The Instagrammable Essex seafront lined with brightly coloured beach huts

The warm summer makes a trip to the seaside almost irresistible. Essex residents are fortunate that within the county is a huge coastline with beautiful beaches.

One popular spot in Essex is Walton-on-the-Naze which has received plenty of accolades over the years. The area is hugely popular with families for its sandy beaches and pier with fairground rides.

Last year the Sunday Times named Walton-on-the-Naze as one of the UK's 50 best beaches - and among the best in the East of England. The newspaper pointed to its toilet and café facilities and for being dog-friendly and accessible, with water quality rated "excellent".

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The seaside town has an array of gorgeously coloured beach huts to guarantee a rainbow of colour even if it is overcast on the Essex coast. With beautiful stretches of golden sand, a pier with fairground rides, and the headlands of The Naze to explore, it has a lot going for it.

If you're looking for a brightly-coloured backdrop to your latest snap for Instagram, there are a whole host of beach huts that would work. If you were looking to own some of them and take advantage of their impressive coastal views they can cost as little as £15,000.

Walton's beach is renowned for being a great spot for crabbing, which is great fun for kids and adults alike. If you don't already have it, you can pick up crabbing gear from a local shop.

One TripAdvisor review says: "Great beach never ending, lots of space so you don’t feel on top of each other and very clean. Parking can be a bit of a pain but once you’ve found a space all worth it."

Another added: "Visited this beach for many years now & we love it. Always so clean & tidy. Pier has recently had an upgrade too. Will continue to come regularly too . Could sit here for hours."

The area's Seaside Award, recognising beaches with a high quality standard, means it is officially recognised as being one of Essex's best beaches. Walton-on-the-Naze is also home to Naze Tower, a dramatic landmark which has served as a navigation landmark. It is now an art gallery with work by local artists – and, most importantly, there is also a tea room for refreshments and lunches.