My favourite places in Essex
There are so many fantastic places to visit and capture images of in the UK, so I thought I would introduce you to my favourite places close to home to take pictures. I thought it may help with inspiration and if you have never been to Essex before I’ll tell you why you should visit and my favourite places to take my camera and snap away.
When planning a trip out I always check the weather first and if I’m going to the coast I will then check the tide times to determine if the tide will be in or out. There is one FREE app I use on my android phone to check the weather, time of sunrise and sunset as well as overall visibility and that is called Clear Outside.
To check the tide times I use Essex Tides website to find out High and low tide times. That way I know whether the tide will be in or out and I can then plan my shots accordingly.
Starting with my home town -
Maldon
Now I’m lucky enough to live in this fantastic town so you will probably see many photos of Maldon in my gallery.
Maldon is a historic town situated on the Blackwater estuary. It has a rich maritime history and charming architecture.
There are 4 main areas of Maldon and surrounding villages I love to take pictures and they are the promenade park, Heybridge Basin, Beeleigh Falls and the towns high street.
Promenade Park - Located along the riverfront, the Promenade Park offers plenty to do for visitors of all ages. It features landscaped gardens, children's play areas, picnic spots, a boating lake and 2 great pubs making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
I love to capture images of the boats and sunrises in and around the park. There is also a great statue of Byrhtnoth at the end of the promenade which honours the bravery and courage of one of medieval England's greatest heroes. If you capture the sunrise right it can be a great image of Byrhtnoth.
Sunrise at Maldon boat graveyard
High Street - has some fantastic historic buildings including Moot Hall one of Maldon's most recognizable landmarks, a striking timber-framed building located in the town centre. This dates back to the 15th century, it serves as a museum and visitor information centre, providing insights into Maldon's history and heritage. Another fantastic building to capture is The Blue Boar Hotel which has historical interest dating back to the second half of the 14th century, The Blue Boar Hotel is a true landmark of Maldon.
Maldon, Essex
Heybridge Basin - has a historic canal at the heart of the village, which connects to the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The canal is lined with traditional narrowboats and sailboats, creating a charming and idyllic scene which is fantastic to photograph. Visitors can watch as boats navigate through the lock gates, which regulate water levels and allow passage between the canal and the estuary. A highlight of any visit to Heybridge Basin other that capturing photos is the Heybridge Basin Tea Rooms, a charming café located in a converted boathouse overlooking the water. Further along there are some very popular beach huts on stilts that make a wonderful picture.
Beach huts at Heybridge Basin
Beeleigh Falls - also known as Beeleigh Weir, is a picturesque spot located on the River Chelmer just as you exit Maldon heading towards Hatfield Peverel. At Beeleigh Falls, the River Chelmer cascades over a series of small rocky ledges, creating a picturesque waterfall and weir. The rushing water adds movement and sound to the landscape.
Beeleigh Falls provides plenty of opportunities for photography. Photographers can capture the beauty of the landscape, the movement of the water, and the play of light and shadow in this awesome setting.
Beeleigh Falls
Overall, Maldon offers a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and maritime allure, making it a captivating destination for tourists and photographers.
Tollesbury
Tollesbury is a charming coastal village located near Maldon in Essex with views overlooking the Blackwater estuary and the surrounding marshes. The village enjoys a tranquil atmosphere and is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Tollesbury offers plenty of coastal walks along the estuary, allowing visitors to explore the marshes, observe wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline which is great for photographers. As you enter the marina the iconic Sail lofts featured in the ITV drama Liar are situated on your left. Like Maldon I love taking images here of the boats and the iconic Sail lofts especially at high tide.
Tollesbury Lightboat
Overall, Tollesbury is another hidden gem on the Essex coast, offering a blend of natural beauty, maritime history, and rural charm. Whether exploring the coastal habitats, admiring the views across the estuary, or immersing oneself in village life, photographers visiting Tollesbury are sure to find plenty to captivate their interest and capture great images.
Dovercourt
Further north of the county Dovercourt is yet another coastal town located in Essex, situated near the estuary of the River Stour and adjacent to the town of Harwich.
Dovercourt enjoys a scenic coastal setting, with views overlooking the North Sea and the neighbouring towns of Harwich and Felixstowe. The town's long sandy beach and promenade are popular attractions for locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and seaside activities.
The historic Dovercourt Lighthouses, which date back to the 19th century is what I love taking pictures of here. You can capture great images whether the tide is in or out, but I would definitely either go for sunrise or sunset to capture that perfect image.
Dovercourt Lighthouse
Dovercourt offers a blend of coastal beauty, maritime history, and seaside charm, making it an appealing destination for visitors seeking relaxation, recreation, and exploration along the Essex coast. Whether enjoying the sandy beaches, exploring historic landmarks, or immersing oneself in maritime culture, visitors to Dovercourt are sure to find something to captivate their interest and create lasting memories.
Thorpe Bay
Thorpe Bay is a coastal suburb located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, which is situated along the coastline of the Thames Estuary, offering stunning views of the sea and easy access to sandy beaches. The town's coastal location makes it a popular destination for seaside holidays, water sports, and leisure activities.
The Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that attracts locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its clean sands, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. During low tide is when I love to attend as you can walk out quite far and get some great low shots of the boats which look stranded on the beach.
Just remember to pack your wellies!
Thorpe Bay
Thorpe Bay offers a blend of coastal beauty, outdoor recreation, and community amenities, making it an attractive place to live, visit, and enjoy seaside living on the Essex coast. Remember don’t forget to take your camera and wellies!
Conclusion
Now I’m not saying all the above are the best places in Essex to take pictures, but these are my favourite places! I’m sure you all have your favourite places and please let me know what they are, you never know I might not have been there.
Who knows in a couple of years time I maybe updating this blog to add more favourite places in Essex.