The hidden-gem Essex beaches where you can walk your dog this autumn
Essex's beaches are often jam packed full of tourists in the summer, making them less desirable for those looking for a peaceful day out. In addition, many of Essex's beaches have restrictions on when you can take your dogs with you, particularly in the summer - but these often finish on the last day of September!
Now we are heading into autumn and winter, why not head to Essex's coastline for some gorgeous views and exercise on the seaside - but with your furry friend? If you’re a dog owner, Essex is the perfect UK holiday destination for you, with plenty of dog friendly beaches in Essex to explore!
Whether you would prefer an off-the-beaten track beach or a more popular one with plenty to do nearby Essex has both - which you can now take your dogs to in the wintry months. Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches worth taking your pooch to this autumn.
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West Mersea Beach
West Mersea Beach is a picturesque pebble beach located on the island of Mersea. This charming seaside destination is a popular spot for families and tourists alike.
It is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Essex. West Mersea Town Council would prefer you to keep your dogs on a lead whilst using the beach during the busy summer season, but pooches are allowed year-round!
Dovercourt Bay Beach
Marked by two 19th-century cast-iron lighthouses, the shore of Dovercourt Bay in Harwich is a distinctive and panoramic beach. A bracing dog-walk along the front brings you to Hamford Water National Nature Reserve - a coastal area made up of mudflats, marsh, and sands providing rich and varied scenery.
Dovercourt Bay has some areas that allow dogs only from 1st October to 30th April, but the rest of this seaside welcomes your canines all year round. There are plenty of other activities to be had at Dovercourt too – it is also a hub for jet-skiing, sailing and windsurfing.
The Naze (Walton-on-the-Naze)
Not only is the Naze one of Essex’s all-round best beaches, but it also happens to be a haven for the hounds. You’ll definitely be in good company if you take your pooch for a stroll at the Naze and its surrounding nature reserve.
Dog walkers are a common sight at this wild and rugged spot, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity for pooches and walkers alike to make new friends. Walton-on-the-Naze is a real dog-lovers paradise, with many of the cafés offering bowls of water or dog biscuits for sale, to make sure you furry friends feel just as welcome as you do.
Irlam's Beach
This hidden gem on the Essex coastline, in Harwich is the perfect secluded beach that offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with its stretch of golden sand and grassy dunes. Irlam’s Beach is the perfect spot to take in the views across the sea towards the docks up the coast.
This quiet spot may not be brilliant for swimming, but is definitely worth taking the dogs to this Autumn. It is quiet and sandy, perfect to let the dogs off-lead and explore.
Thorney Bay Beach
Thorney Bay beach is a small, sheltered sandy beach on Canvey Island. To the rear of the beach is a large flat grassy area with a play park, so it is perfect for the little ones, too!
The beach faces into the River Thames estuary a few miles upstream from the sea. Thorney Bay Beach is dog friendly and allows dogs all year, and is complete with car parking, cafes and even a wheelchair-accessible path.
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