Locals love it because it’s far less busy than other, more well-known towns and you can get there by train in under 2 hours.
With the second big heatwave of the year properly underway, getting out of the city for some cool sea breezes and beachside ice creams is probably at the top of a lot of Londoners’ to-do lists this weekend. But getting out of London, especially when you don’t have a car, can be a bit tricky, and it often means heading to well-known seaside spots like Southend or Brighton, which can get very busy.
If, however, you fancy a day at the beach, but without the crowds, then Walton-on-the-Naze might be the perfect destination, and it’s only an hour and a half by train from Liverpool Street. Tickets cost as little as £18 each way on the day, and the fastest trains take just an hour and 20 minutes, though there are some slower trains to be aware of. The station is just a 5-minute walk from the beach, too.
The town is a little-known alternative to the big names on the Essex coast, like Southend and Clacton, but it has all the charms of a traditional family seaside resort, with golden beaches, seafront gardens, narrow streets, and a bustling independent high street, reports EssexLive.
The locals in Walton particularly love it because it “isn’t busy”, making it the perfect antidote for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and heat of London. The main shopping area is a mix of independent shops and the more familiar high street names. A variety of food and drink spots are available, ranging from cafes and pubs to restaurants and takeaways.
The Naze cliffs are famous for their geological and biological significance. It’s a fantastic spot for hunting ancient sharks’ teeth, and the nearby Naze Nature Discovery Centre is great for birdwatching and exploring salt marshes, too!
Reporter Jodie Bradley headed to Walton to see what locals thought of their little town. One main thing was clear, though – Walton is full of “friendly” and “supportive” people!
‘Walton has so much character and potential’
Kay owns Sea La Vie, an independent clothing and jewellery store in Walton. She moved to Walton about a year and a half ago because homes are “so much cheaper” there, and she loves her new home.
She said: “There are lots of local, loyal customers who visit the shop often. The people in Walton are just really, really friendly and so supportive.
“In summer, business is always booming – over the May bank holiday, it was mental – but obviously it gets quieter in the winter. Walton really has got a lot of character, and so much potential.”
Kay added: “The beach is just lovely, too. We have a lot of visitors who travel from Southend because our beach is quieter and sandier!
‘There’s so much support from local businesses’
Jo and Graham own Beside the Seaside Café, which has only been open for a few weeks! They live in Colchester, but are looking to move to Walton to be a bit more local.
Jo told EssexLive that neither she nor Graham has worked in a café before, so this is a brand new venture for both of them. However, the support and kindness of locals and other businesses have been ‘insane’.
Jo said: “Locals are so very friendly and very supportive. We’ve also had lots of support from local businesses with the opening of the cafe, which has been so helpful – they’ve taken us under their wing.”
‘Everyone is very, very friendly’
Mike Chinner runs CNG Antiques and Collectables in Walton. He’s worked there for three years and has had plenty of glowing reviews for Walton.
He said that he used to visit all the time as a child, so living there is pure nostalgia. Mike said of the locals: “Everyone is very very friendly.
“There’s some issues with kids and anti-social behaviour, but you get that everywhere! We also have a fabulous golden sandy beach too.”
