We popped along to Brightlingsea in Essex for a wedding recently and was surprised at what a hidden gem this is. Our friend has been there for a while and saying how peaceful it is with its single road in and out and general pace of life. We can confirm from the brief time that we were there that what he was saying was true and that is has a lovely community and is a beautiful place to relax.
We were staying in a wonderful B & B right in the centre of town called the Courtyard Rooms where they gave us a warm, friendly reception, fabulous breakfast and comfortable functional bedrooms. It was also an excellent central base to go from and explore the coastal resort.
There is an extensive number of beach huts on a spit which were a traditional range of colours, designs and states of repair. We looked in a local estate agents who were selling a couple and the ‘derelict’ ones still go for circa £20k with good condition ones going for nearer double. Interestingly our friends built theirs for around £5k.
We also popped into a few pubs who were all very friendly indeed. The photo above is from the Rose Bud pub garden which was a bit of a walk along the main road.
There is also a new development of flats with a marina which overlooks Brightlingsea creek and further views out to the River Colne.
We heartily recommend a visit to this little place, especially on a beautiful day which we were lucky to have.
