The third pier of the day in my Essex travels was about an hour’s drive from Walton and Clacton – I ventured to Southend-on-Sea to visit the longest pleasure pier in the world. At just over 1.3miles, it’s quite a walk down to the pier head but there is always the easy option of a trip on the Electric Railway to get you back to the shore. I’ve visited a few times before, but haven’t noticed the new canopy at the pier head station until today.
Waiting For The Train
Although I was wandering around quite late in the evening, the new café was still open so I was able to indulge in Tea and Cake again – this time I chose a tasty Viennese Slice to go with my cuppa.
My second pier of the day was a short drive from Walton – the neighbouring seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea. The pier is somewhat shorter than Walton’s, and the indoor amusement arcade is a bit smaller – but there are a few more rides outdoors. The sun came out and there were some great clouds to be seen along the coast.
Sunny Side Up
In the large restaurant at the pierhead, I chose a scone with jam to have with my tea for the cake on the pier experience here.
A sunny Tuesday dawned, so I decided to visit the remaining three piers in Essex, being close to home. My first destination was Walton-on-the-Naze which I remember well from trips to the seaside while growing up. The amusements always held more appeal than the beach, to be honest. My particular favourites were the Dodgems and Ghost Train.
Amusement Arcade, Walton-on-the-Naze
Having walked the length of the pier (which was first opened in 1871) I needed refreshments. The bowling alley on the pier didn’t offer any cake, so I made a beeline for The Beach Kiosk opposite and plumped for a donut to accompany my cuppa.
After my visit to Felixstowe, I headed across the Orwell Bridge and along the north Essex coast to the charming little Harwich Ha’penny Pier as my second location for the project. It has a surviving Victorian ticket office which is an iconic local landmark.
Harwich Ha’penny Pier Ticket Office
After wandering on the boards, the café offered a selection of cakes – I chose a nice slice of Victoria Sponge to go with my tea.
