The hidden gem beach on Essex’s north-east coast is so secluded and untouched, it oftentimes doesn’t even show up on satellite navigation. The pristine beach offers an idyllic setting for soaking up the sea views.
“At one stage I thought I was at one of the secret locations we visited in Lanzarote” states a review of Irlam’s Beach.
This hidden gem beach on Essex’s north-east coast is so secluded and untouched, it oftentimes doesn’t even show up on satellite navigation. So secretive is its location, travellers are pretty much guaranteed peace, quiet — and if they’re lucky enough — the whole beach to themselves, ideal for those beach holidays. In fact, the untouched paradise is mostly known only to natives of the area.
Irlam’s Beach (also spelt as Earlham’s Beach) is a hidden gem nestled along the Essex coastline. Situated near Dovercourt Bay, this secluded sandy beach is just a stone’s throw away from Harwich — a bustling international shipping port offering ferry services across the North Sea to the Netherlands.
Encircled by marshland and sand dunes, Irlam’s Beach provides a tranquil retreat from the usual tourist crowds of Essex. Its golden sands and grassy dunes offer an idyllic setting for soaking up the sea views towards the docks further up the coast.
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For maritime enthusiasts, the beach’s location presents a unique opportunity to observe ships not only heading to Harwich but also to Felixstowe, another larger port situated across the River Stour. On particularly quiet days, you might even spot more trawlers than fellow beachgoers.
Though small in size, Irlam’s Beach is rich in its picturesque charm. The area is predominantly marshland, but if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, there are few better places to visit. Steps lead down to the beach and water’s edge, where you’ll find unexpected stepping stones in the shallows, adding a playful touch to the serene coastal haven.
While you can certainly enjoy a paddle in the water, this isn’t your typical beach. It’s more of an exploration and relaxation spot, ideal for bringing along a book and immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of Essex’s coastline. Despite its exposed and windy nature, you can find some shelter by nestling behind the dunes.
Earlham’s Beach is perfectly suited for activities such as sunbathing, beachcombing, and leisurely walks along the shoreline. While it may not be a surfer’s paradise, the gentle waves provide the perfect backdrop for paddling or soaking up the tranquil sea ambiance. It’s also a prime location for fishing enthusiasts, with species like bass, eel, flounder, and mullet abundant. The nearby mudbanks, rocky patches, and creeks offer plenty of opportunities for anglers.
Although swimming isn’t recommended where the marshland meets the sea, it’s an excellent spot for a bit of mud-larking. Visitors are cautioned to keep an eye on the tides though. The beach is adorned with wildflowers and lucky visitors can spot cabbage butterflies, bees, and water birds during their travels. The beach is also dog-friendly, making it the perfect place to bring your furry friend.
While Dovercourt Bay in Harwich is a well-known destination complete with its own caravan park, Irlam’s Beach, located just along the coast, remains largely undiscovered. Nestled along the stunning coastline of Harwich, Irlam’s Beach unfolds with its distinctively dark and fine sand, providing an extraordinary seaside adventure that is vastly different to the typical golden-sand beaches found across Britain.
What’s more, this seemingly innocuous stretch of coast has played a significant part in historical events throughout the ages. The shoreline boasts a fascinating maritime heritage, having functioned as a crucial defensive and commercial hub through the centuries, which lends a captivating historical dimension to this tranquil coastal retreat.
Travellers are advised to bring plenty of refreshments while visiting, as Irlam’s Beach offers minimal facilities, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly. There are also no lifeguards present on this stretch of shore.
One visitor’s review of the beach on The Beach Guide says: “Lovely find today really enjoyed our walk there. At one stage I thought I was at one of the secret locations we visited in Lanzarote. Really enjoyed it.”
Meanwhile, a Google reviewer notes: “Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the nature of the foreshore. At the right time of day you have the whole beach to yourself.”
And another visitor’s testimonial declares: “A wonderful spot that could be anywhere on earth , no shops, no loos, no nothing, bring everything you need as there is nothing here but nature and the sea. Simply wonderful, I hope it never changes.”