WELCOME TO TENDRING

  Sitting just outside Clacton-on-Sea, Holland Haven Country Park is one of those proper hidden gems on the Essex coast. With wide skies, rolling grasslands, and marshes alive with birdsong, it’s a spot that shows off the wilder side of the seaside. The park is part of the Essex Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, proving just how important it is for both wildlife and the landscape.

For walkers, the sea wall path is a favourite – a steady stroll with endless views across the North Sea. Whether it’s a bracing winter’s day with the waves crashing in or a summer afternoon with the sunlight bouncing off the water, the views never get old. There are plenty of trails inland too, winding through meadows and marshes that feel a world away from the bustle of Clacton.

Birdwatchers flock here, and for good reason. From waders on the mudflats to migratory species stopping by the marshes, the park is alive with feathered visitors year-round. Bring your binoculars and you might even spot something rare among the gulls and curlews.

But it’s not all about birds and long walks – Holland Haven is also a space for families, dog walkers, and anyone who just wants a bit of fresh air. Whether you’re picnicking on the grass, exploring the trails, or simply sitting back and taking in those big Essex skies, it’s a park that gives you the best of coast and countryside rolled into one.

 Right in the heart of the resort, Clacton Seafront Gardens are a proper slice of calm among the arcades and amusements. Stretching along Marine Parade, these gardens have been brightening up the seafront since Victorian times, mixing colourful flowerbeds, neat lawns, and winding paths with the salty sea air.

The gardens are beautifully kept, with seasonal displays that add a splash of colour whatever the time of year. From spring tulips to summer roses, they’re a favourite with locals and visitors who fancy a stroll away from the buzz of the pier. 

Benches are dotted about, perfect for sitting back and taking in both the blooms and the sea views.

They’re not just pretty – the gardens also hold a bit of history. Many parts were laid out in the early 20th century, reflecting the style of seaside resorts at their peak. Today, they’re still a reminder of Clacton’s long tradition as a holiday town, combining heritage with horticulture.

Families, dog walkers, and day-trippers all make good use of the space, whether it’s a slow wander through the flowerbeds or a quiet picnic before heading back to the beach. With the sea on one side and the gardens on the other, it’s a lovely mix of coast and colour – classic Clacton at its best.

Frinton-on-Sea is famous for keeping things classic, and nowhere shows that better than its wide sandy beach and the sweeping Greensward that runs alongside it. With rows of colourful beach huts on one side and open lawns on the other, it’s a perfect mix of seaside fun and peaceful space to stretch your legs.

The beach itself is a beauty – long, sandy, and much quieter than some of its noisier neighbours. Families love it for paddling and sandcastle building, while walkers can head for miles along the coast with nothing but sea views and salty air for company. When the tide’s out, it’s a proper playground of sand and shallow pools.

Above the beach, the Greensward offers something a bit different – wide grassy lawns ideal for picnics, games, or just lying back and soaking up the sun. It’s also a great vantage point for spotting ships out on the horizon or just watching the world go by. In summer, the place buzzes with families and day-trippers enjoying the best of both worlds – sea and green all in one.

What makes Frinton special is its old-school vibe. There are no arcades or loud amusements here – just a timeless seaside atmosphere, where beach huts, ice creams, and lazy afternoons are the order of the day. It’s simple, traditional, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

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 The Tendring Trail is one of those walks that really shows off the best of rural Essex. Stretching across the district, it links up villages, farmland, and quiet lanes, giving walkers a proper taste of the countryside while staying close to the coast. With big skies and wide views, it’s classic Tendring from start to finish.

The trail meanders through fields, hedgerows, and sleepy hamlets, where old cottages and churches remind you just how long people have been living and working this land. Each stretch has its own character – from open farmland buzzing with skylarks to shady tree-lined paths that feel a world away from the bustle of nearby towns.

Because the route crosses so much of Tendring, it’s easy to dip in and out. You can take on a short section for an afternoon stroll or tackle longer stretches if you’re after more of a challenge. Either way, you’ll find plenty of quiet spots for a rest or a picnic along the way.

What makes the Tendring Trail special is the variety. One minute you’re wandering through farmland, the next you’re catching glimpses of the estuary or passing through a historic village pub where walkers have been stopping for centuries. It’s the perfect way to see Tendring’s mix of coast and countryside at walking pace.

 he walk from Walton-on-the-Naze to Frinton is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in the Tendring district, and for good reason. It’s an easy, flat route that shows off the best of the Essex seaside – dramatic cliffs, long sandy beaches, and rows of colourful beach huts that seem to go on forever.

Starting in Walton, you’ve got the famous Naze Tower and nature reserve on your doorstep if you fancy exploring before you set off. As you head south, the sea’s on one side and the distinctive red crag cliffs on the other, giving you proper big-sky views that change with the tide and weather. It’s a walk that feels different every time you do it.

The path takes you past hundreds of brightly painted beach huts – some quirky, some traditional – that are a big part of the area’s charm. Families and walkers stop here to take in the atmosphere, while in summer the beaches below are perfect for a paddle or a picnic halfway through the route.

Arriving in Frinton, things get calmer still. Known for its wide Greensward and more old-school seaside vibe, Frinton is the perfect place to end the walk. Whether you’re finishing with an ice cream, a spot of lunch, or just a rest on the lawns overlooking the sea, this stretch from Walton to Frinton is classic Essex coastal walking – simple, scenic, and endlessly charming.

  Right in the village of St Osyth sits the stunning St Osyth Priory, one of the most important monastic sites in Essex. Dating back to the 12th century, it was originally built as an Augustinian priory and later became one of the richest abbeys in the county. Even today, its grand gatehouse and historic buildings still dominate the village, giving a real sense of its medieval power and presence.

The priory gets its name from St Osyth, a 7th-century Saxon princess and martyr who, according to legend, was beheaded by raiders but miraculously carried her head back to the site of the priory church. Her story made the village a centre for pilgrimage in medieval times, adding a layer of spiritual importance that still clings to the place.

Over the centuries, the priory was expanded and remodelled, boasting impressive cloisters, a chapter house, and lavish living quarters. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, much of the estate was converted into a private residence, but many of the historic buildings survived, making it one of the best-preserved monastic complexes in the country.

Today, the priory remains privately owned but continues to fascinate visitors with its dramatic history, striking architecture, and local legends. From its saintly beginnings to its role in Tudor politics and beyond, St Osyth Priory stands as a reminder that even the quietest Essex villages can have some of the grandest stories to tell.

Sorting out money matters can feel like a headache, but Tendring makes it easier to see what help’s out there. You can apply for Housing Benefit or Local Council Tax Support online, and even upload the documents you need to back up your claim without faffing about in queues.

Housing Benefit can give you that extra bit of breathing space if rent is a struggle, while Council Tax Support helps cut the cost of keeping your home. On top of that, there are other financial schemes available if you’re finding it tough to make ends meet, so you don’t have to go it alone.

If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to, the guidance on the council site lays it out step by step, helping you work out the best support for your situation. It’s all about making sure people across Tendring have the help they need to keep on top of life’s bills and stay secure in their homes.

 Nobody wants to get caught out dragging the wrong bin to the kerb, and in Tendring you don’t have to. You can check your recycling calendar online anytime, so you’ll always know which bin is due out and when. No more guesswork, no more missed collections.

If your bins are looking worse for wear or you need extras, it’s easy to order new containers and get yourself sorted without a fuss. The council also makes it clear what goes in each bin, so recycling’s less confusing and more of your waste ends up being reused instead of dumped.

And for the bigger clear-outs – like old furniture, broken appliances, or piles of DIY leftovers – there are bulky waste collection services and local recycling centres ready to take them off your hands. It’s all about keeping Tendring tidy, green, and easy to manage, with a system that helps everyone do their bit.

Council tax might not be anyone’s favourite bill, but Tendring keeps it simple. You can register, pay your bill, and manage your account online without having to queue or sit on hold. Direct debits and online payments mean you’re always in control of what’s going out and when.

If money’s a bit tight, there’s help available. From discounts and exemptions for certain households to support schemes if you’re struggling to make payments, Tendring makes sure residents don’t have to face the pressure alone.

It’s all about making things quick, flexible, and easy to manage – so you spend less time worrying about tax and more time enjoying everything Tendring has to offer.

 Whether you’re a home-owner, landlord, or tenant, Tendring’s got all the housing info you need in one place. From repairs and maintenance advice to applying for social housing, the essentials are all laid out so you can find what you’re after without the hassle.

If you’re renting, there’s clear guidance on tenancy rights and responsibilities, plus help if you’re struggling with rent or facing the risk of homelessness. For home-owners, there are schemes for grants, energy-saving upgrades, and adaptations to keep your place safe, warm, and future-proof.

Landlords can also find advice on their obligations – making sure rented properties are up to scratch and fair for tenants. It’s all about keeping housing across Tendring decent, secure, and supported for everyone who calls the district home.

Tendring’s more than just towns and villages – it’s about the people who live here and the ways they come together. From local groups and charities to health and wellbeing services, there’s plenty going on to keep residents connected and supported.

You’ll find guidance on community rights, how to get involved in neighbourhood projects, and where to turn if you need a hand with day-to-day challenges. It could be anything from advice on local health initiatives to volunteering opportunities that bring people together.

Whether it’s fêtes, fairs, or friendship groups, Tendring’s community spirit is strong. There’s always something happening to bring people out of their homes and into the heart of village and town life – proof that Essex communities know how to look after their own.

 Running a business can feel like a juggling act, but Tendring’s got plenty of support to keep you on track. Whether you’re starting up for the first time or keeping a long-standing family firm ticking over, there’s advice and guidance to help at every step.

You’ll find clear info on business rates, licensing, and local regulations, plus tips on how to make the most of regeneration projects happening across the district. For small businesses and big players alike, the council offers schemes to help you grow, adapt, and keep things moving.

From networking opportunities to funding advice, it’s all about giving local enterprises the chance to thrive. Tendring’s business scene is as diverse as its coastline – and with the right support, there’s room for everyone to succeed.