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Seaside town where ice cream vans and loud music are banned

18 June 2024 , 08:32
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The hidden gem is just a train ride away from London (Image: Getty Images)
The hidden gem is just a train ride away from London (Image: Getty Images)

Frinton-on-Sea, a charming seaside town in Essex, may not be as famous as its lively neighbour Clacton-on-Sea, but it boasts a unique allure of its own.

This tiny coastal jewel, with a population of around 4,000 and located just south of Walton-on-the-Naze in the Tendring District, is renowned for its immaculate sandy beaches that attract both tourists and locals.

The beach is bordered by a sea wall and a promenade adorned with colourful beach huts available for rent. It's a tranquil sanctuary compared to the hustle and bustle of Clacton-on-Sea, and the locals wouldn't want it any other way.

One of Frinton-on-Sea's distinguishing features is its long-standing ban on commercial arcades and amusement parks. This prohibition has helped preserve the town's traditional, straightforward, family-friendly atmosphere.

This ambience is further safeguarded by rules prohibiting ice cream vans, games, or loud music near the beach. In fact, The Telegraph dubbed it the country's 'nimby capital', reports MyLondon.

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Seaside town where ice cream vans and loud music are bannedThe beachfront boasts an array of quaint brightly-coloured beach huts (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

During the summer months, there's also a dog ban in place from the seafront warden station below Connaught Avenue to the public conveniences below Cambridge Road. However, dog walking is allowed on other parts of the beach.

The Frinton Residents' Association is dedicated to maintaining these traditions within the town. The group has outlined their vision clearly on their official website, stating: "It is the aim of The Frinton Residents' Association to promote the ideal of Frinton-on-Sea remaining a place where everyone can enjoy an atmosphere of peace and relaxation, take advantage of the natural beauty of swathes of open grassland and a beautiful sandy beach leading down to the sea without the distractions of amusement parks which can be found elsewhere."

In addition, they've emphasised: "We want to ensure maximum amount of space is available for parking, ensure that visitors are not bothered by street vendors, avoid the litter which results, and give visitors the option to bring whatever they require with them which is a more economical approach, or there are shops in the town centre where most things can be purchased."

Further instructions from the association mean keeping a lookout for any ice cream vans cruising along the beachfront. Spot one? They implore locals to report it immediately - and don't forget to jot down that registration number.

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And if your dog is a fan of beach walks, bad news - according to the association's rules, dogs are strictly off limits from the beach, citing children's safety and hygiene reasons as motivations. Their rationale is based on ensuring 'children can play on the beach without either the risk of being bothered by dogs, or more importantly, their health being compromised by coming into contact with dog faeces'.

So what kind of fun are kids meant to have on this tranquil beach? The group suggests instead visiting the play park in Roydon Way, trying out the nearby tennis club, or exploring the pier at Walton-on-the-Naze.

Despite the criticism, Frinton-on-Sea does have an array of redeeming features. It boasts a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a golf course.

The town is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust Nature Reserve.

So, if you're after a peaceful beach where the only sounds are the wind and the waves, Frinton-on-Sea could be just the ticket. But if it's excitement you're after, Clacton-on-Sea is just a stone's throw away.

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Nicola Roy

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