More and more couples are choosing to spend their honeymoons in the UK rather than travelling abroad, avoiding travel delays, lost luggage and red-eye flights. If you are getting married at Crondon Park, there are many beautiful destinations this county and the surrounding area have to offer.
Whether you are looking for a cosy countryside retreat, a seaside escape, or a city break, you can find it all within easy reach of Essex. This blog post will share some of the best places to visit and eat for your perfect honeymoon in Essex and the surrounding area.
Essex has one of the longest coastlines in the UK, so there are plenty of beaches for you to explore and relax on without having to jet halfway around the world!
Southend-on-Sea boasts a stunning seven-mile coastline that offers a variety of beaches to explore. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax in the sun, somewhere to build sandcastles or a wide open space to surf, Southend has it all. You can even catch the breathtaking Southend sunsets from these beaches. So, pack your bags and head to Southend to enjoy the perfect beach day!
Jubilee Beach is the main beach in Southend, It’s mainly shingle and can get busy on warm days and deck chair hire is available if you don’t want to take your own beach chairs! During the summer months, it’s a hub of excitement with a range of activities and events to keep you entertained. You can enjoy speed boat rides and classic car shows among other things and is located near Adventure Island, the Sea-Life Adventure, and a variety of amusements arcades, shops, and cafes.
Thorpe Bay Beach is a Blue Flag beach, which means it has achieved excellence in beach cleanliness and safe pedestrian access . With breath-taking views of the Thames estuary, this beach is perfect for refreshing walks and for those looking for a relaxing break. You can wander past the picture-postcard beach huts or grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants. The beach also has decking that leads straight onto the beach, making it accessible for wheelchairs and ensuring that it’s a great day out at the seaside for everyone.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, the Blue Flag beaches of Shoebury Common Beach, and East Beach (Shoeburyness) are all located closer to the mouth of the estuary. These beaches are less crowded than the ones closer to the main hub of activity.
Walks and Wildlife
Not a fan of getting sand in your clothes? Southend-on-Sea is not just about beaches and the seaside. It also boasts a wealth of beautiful parks, green spaces and gorgeous walks that offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a slower pace, there are also a variety of hidden hotspots where you can spend a peaceful afternoon with a romantic picnic. Alternatively, you can visit one of the nature reserves and discover some of Southend’s wonderful wildlife.
Leigh Cliff Conservation Area is a green open space that is perfect for strolls and wildlife spotting with breathtaking views. It was designated a Conservation Area in 1981 and is located on the cliff top to the east of Leigh’s historic centre. Its position towards the top of the hill slope, the straight alignment of its streets and the open cliff gardens to the south provide an incredible setting with many views of the Estuary.
Leigh-on-Sea has a rich history that includes heroes, witches, and smugglers. The village was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Legra”, a small fishing hamlet. This approx 1 mile long trail covers many of the historic sites around the town, starting at Billet Lane and taking in many of the Old Town’s historic fishing buildings before heading up Church Hill past the beautiful St Clement’s Church and finishing at the Grade II listed Leigh Library.
The Shoeburyness Heritage Trail is a 1.8-mile-long trail that offers a glimpse into the Shoebury’s rich history including Churchill, Florence Nightingale, and Vikings! Located on slightly raised land at the mouth of the Thames estuary, Shoebury has been strategically important since prehistoric times. There is archaeological evidence showing that humans have occupied or used the site since the Bronze Age.
The Barling Magna Wildlife Reserve is an oasis of peace and tranquillity located in Barling, which is a small yet beautiful haven for nature and wildlife. The park is full of trees, bushes, and wildflowers and is maintained by volunteers. It has public access and is open 365 days a year. You can explore the wildlife in the reserve from the sanctuary of the hide and bird-watching stations or choose one of the walks through the reserve to explore the peaceful greenery.
Food and Drink
Whilst we would never say no to a chippy tea by the waterfront, we have so much more to offer when it comes to eating out in Essex. We’ve chosen a few romantic venues for an intimate meal with your partner.
Locally produced seasonal food with a focus on health, well-being, creativity, and flavour is the core philosophy of Food by John Lawson. The restaurant’s menu changes daily based on the produce available, which is grown fresh, ensuring that the food is always nutritionally beneficial to the body. The restaurant is committed to sustainability and zero wastage, and it prioritises food that is produced within a short distance of the restaurant. The wines served at the restaurant are produced with minimal intervention, following the same natural ethos as the restaurant’s core values.
“Delicious meals accompanied by fine wines and genuine family hospitality” are the hallmarks of The Camelia Restaurant in Southend-on-Sea. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner seven days a week. The Camelia’s special blend of style and warmth has made it one of Southend-on-Sea’s favourites.
The restaurant offers a breathtaking sea view that is as good as the food on your plate. It is located only a stone’s throw from Southend’s beach, which means you can take a romantic sunset beach walk straight after your meal.
Revolution Southend is a popular restaurant and cocktail bar located on Queens Road off the High Street, sandwiched between The Forum and Southend’s University Square building. The restaurant offers delicious food and the finest cocktails that you can enjoy with your partner in the bright, beautiful restaurant, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows. Alternatively, you can relax on the heated upper terrace, which is a gorgeous retreat with a retractable roof.
Revolution Southend is the perfect place to unwind, whether you’re tucking into delicious dishes with friends or dancing the night away. The evenings are designed for maximum fun, with drinks that won’t stop flowing, killer DJ sets, and a dancefloor that’s never empty. Perfect for party couples!
