Essex is home to miles of gorgeous coastline and beautiful beaches perfect for a summertime dip into the sea. The county's shoreline is among the longest in the country and it provides plenty of opportunities for a day-out during the summer months. Destinations like Clacton and Southend-on-Sea can be popular for families and couples wanting to soak up the sun and enjoy local attractions.
But other areas such as Dovercourt Bay can go under the radar due to their alternative facilities and despite their better water quality. The Environment Agency tests water at bathing sites throughout the year for the presence of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (known as E. coli) and Intestinal enterococci.
Each bathing site is then given a rating based on the results over the year. READ MORE: The one mile-route Essex Pride march will take through Chelmsford city centre READ ALSO: Hidden gem park with its own river in a 'deserted ghost town' with nothing in it The water at Dovercourt has been graded as 'excellent', joining the majority (281) of the 425 locations in England designated as official bathing spots. Another 99 locations the water quality is classified as 'good'.
Dovercourt is right at the northern tip of Essex and has an award-winning sandy beach looking out to the North Sea. It's known for its iconic lighthouse, which has long since been a town icon in Harwich and Dovercourt and sits right on top of the beach. The beach was given a prestigious Blue Flag in 2024, meaning .
