There's an 'overshadowed' UK seaside town with a gorgeous beach that tourists often overlook when heading to the coast.
The Essex town boasts a stunning beachfront has been dubbed a "hidden gem" located next to more desirable, bustling neighbouring hotspots. While Essex offers miles of scenic coastline attracting sun-seekers by the thousands, the tranquil town of Shoeburyness remains in the shadows.
As summer temperatures rise, trains packed with beachgoers head towards popular spots like Clacton, Southend, and Leigh-on-Sea. Yet, just a stone's throw from Southend, there lies a coastal haven often overlooked. Shoeburyness, sitting at the end of the c2c train line, offers families the perfect retreat away from the packed Southend seafront.
Upon arrival, Shoeburyness presents visitors with two inviting beaches. Both Shoebury Common and Shoebury East Beach have earned the coveted Blue Flag status, recognising their exceptional water and sand quality, reports Essex Live. Shoebury Common is not only a beach but also the site of the beloved Uncle Tom's Cabin, where visitors can indulge in a variety of ice creams, snacks, and more. Over at East Beach, you'll find a sprawling sandy shore backed by grassy areas perfect for a seaside picnic.
Pete, 66, a former insurance worker from London, has dubbed Shoeburyness the "poorer relation" to Southend-on-Sea. With over two decades as a resident, he shared: "It's lovely to live here. There are the walks and the nice beach and the seaside too. It's really nice. It's certainly very busy during the summer with people wanting the beach. In Southend people go for the sights [such as the pier or arcades] whereas here it's nicer and calmer."
Just four miles down the road from the bustling Jubilee Beach in Southend-on-Sea, Shoeburyness' East Beach is a hidden gem according to Sue Gunn, 77, who claims it's "much better and less busy" where crowds descend annually to soak up the sun on its tranquil shores.
While Southend attracts young families with attractions like Adventure Island, recent concerns have surfaced about the water quality for swimmers. Data from the Environment Agency reveals a stark contrast in water cleanliness, with 59 sewage spills reported at Jubilee Beach in 2023, while East Beach boasts a record of zero incidents.
Sue's husband, John, 76, also praises their local spot: "It's lovely here. This time of year it's quiet and it gets busier [during the summer]. There's lots of people from London during the summer. There are some days we would not come as it's too busy. We really enjoy it here [though]," he added. "We have always lived in an area that's very built up. Whilst it's relatively built up here, you don't get the same traffic here as we used to. It's very nice to have these areas. It's beautiful. We do a lot of walking at our age and it's great here."