With over 36 miles of stunning coastline, a diverse blend of picturesque villages, beautifully unspoiled country landscapes, wild coastlines and traditional seaside towns, there’s lots of activities to discover to keep you occupied all year round whatever the weather.
Lots of exciting events take place throughout the year from local village fetes, fairs and festivals to the annual Clacton Airshow which welcomes over 250,000 visitors over two days. Key dates for your diary to consider are:
Clacton Airshow
It will be celebrating its 30th year this year and takes place on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th August 2023. A full flight display programme is set for both days with the addition of twilight displays on the Thursday evening. A whole host of activities are available on the ground too which are set against the backdrop of Clacton’s seafront.
www.clactonairshow.com
Tendring Hundred Show
One of the biggest agricultural shows in Essex, the Tendring Hundred Show welcomes people of all ages and interests. Set in the beautiful parkland setting of Lawford House Park, near Manningtree, the Tendring Show combines entertainment, animals, arts & crafts, trade stands and exhibits.
www.tendringshow.co.uk
Harwich Festival of the Arts
An annual combined arts festival taking place each year between Thursday 22nd June and Sunday 2nd July where you can expect to see a range of artwork, public art installations, art trails, music, spoken word and dance throughout the old town of Harwich.
www.harwichfestival.co.uk
Brightlingsea Regatta and Carnival
Takes place on the weekend of Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July and will feature two days of waterborne and shoreside fun and entertainment for all. The regatta will kick off in style at noon on Saturday with the Carnival Parade around the town centre and finishing at the Waterside. The traditional Saturday night fireworks will also be making a welcome return, and this year’s programme of events will once again feature an array of activities.
www.brightlingsearegatta.com
Experience the Essex Sunshine Coast
The vastness of Tendring’s coastline is ideal for taking a stroll against the backdrop of the North Sea along one of the many promenades which features well-presented cliff top gardens or take in the unique charm and character of the multi-coloured beach huts stretching along the coastline en-route.
The vibrant arts and culture scene is alive with theatres, performance arts events, live music and exhibitions, many located in unique settings, such as Jaywick’s historic Martello Tower or the Naze Tower, Walton. ‘A House for Essex’ in Wrabness, is artwork itself. This unique and incomparable house, overlooking the Stour Estuary, was designed by the county’s own Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry. For more traditional stage entertainment, Clacton’s two theatres, the Princes and Westcliff guarantee a variety of live comedy, pantomime, music and dance performances.
History and heritage is in abundance throughout Tendring. The coastal location provides a unique and varied heritage, from prehistoric artefacts, medieval buildings to Victorian villas, with many sites recognised as being of national significance. Follow one of the many trails featured in the area where you could follow in the footsteps of one of the notable residence such as the Master of the Mayflower, Christopher Jones and walk the Mayflower Trail, Harwich, whilst discovering the story of the ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers to America and visit Master of the Mayflower.
Tendring’s nature reserves provide excellent opportunities for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The area is known for its diverse range of dynamic natural environments which benefit from national and, in some cases, international conservation designations. Hamford Water National Nature Reserve, an area of international importance, is a sanctuary for both migrating and nesting birds at different times of the year. It also forms the setting to Arthur Ransome’s eighth book in his Swallows and Amazons series, the Secret Water.
Away from the coast and countryside, the main towns offer a unique selection of independent shops and popular high street names, or if you are looking to whet your appetite, an array of traditional country pubs, happening bars, restaurants, fish and chip shops, cafes and coffee shops offer a warm welcome.
Accommodation ranges from holiday parks, glamping and camping, bed and breakfasts to boutique and luxury hotel spas.
With excellent links by road, train and coach, the Tendring District offers an easy and quick escape to a different pace of life which is an easily accessible destination.
To make the most of your visit and to find out more about the local area, visit www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk, follow us @TheSunshineCoastOfficial on Facebook or download the LoveTendring app available for free on Android and Apple.
The LoveTendring app is free to download on both Apple and Android devices.