A Guide to Frinton-on-Sea

About Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex is a small coastal town just two miles away from Walton-on-the-Naze. It has a reputation for being an old-fashioned, exclusive resort and the beach and esplanade are much quieter and secluded compared to other seaside towns. Nevertheless, there are still many things to do in Frinton-on-Sea.

What's On in Frinton-on-Sea Days Out in Frinton-on-Sea

A brief history of Frinton-on-Sea

The word ‘Frinton’ appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, appearing as ‘Frientuna’, meaning an enclosed town or settlement. Before the boom of the seaside town in the late Victorian era, there wasn’t much going on in Frinton-on-Sea, apart from a church and a few farms and cottages.

The industrialist Richard Powell Cooper rejected plans for a pier to be put in place, and also restricted boarding houses and pubs, emphasising the need for quality housing. However, during the late 19th century the town went under several developments, including the addition of a golf course, a lido, hotels and housing.

Frinton-on-Sea drew in upper class visitors including the Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill. Today, Frinton-on-Sea still retains that 1920s atmosphere. The tree-lined avenues, Victorian beach huts and elegant Esplanade are a reminder of the days when it was a favourite destination for prominent figures.

Things to do in Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton Beach

If you’re looking for a clean, quiet beach that isn’t full of attractions, Frinton Beach is the place to go. The wide, sandy beach has remained uncommercialised and is perfect for a peaceful family friendly getaway. There is a wide promenade adjacent to the beach, lined with colourful old-fashioned beach huts. If you don’t fancy getting sand in your lunch, head to the Greensward, a broad grassy area perfect for picnics.

Watersports

Although Frinton-on-Sea may be less busy compared with other seaside resorts, it isn’t short of watersport activities. The Walton and Frinton Yacht Club is an RYA Training Centre and has all the facilities you need for watersports. Whether you want to go dinghying, canoeing or cruising, the centre offers training courses and equipment hire. The centre also has a bar and restaurant where you can grab some food after a long day on the water.

Shopping

Connaught Avenue was once nicknamed East Anglia’s Bond Street and is a good place to find boutiques and independent shops. If you love antiques and trinkets, head to No 24 Art Deco & Antiques. Transport yourself back to a different era as you browse through the large collection of art deco goods. For something a little different, Great Danes offers some fantastic gift ideas. It specialises in Danish designed products and ranges from indoor and outdoor homeware, to jewellery and accessories. There is also a great kids section with unique toys.

Entertainment / Culture

Princes Theatre was constructed in 1931, the impressive, purpose-built theatre sits inside the Grade II listed building of Clacton Town Hall. Situated in the town centre, the building is a hub of entertainment for Clacton-on-Sea. Now staging over 150 shows, seminars, exhibitions, meetings, weddings & events per year, making this a great venue to visit.

East Coast Distillery – Tide’s Fortune is a Dry Gin crafted in small batches and infused with a range of traditional botanicals including whole juniper berries alongside the very best in local coastal botanicals. The Sea Buckthorn adds a piquant citrus taste and the locally foraged Sea Purslane really captures the spirit of the sea. Short free tours are available on Saturdays. You will be shown around, introduced to their botanicals, processes and of course Monty the still. You also have the chance to try some free tastings too.

Walking Routes

Why not make the most of the fresh sea air and take a walk along the Essex coast. The Frinton to Walton Walk is an easy promenade walk between Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze. It’s only two miles long and takes you past the Clock Tower and the sea wall before arriving at Walton. Take it a little further and head inland to Walton Mere and take the footpath along the water.