Local Area Guide
Located on the Tendring Peninsula, Lifehouse is perfectly placed for exploring the Essex Sunshine Coast, with its blend of seaside towns, beautiful coastline, nature reserves and historic attractions. The nearby area is home to sandy beaches, coastal walks, nature reserves and traditional seaside towns, making it easy to spend a few hours or a full day exploring beyond the hotel.
COASTAL & ESTUARY WALKS
Walton WWII Trail
An interesting walk exploring the history of the Naze during World War Two. Short walk at a slow pace. This walk is off road, and the terrain is grassy and can be uneven. Refreshments and toilets are available at the start point. Start Point and End Point The Naze Tower 1.5km/1mile
Walton Wildlife Trail
A wildlife walk around the stunning Naze at Walton. This walk is mainly off road, and the terrain is grassy and can be uneven. Refreshments and toilets are available at the start point, but there are no pit stops over a large part of the walk and it is very open terrain, please dress sensibly for the weather and bring water. Start Point and End Point The Naze Tower 6km/3.7miles
Walton History Trail
A walk through the town and industrial areas of Walton-on-the-Naze with a focus on the history of the town. This is a medium length walk partly off road on paths that may be overgrown. Refreshments and toilets are available en route. Parts of the walk are on open sea wall, please dress sensibly for the weather. Start Point and End Point Walton Train Station 5.6km/3.5miles
NATURE & WILDLIFE
Essex Coast & Estuaries
Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves o er a variety of coastal and countryside landscapes to explore, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and birdlife throughout the year. Nearby reserves include the Naze Discovery Centre and John Weston Nature Reserve, along with Weeleyhall Wood and Great Holland Pits.
Website: essexwt.org.uk
Wildlife Boat Trips
Book a fantastic boat trip around the beautiful backwaters at Walton-On-The-Naze and experience two hours of seal watching in the Walton Backwater. The best way to see the seals is to take a trip on Tony Haggis’s boat Karina which can be booked in the summer months.
To book call: 07806 309460 or 07596 597615
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
East Coast Gin Distillery
Thorpe-le-Soken is proud to be the home of the East Coast Distillery. This small gin distillery in Essex is located just off of the estuary in Landermere, and produces a range of fine Gins including the locally well respected ‘Tides Fortune’. Free tour & Tasting sessions are available on Saturdays or choose a ‘make your own Gin Class’ for a charge https://eastcoastdistillery.co.uk/ or call 01255 258833
Frinton Summer Theatre
Frinton Summer Theatre is the longest standing repertory theatre in the Country. The McGrigor Hall has been the principal venue for Frinton Summer Theatre for over seventy years. For most of its history, Frinton Summer Theatre has staged seven productions over seven weeks during July and August. Frinton Summer Theatre is a registered charity. For more information or tickets visit For more information or tickets visit https://www.frintonsummertheatre.org/
Princes Theatre Clacton on Sea
Constructed in 1931, the Princes Theatre is an impressive purpose built theatre, with an 820 seat auditorium. With modern retractable tiered seating and large proscenium arched stage the flexibility of this venue is limited only by imagination. The Princes Theatre plays host to many celebrity acts. www.princestheatre.co.uk
West Cliff Theatre, Clacton on Sea
Established on the current Clacton site in 1899, and run independently by the West Cliff Trust, the West Cliff is the only surviving purpose-built theatre in Clacton, and plays host to professional touring shows and many local amateur dramatic and operatic groups, dance schools, and other youth groups. The Stage Door Bar is open prior to, during the interval and after each show. www.westcliffclacton.co.uk
Clacton Pier
Clacton Pier is officially the largest pleasure pier in Europe, covering a staggering 6 1/2 acres. First opened in July 1871 as a landing stage for goods, it was the first construction in the "new" town of Clacton-on-Sea. Set on the beautiful Essex coast and full of entertainment and attractions, it's the perfect destination for all the family. Open 364 days a year - only closed on Christmas Day! www.clactonpier.co.uk
Clacton Airshow
Experience one of the UK's most celebrated aviation events at the Clacton Airshow, where the stunning Essex coastline provides the backdrop for two days of unforgettable aerial displays. A favourite among aviation enthusiasts, it's renowned as one of the finest places to watch the iconic Red Arrows, alongside an impressive line-up of military and historic aircraft. After an exhilarating day by the sea, return to the tranquillity of Lifehouse to relax and unwind.
Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead
The inspirational, award-winning and world-renowned gardens of 'the most influential gardener of our time' Beth Chatto OBE VMH. Beth took on a challenging site in the 1960s, which was boggy in places, incredibly dry and infertile in others, and began to create the most beautiful garden, based on her principles of ecological and sustainable planting 'Right plant, right place'; growing plants where they are happiest. www.bethchatto.co.uk