Joscelyne's beach and adjoining beaches at Chalkwell

Details

Accessibility: 

There is a promenade that runs parallel to and between the beach and road along this whole stretch of Thames estuary coast line.  There is level access from adjoining public roads onto the promenade.  A number of access ramps/steps are provided at intervals along the promenade giving access over the sea wall and onto the beach itself.  There is also an accessible area of grass on the north side of the promenade where families sit to have a picnic and enjoy the sun.  Visitors should note that at high tide the water can reach quite a high level leaving limited space on the sand, locals are aware that during busy periods you need to grab a spot on the sand nearest the seawall or alternatively set out your picnic blanket on the grass before others are forced to move up or off the beach by the incoming tide.

Brief description: 

Joscelyne's beach is immediately adjacent to Chalkwell C2C Train Station.  From 1909 until just after World War II, this 200 yard section of beach was leased to Arthur Joscelyne where, along with his family, he set about developing it into a thriving business.  Today it is simply the western end of a much longer stretch of beach that runs along the Thames estuary coastline at Chalkwell.  A popular local area for families to enjoy the sunshine and sea.

Address: 

Nearest postcode for Joscelyne's beach/Chalkwell Station is SS0 8PX

Email:  

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Phone:  

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Website:  

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Directions: 

From the A13 travelling east from London towards Southend, turn south (right) immediately after Chalkwell Park travelling down Chalkwell Avenue, under the railway bridge until you reach the seafront.  Where the main road turns sharp east (left), turn to travel west (i.e. take a right) along the western section of Chalkwell Esplanade.  Joselyne's beach is at the far end of this section of Chalkwell Esplanade. Car parking (paid) is available on the south side of the road and the beach runs along this whole section of coast which lies immediately south of the road and on the other side of the landscaped gardens etc.  There is very limited public car parking by Chalkwell Station and that which exists has very tight time restrictions.  There is extensive car parking at Leigh-on-Sea train station (one stop away) from where the train can be taken to Chalkwell (but be aware that this area is heavily used by commuters into London and many of those commuters use the parking on Monday to Friday).

OS TQ 852855

Opening Times: 

24/7 Daily

Transport: 

For more travel information go to http://www.traveline.info/ or call 0871 200 22 33.

The nearest public transport is Chalkwell railway station on the C2C line which runs from London Fenchurch Street to Southend-on-Sea.  As you exit the station turn east/right and immediately south (right again) onto the footbridge over the railway line and as you leave the access ramp of the footbridge, the beach is in front of you.  During July and August the number 68 open top bus runs from Leigh-on-Sea railway station, along Grand Parade and Cliff Gardens, turning south (right) into Chalkwell Avenue.  For the beaches, you can alight the bus at both Chalkwell Station and Chalkwell Shelter (which is where the bus turns sharp east/left and starts its journey along the seafront).

Amenities: 

Public toilets including disability toilet and baby changing facilities are available at the Chalkwell Shelter (eastern end of the beaches) as well as nearer to Joscelyne's beach towards the western end. Access to the disability toilet is by Radar key.

There are two cafes and a kiosk along this stretch of beach.  Saltwater Beach Cafe can be found at 111 Chalkwell Esplanade towards the western end of the beaches and Tides Cafe towards the eastern end (near Chalkwell Shelter), very close to Tides Cafe is the Surf kiosk selling ice creams, beach items, drinks and snacks.  These cafes and the kiosk may only be open during the summer season.  

The Crow Stone can be found on the mud of the Thames Estuary and opposite the end of Chalkwell Avenue.  This stone marks the limit of the Port of London's authority.  The stone can be walked to at low tide but remains visible at high tide.

There is a public footpath that runs along the coast from Joscelyne's beach to Bell Wharf beach in Old Leigh (known locally as the cinder path), whilst uneven in places it is step free.  Part way along this path and just east of the Essex Yacht Club is the Gypsy Bridge, a stepped footbridge that takes you over the railway line onto the cliffs and from there stepped access onto Cliff Parade.