So, you’re considering a trip to Tendring, Essex for your next UK holiday? Well, you’ve made a great choice! Tendring is a beautiful district in our county, also known as the Essex Sunshine Coast due to the wonderful seaside towns that make it the perfect holiday destination for all. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of great places to stay and things to do whilst you’re there!

Places to Stay in Tendring

The Pier at Harwich

If you’re looking for a beautiful seafront hotel, The Pier at Harwich are sure to cover all of your needs and more. Starting from £125 per night, this beautiful accommodation was built back in 1862 in the style of a Venetian palazzo to provide a place to stay for passengers travelling by train and boat to the continent. Today, this dog-friendly hotel boasts beautiful rooms with panoramic sea views as well as a wonderful restaurant serving delicious locally sourced seafood. Open all year round for when you’re craving a peaceful getaway by the coast.

The Mistley Thorn

Found in the centre of the historic coastal village of Mistley, just a two-minute stroll from the local station with direct services to Colchester, Harwich, and London Liverpool Street, The Mistley Thorn offers charming accommodation alongside their award-winning restaurant. With 11 rooms and 2 mews cottages, each individually designed, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. From their Cosy Rooms for a short stay to the mews cottages for a longer visit, The Mistley Thorn will feel like your home away from home. They also run their own cookery school!

Highfield Grange Holiday Park

Going away with the family? Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Clacton-on-Sea is ideal for anyone looking for a fun-filled holiday to suit all ages. There’ll never be a dull moment when staying here, with a fantastic range of on-park activities from heated indoor and outdoor pools, enormous playground slide, and multi-sports court to keep you busy! What’s more, this holiday park is just a stone’s throw away from the exciting attractions that Clacton has to offer. Choose from fully-equipped caravans or a spacious lodge for your family break.

Other notable mentions for places to stay in Tendring include Lee Wick Farm Cottages & Glamping, Naze Marine Holiday Park, and Holland Beach Bungalow.

Things to Do in Tendring

Clacton Pier

A trip to Tendring isn’t complete without visiting Europe’s largest pleasure pier, covering a whopping 6.5 acres over the sea. Clacton Pier is a must-do family day out for Essex locals and visitors alike, with thrilling rides, 10 pin bowling, their popular Jurassic Pier experience, AR darts, adventure golf, and soft play. Make great memories that will last a lifetime, laugh until your tummy hurts, and screeeaaaam if you wanna go faster at this top Essex attraction!

Seal Watching in Harwich

For an experience you won’t forget, book yourself on to a 2-hour seal watching boat tour in Harwich, departing from the famous Harwich Half Penny Pier. Seal sightings are guaranteed, and if you don’t spot any of these cute natives, your trip will be fully reimbursed! Seeing the seals in their natural environment basking in the sun and lolloping along the shore is truly a beautiful sight to see – this is one activity that nature lovers will not want to miss. Get the cameras at the ready for some snaps!

If you’re in or staying in Suffolk, catch the Harbour Ferry over to Harwich for a day of exploring.

Frinton Summer Theatre

If live entertainment is your jam, head to Tendring from mid-July and book a show or two at the Frinton Summer Theatre. This non-profit organisation runs a season of weekly changing plays, comedy shows, and music events throughout July and August every year, with many notable names having performed here in its 80-year history. Professional theatre at local prices can be hard to come by these days, but Frinton Summer Theatre delivers outstanding performances at affordable prices each and every year.

Electric Palace Cinema

For history lovers and film buffs alike, the Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still standing today, dating back to 1911. The cinema has recently undergone a £1 million restoration, but still holds all of the beauty and charm it did back in the day. Catch a showing of the latest blockbuster, a streaming of your favourite West End show, or enjoy live music with refreshments available to purchase. Fun fact – the cinema was used as a filming location for Downton Abbey: A New Era!

Brightlingsea Boat Trips

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Essex Sunshine Coast is by boat, and that’s exactly what Brightlingsea Harbour offer with their range of boat trips! As well as their daily foot ferry service that runs from April to September across the river Colne to Mersea Island and Point Clear, why not book a spot on one of their wonderful tours? Enjoy an Electric Boat Pub Lunch River Cruise to Rowhedge, a Brightlingsea Harbour & St Osyth Boatyard Afternoon Tea tour, or a simple cruise around the harbour if you’re short on time.

Fossil Hunting in Walton-on-the-Naze

Head down to Walton-on-the-Naze (home to the UK’s second longest pier) where you’ll find wonderful beaches such as Albion Beach lined with beautiful beach huts, or The Naze Beach, an ideal spot for bird watching and fossil hunting. It’s not uncommon to stumble across intriguing treasures such as shark teeth, nestle beneath the stunning Naze cliffs. We advise checking tide times before you head out searching!

If you’re still looking for things to fill your itinerary for your trip to Tendring, browse our website for attractions and activities. For further news, updates, tips and advise on visiting Essex, sign up to our newsletter here.