Trails of Tendring

Discover trails all around Tendring and learn more about the history, culture, arts, architecture and more of different places within the district.

Covering areas such as Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, Harwich, Holland-on-Sea, Jaywick Sands, Manningtree, St Osyth, Walton-on-the-Naze and other locations these trails aim to promote activity within the district as well as raise awareness of the historical importance Tendring has.

Clacton Heritage Trail

The Clacton Heritage Trail, sometimes referred to as the Clacton 150, was created using National Lottery Heritage Funding during 2021.

It covers 5 miles of beautiful seafront and with 19 different locations to visit accompanied by signs that contain information of the historical ongoings within that area. Starting from Location 1 at the Sunspot and ending at Location 19; Borrow Pit Bay in Holland-on-Sea it follows the seafront and part of the promenade.

The trail contains listening benches as well as audio signs to connect people through stories of Clacton throughout the years. A few signs also contain augmented reality, an interactive technology that you can access through the Zappar app, that brings the history to life for individuals in both a fun and engaging way that conveys Clacton’s story and heritage.

See the Clacton Heritage Trail Webpage for more information on the trail as well as the information available on each sign. The trail leaflet provides a simplified overview of the walking trail as well as a map of the Clacton Heritage Trail.

Coastal Trail

Following on from the Clacton Heritage Trail, this beautiful scenic walk contains a variety of locations that span from the Gunfleet Estuary in Holland Haven to the Naze Tower at Walton-on-the-Naze. There’s lots to see following the trail and plenty of fantastic places to relax en-route.  

Witch Heritage Trail

An immersive storytelling experience told through a trail covering Manningtree, St Osyth, Harwich and Walton-on-the-Naze. The Witch Heritage Trail aims to bring to life the stories of Tendring Hundred communities that were affected by the Essex witch trials. These trials have been brought to life for the first time through augmented reality, which can be accessed via smart phone that will offer visitors of all ages a living history experience.

Four unique benches and information boards featuring specialised carvings have been installed at each location all reflecting each location’s history. Additional historical information can be found on the Tendring Witch Heritage Trail page.

For general information about the trail see this Tendring Witch Heritage Trail video created by the Tendring District Council.

Harwich Maritime Trail

Owned by The Harwich Society, the Harwich Maritime Trail has 21 locations that takes an individual from the Low Lighthouse and through Harwich Town to the Radar Tower. Come across various historical delights such as the Treadwheel Crane, the Lifeboat Museum, the Electric Palace Cinema, Ha’penny Pier and Visitor Centre, the Harwich Redoubt Fort and much more whilst walking the Harwich Maritime Trail. More information on the trail can be found clicking into the Harwich Maritime Trail Map by Harwich Society.

Harwich ‘Deep Water’ Walking Trail

Created as part of the Royal Geographical Society’s ‘Discovering Britain’ series of walks, this self-guided audio walk ‘Deep Water’ uncovers how the see has been both a friend and foe to Harwich over the centuries. Audio commentary by Coraline Millar and Neil Darcy Jones. Visit the RGS Website.

With a starting point of Harwich Town railway station, CO12 3NA (overpaid.slick.swatted) and a finishing point of The Esplanade near the Low Lighthouse, CO12 3NJ (mammoths.classic.spelled)

‘Deep Water’ Leaflet provided by Discovering Britain.