The Naze Nature Reserve — Local services in Tendring

Expanse of grass, dunes, trees, set aside from cliff edge & meandering down to an unspoilt beach. The main manmade feature is the Naze Tower, as dominant a landmark from afar as a tall lighthouse. It might seem unlikely, but during WW2, the entire Naze became a restricted military area for testing prototype weapons. Very little evidence of this Top Secret history is now evident, apart from 2 inland pillboxes. Another 2 pillboxes built closer to the cliff side have long since subsided onto the beach & the Naze Tower itself is perilously close to the edge. The erosion of the upper Naze has been extensive & clearly visible just during my lifetime. I can recall when the clifftop grass projected far out to sea & there was even a path running around the outside edge of the woodland at the lowest end of the cliffs. All now washed out to sea &...

Had a nice day out with my partner and our chihuahua, we walked down through the reserve and back along the beach. Definitely recommend a weekday as it was so quiet. (You do run the chance of being interviewed by a school trip though)

Access to the beach can be a little tricky, the gentlest slope is through the reserve which is quite a way. But, the walk is very nice, and you might even spot a deer.

The cafe/food place was quite low on plant based options. Which made having a snack/lunch a bit challenging for us.

Otherwise it's worth a morning/afternoon...

A very pleasant place, there are some great views and an enjoyable walk around the nearby nature reserve. (About 4 miles.) If you bring a picnic there’s a green space to spread out and there’s a café (with friendly staff). They had vegan options (but a bit more would...