Take a Second Look at Essex: new campaign reveals county’s stunning coastline

28th May 2021

Visit Essex, the county’s tourism body, is launching a new campaign to encourage visitors to think differently about the Essex coast and explore further than the traditional seaside hotspots.  

Essex is famous for the seaside towns of Southend-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, Frinton and Clacton-on-Sea, but its 350-mile-long coastline is not so well-known. Stretching from the Thames estuary, the county’s meandering coast winds through miles of saltmarshes, secluded sandy beaches and dramatic wild landscapes until it reaches the banks of the Stour in Manningtree, which was recently made an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It’s not just locals that love the coastline, A-list Hollywood stars, Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes, recently filmed ‘The Essex Serpent’ by Sarah Perry, along the county’s shoreline. And the film crew from Downton Abbey have just finished shooting in Harwich’s historic centre. 

Graham Butland, Councillor for Devolution, the Arts Heritage and Culture, Essex County Council, is keen for visitors to take a second look at Essex and discover its hidden gems. He says: “We want people to explore, experience and enjoy the Essex coastline. We have a lot to offer, from the much-loved resorts to quiet sandy beaches. The skylines along the Essex coast are really dramatic and offer acres of space, to go for a stroll along its coastal path, paddle its estuaries and sail its coastline.” 

He continued: “Essex offers so much variety along its coastline, we would really recommend visitors made the most of our off the beaten track places to visit during the pandemic; and I promise they’ll be most surprised at the nature and stunning views that bound the county.”

Nature thrives along the Essex coastline, it’s a home to native oysters, seals and many species of wading and migrating birds, making it the perfect place for lovers of the great outdoors to explore over a long weekend or short break. There’s also a wide range of camping and glamping sites, luxury hotels, B&Bs ready to welcome visitors through their doors.

The campaign is funded by the Coastal Community Fund. To discover more, please visit www.theessexcoast.com. #TheEssexCoast

PLACES TO STAY
- The Roslin Beach, a lovely spa hotel overlooking the quiet beach at Thorpe Bay, just outside Southend: https://www.roslinhotel.com/ 
- Glamping at Layer Marney farm within the grounds of a historic Tudor mansion only 20 minutes’ drive from Mersea Island.  All tents come with a private shower and some have outdoor hot tubs: https://www.layermarneytower.co.uk/staying/
- The Pier Hotel, Harwich, a small four-star hotel overlooking the harbour, ships and working docks, renowned for great food and a stone’s throw from the estuary where the fresh fish is landed daily: https://www.milsomhotels.com/the-pier/ 

PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO
- Sailing Trips on a vintage Thames Barge, departing from the historic port of Maldon: https://www.top-sail.co.uk/ 
- Wildlife and bird watching at Essex Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves:   
- Seal watching trips from Harwich  and Burnham on Crouch
- Hire a kayak, canoe or Paddle Board and explore the meandering waterways of Essex: https://www.clactonkayakrental.co.uk/ 
https://frangipanisup.com/ 
For inspiration: www.visitessex.com  and www.theessexcoast.com

Notes to the Editor
SPOKESPERSON FOR INTERVIEW
If you would like to interview Graham Butland, Councillor for Art and Culture at Essex County Council, please call Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR, Tel: 01206 231807 or email hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk. 
PRESS TRIPS
If you would like to Visit Essex and explore another side to the county along its 350-mile coastline, please contact Hilary Collins – hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk. 
VISIT ESSEX
Visit Essex is the official tourism organisation and the only body specifically marketing the whole of the county to the visitor market. We work with visitor attractions, leisure/activity providers, accommodation establishments and other tourism related businesses (including the travel trade, media and wider partners), to ensure that the county remains a leading visitor destination.
Our work encompasses major marketing campaigns, high profile PR work, business support, and the management and promotion of the official Visit Essex brand. Visit Essex will ensure that the county gets the recognition it deserves as a desirable place to visit in the 21st century. We will work closely with partners to develop a sustainable tourism offering for the future, identify new markets and harness visitors at the county's major gateways of Stansted, Harwich, Southend and Tilbury.
For further information:
Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR, hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk