Frinton-on-Sea, a quaint seaside town in Essex, might not be as well-known as its bustling neighbour, Clacton-on-Sea, but it has its own unique charm.
This small coastal gem, home to around 4,000 residents and nestled just south of Walton-on-the-Naze in the Tendring District, is famed for its pristine sandy beaches that draw both tourists and locals alike.
The beach is framed by a sea wall and a promenade lined with vibrant beach huts available for hire. It’s a peaceful haven compared to the hustle and bustle of Clacton-on-Sea, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
READ MORE: The ‘best view in UK’ in seaside village that looks more like the Caribbean
One of Frinton-on-Sea’s distinctive features is its long-standing prohibition on commercial arcades and amusement parks. This ban has helped maintain the town’s traditional, no-nonsense, family-friendly vibe.
This atmosphere is further preserved by rules prohibiting ice cream vans, games, or loud music near the beach. In fact, it was named the country’s ‘nimby capital’ by The Telegraph.
During the summer months, there’s also a dog ban in place from the seafront warden station below Connaught Avenue to the public conveniences below Cambridge Road. However, dog walking is permitted on other parts of the beach.
The Frinton Residents’ Association is committed to upholding these traditions within the town.
The Frinton Residents’ Association has defined their vision on their website: “It is the aim of The Frinton Residents’ Association to promote the ideal of Frinton-on-Sea remaining a place where everyone can enjoy an atmosphere of peace and relaxation, take advantage of the natural beauty of swathes of open grassland and a beautiful sandy beach leading down to the sea without the distractions of amusement parks which can be found elsewhere.”
They add: “We want to ensure maximum amount of space is available for parking, ensure that visitors are not bothered by street vendors, avoid the litter which results, and give visitors the option to bring whatever they require with them which is a more economical approach, or there are shops in the town centre where most things can be purchased.”
The association also noted if any ice cream vans are spotted on the beachfront, it should be reported immediately, asking locals to ‘take note of the vehicle registration number’.
Is your pup a seaside fan?
Well, bad news, as according to the association, dogs are banned from the beach for children’s safety and hygiene reasons, arguing, ‘children can play on the beach without either the risk of being bothered by dogs, or more importantly, their health being compromised by coming into contact with dog faeces’.
But what actual fun could kids have on this incredibly peaceful beach?
The group suggests instead visiting the play park in Roydon Way, trying out the nearby tennis club, or exploring the pier at Walton-on-the-Naze. Now, isn’t that a unique seaside experience!
Despite the criticism, Frinton-on-Sea does have a few redeeming features. It boasts a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a golf course.
The town is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust Nature Reserve.
So, if you’re after a peaceful beach where the only sounds are the wind and the waves, Frinton-on-Sea could be just the ticket. But if it’s excitement you’re after, Clacton-on-Sea is just a stone’s throw away.
Get the biggest stories from around London straight to your inbox. Sign up to MyLondon’s The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.
