Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.Alan Keightley
It was the start of summer bank holiday and we desperately needed a break from hibernating through the dull and boring winters. All we needed was a day break from London to somewhere remote and not touristy which gives us a chance to stretch our legs and take the sun in. As usual Amoli had to plan this as it was a domestic trip and what a gem she discovers again – Walton on the Naze and Mersea Island – A perfect day break from London.
Early on the Saturday, the sun was out and we set out towards Walton-on-the Naze. Li had just received her new license and this was her chance to prove her skills with a frightened me sitting next to her! And she did really well. 1.5 hours and we pulled into Walton-on-the Naze car park. This small seaside town in Essex was very quiet to our suprise with just the locals going about their routine day.
Car park address – Naze Car Park, Old Hall Lane, Walton on the Naze, CO14 8LJ
We weren’t here for the beach, instead we were here to do the Wildlife Trail at Walton-on-the Naze. Starting at the Naze tower (which is the only pit-stop with refreshments and toilets), this is quite a interesting 6 km walk. The Naze is so much more than striking seascapes and landscapes – it is a unique coastal landscape of outstanding geological and biological importance.
The walk started on the muddy hilltop near the Naze tower and as we grazed along the perimeter of the cliff (prone to landscape), we soon reached a vast open area of tidal creeks, inter-tidal mud and sand flats, and salt-marshes. It was very clear that this isnt a trail visited by many as the grass and shrubs were making it hard to walk the perimeter.
Further down, we had the boats navigating the tidal creeks up the basin to the harbor. A leisurely walk and we ended up at the starting point not before spending few minutes at the foot of the north sea.
All we needed after the walk was a delightful Pub lunch at the countryside and me being the co-passenger today had earmarked few places along the way when we drove in. And what a treat it was!
Another Day trip from London which we would recommend is the beautiful pebble beach of Brighton.
Post lunch we drove to Mersea Island. This tiny and remote island is a perfect day trip from London for someone looking for old world charms and want to have a dig at seafood. Known for its oysters and prawns, this is a must do pilgrimage for every seafood lover.
Do keep in mind about the tide timings while visiting Mersea Island which is connected to the mainland by The Strood. Usually the Strood gets covered during the high tide disconnecting the island at times. We would recommend allowing up to an hour and a half either side of the tide to get on or off the island safely. More Tide timings – Click here.
We decided to park our car at the far end of the town and walk all the way into the town along the coast.
Car park address – Victoria Esplanade, West Mersea, Mersea CO5 8DE
Though not famous for its beaches, there are still quite a lot of Essex sun worshipers on the pebble beach and also some who love to pick oysters during the low tide.
We walked along the beach passing by beautiful sea facing mansions before heading into the West Mersea town. The town seems to be stuck in a time wrap from the world war era. Lined with sea food shacks and hoards of boats, the town distinguishes itself from the rest in England. Unlike the other seaside towns, you wouldn’t find pubs or amusements here, instead you would see a Boat workshop, Vans selling oysters and kids crabbing at the Pontoon.
We spend the next hour relaxing on the beach – it was day well spend and a day away from the hustle bustle of London.
If you have any questions around this please feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you at the very earliest.
This is Aldrin and my partner Amoli. We bring you "Earths Pilgrim" - a unique insight into our travel escapades while leaving life in a cubicle. If you are looking for some inspiration to break the shackles of a regular life, then you are the right place. Read more about us- Click here.