in Southend-on-Sea in Essex.
  • There is pay-for-parking along Thorpe Esplanade that has access to the beach via a slipway. For free parking, choose side roads away from the seafront.
  • If travelling via public transport, there is also Thorpe Bay train station, which is on the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway line (also known as Essex Thameside), and covers some of East London and parts of Essex to the east of Southend.
  • If travelling via bus, routes 9 and 814 go along the Eastern Esplanade and stop at or near Thorpe Bay Beach.

England East England United Kingdom Essex Southend-on-Sea

Get directions
We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

Read full bio >