Three Shells Beach
A family-friendly beach with a unique lagoon and playground, perfect for day trips and stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Three Shells Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly beach with a unique lagoon and playground, perfect for day trips and stunning sunsets.
"The lagoon and children's playground make this part of the beach family-friendly, easy to stay there for the whole day."
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Ample parking along the seafront. Costs vary by duration, so plan accordingly.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
The lagoon and playground make it ideal for kids. Bring beach toys!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lagoon
Western Esplanade
A shallow, warmer lagoon perfect for families and a safe swimming experience.
Children's Playground
Adjacent to the beach
A fun, accessible playground that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Sunset Views
Beachfront
Spectacular sunset views over the water, offering a tranquil end to the day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
London Day Trip Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Ample parking along the seafront. Costs vary by duration, so plan accordingly.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
The lagoon and playground make it ideal for kids. Bring beach toys!
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Stay for the sunset; it's a truly magical experience here.
🚆 Londoner's Escape
Just a 1-hour train ride from London, perfect for a spontaneous day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Ample parking along the seafront. Costs vary by duration, so plan accordingly.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
The lagoon and playground make it ideal for kids. Bring beach toys!
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Stay for the sunset; it's a truly magical experience here.
🚆 Londoner's Escape
Just a 1-hour train ride from London, perfect for a spontaneous day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Three Shells Beach is highly praised for its family-friendly lagoon and playground, offering a safe and enjoyable seaside experience. Visitors love the beautiful sunset views and its convenient proximity to London. While generally well-regarded, some may find it can get crowded during peak times.
"Best spot for perfect sunset!
Quiet and relax to stay!
Staying with sunset is always the best thing to end the day.
Check the short video to have more ideas~"
Sam Lin
"Like this place! Lagoon and Children's Playground make this part of the beach family-friendly so it is easy to stay there for the whole day in summer. Water is warmer than in a sea. Basic facilities are available nearby. Highly recommended particularly, because of the close distance to London (around 1 hour by train)"
Maryna K.
"A great place to go for all ages. We enjoy our time here in summer and in winter."
Sophie Rebeiro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Three Shells Beach is easily accessible from London by train, taking approximately 1 hour. The beach is a short walk from Southend-on-Sea station. Driving is also an option, with parking available along the Western Esplanade.
Yes, there is parking available along the entire Western Esplanade. Fees are charged based on the duration of your stay, with options for 1 to 5 hours.
Parking costs vary: up to 1 hour is £2.80, 2 hours is £5.50, 3 hours is £8.30, 4 hours is £11, and 5 hours is £13.80.
Absolutely! It's a perfect day trip destination, especially from London, offering a relaxing beach experience with amenities nearby.
Yes, Three Shells Beach is located near Southend Pier, making it convenient to visit both attractions on the same day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Three Shells Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You only pay for parking if you arrive by car.
Three Shells Beach is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor public space. However, facilities like the playground and nearby amenities will have their own operating hours.
No booking is required for Three Shells Beach as it's a public beach. You can visit anytime.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Three Shells Beach, but always check local council guidelines for any temporary rules.
Basic facilities are available nearby, including a children's playground and access to the lagoon.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The lagoon is a unique feature, offering warmer and shallower waters than the open sea, making it ideal and safe for children to play and swim.
Yes, Three Shells Beach is known for its sandy shores, providing a pleasant environment for sunbathing and playing.
You can relax on the sand, swim in the lagoon, enjoy the children's playground, and watch the beautiful sunsets.
The lagoon at Three Shells Beach is excellent for swimming due to its warmer and shallower waters, especially for families with young children.
For a peaceful experience, visit on weekdays or early mornings. Summer afternoons are great for swimming, but expect more crowds. Sunsets are particularly stunning.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique lagoon, the vibrant children's playground, and especially the breathtaking sunsets. The pier in the distance also offers a great backdrop.
The 'golden hour' before sunset provides the most beautiful light for photography. Early mornings are also great for capturing the beach with fewer people.
Southend Pier is a prominent landmark nearby and offers fantastic photographic opportunities, especially with the beach in the foreground.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and pier. A telephoto lens can be useful for shots of the pier or distant boats. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing skies and water.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the local Southend-on-Sea council or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are in a secure setting. The beach provides basic facilities nearby, and the easy train access from London makes it a convenient day trip. Pack plenty of beach toys and snacks for a full day of fun!
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from London
Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, the unique lagoon, and the nearby playground. The convenience of parking and proximity to Southend Pier also add to its appeal for a spontaneous outing. It’s a great way to experience the coast without extensive travel.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond sunsets, the unique lagoon and the iconic Southend Pier in the background offer diverse photographic subjects. Early mornings provide a quieter setting for capturing the beach's serene beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of the Lagoon
Beyond its safety, the lagoon offers a unique micro-environment. Its calmer waters are often clearer and warmer, especially during the summer months, inviting longer periods of play and relaxation. This distinct characteristic sets Three Shells Beach apart from more traditional open-sea beaches, drawing visitors specifically for this family-friendly amenity.
Visitors often praise the lagoon for its ability to provide a 'sea-like' experience with added peace of mind. It’s a place where children can build sandcastles at the water's edge or paddle with confidence, contributing to the beach's reputation as a top family destination.
Family Fun and Playtime
Many reviews highlight how the playground complements the beach experience, allowing children to burn off energy before or after enjoying the lagoon. The proximity of the playground to the beach means parents can easily supervise their children across both areas.
Combining the lagoon's gentle waters with the engaging playground ensures that Three Shells Beach caters exceptionally well to families. It’s a place where kids can have a full day of fun, making it a highly recommended spot for those traveling with children.
Capturing Southend's Sunsets
The beach's orientation and open vista towards the west provide an unobstructed view of the setting sun. This natural spectacle is frequently mentioned as a highlight by visitors, who describe it as a 'perfect' and 'magical' experience.
For the best photographic results, visiting during the 'golden hour' just before sunset is recommended. The soft, warm light enhances the natural beauty of the scene, creating memorable images. The presence of Southend Pier in the distance can also add a striking element to sunset shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit