Walking Holidays and Stays in Bradwell-on-Sea

Saltmarsh Silence and One of England’s Oldest Chapels

A remote-feeling corner of Essex, where walking follows the water’s edge and history lingers in the stillness.

Bradwell-on-Sea sits on the far edge of the Dengie Peninsula, looking out over the Blackwater Estuary toward Mersea Island and the North Sea. It’s a destination defined by space, sky, and solitude — the kind of place where footpaths lead between sea walls, tidal creeks, and ancient stone.

The most iconic route here is the walk to the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, one of the oldest churches in England (dating back to the 7th century). From the village, a quiet track leads across fields and saltmarsh to the chapel and the open coast beyond — where estuary views stretch for miles.

Longer trails follow the Essex Coast Path or create circular routes along the sea wall and inland farmland. It’s quiet, elemental walking — perfect for those who want to step off the map and into the past.

Why Walk Here

• Visit the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, a site of deep spiritual and historical significance
• Walk along remote estuary paths with views across the Blackwater and Dengie Flats
• Discover a different side of Essex — wild, wide-open, and wonderfully quiet
• Ideal for solitary, reflective walks or long, flat distance routes