Explore a stunning coastal nature reserve home to rare birds, seals, and the historic Grade 2 listed Naze Tower on Essex's dramatic shoreline.

The Naze is a 2,000-hectare public open space and Site of Special Scientific Interest located in Walton-on-the-Naze on the North Essex coast. This unique natural environment attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and serves as a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, including Dark Bellied Brent Geese, Shelduck, Little Terns, Avocets, and both common and grey seals. The area is part of the Hamford Water National nature reserve, which features fragile salt marshes that serve as important carbon sinks and provide flood protection to surrounding communities. The Naze is home to the Grade 2 listed Naze Tower, a historic building of unique architectural importance recognised by Historic England and the only one of its kind remaining in existence. The tower is protected by the innovative Crag Walk platform. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences in this natural haven, which inspired Arthur Ransome's beloved children's novel Secret Water. Families visiting will find free entry to this open space with opportunities for bird watching, seal spotting, exploring historic structures, and enjoying outdoor recreation. The venue is dog-friendly and offers a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages seeking to connect with Essex's coastal heritage and wildlife.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Glynis Grove

3 months ago

Beautiful walks, plenty of parking (but few disabled spaces) a selection of cafes. A good shop with gifts and educational resources

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Roy

3 years ago

The Naze is the clifftop area projecting out into the North Sea & thereafter into the no-man's-land of saltings & islets comprising Walton Backwaters. The general area is marked from miles away by the prominent Naze Tower, which can be seen from afar away as Harwich, Shotley Gate, & Felixstowe Docks, both on the Suffolk coast. The Naze offers 2 main walking options, the overgrown clifftop that carries on downhill into the Nature Reserve, or when the tide is out, the beach that can be followed as far north as Stone Point & the Walton Channel.

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Wendy Kelly

4 years ago

Great place for a walk and sharks teeth to find on the beaches… picnic benches and two cafes

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batman51

5 years ago

Did not know what to expect but found pleasant cliff top area with large (card pay) car park, two cafes, reasonably flat walks (but mind the cliff edge when looking at the old war time pill boxes now in the sea) and the Naze tower which must have a great view but looked a long climb. Bit of a trek to get there but worth a visit if you are in the area.

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ROBIN GILES

6 years ago

Had a great time at New year's eve. Took the dog and he and the family enjoyed it. We stopped at the cafe and had hot chocolates and tea, biscuits and a scone. It was really nice. Only small gripe was that a couple of the bins were overflowing.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026