From Nature to Seaside: Fingringhoe Wick Reserve to Clacton-on-Sea via Historic Essex Roads

*Join us on a real-time drive through Essex*, from the peaceful Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park to the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea. This journey unfolds across historic roads and inland villages, passing through Colchester and the B1027 corridor—part of our week-long holiday in Dovercourt.

Along the route, we pass through:
• Fingringhoe village
• Colchester city centre
• Alresford, Thorrington & other B1027 villages
• Clacton-on-Sea’s Marine Parade East

Start Point: Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park
_One of Essex Wildlife Trust’s flagship reserves_, Fingringhoe Wick was established in 1961 on the site of a former gravel pit. Today, it spans 80 hectares of diverse habitats—woodland, heathland, saltmarsh, and estuary—supporting over 200 bird species, including Nightingales, Marsh Harriers, and Avocets. The reserve offers bird hides, walking trails, a visitor centre, and accessible mobility options. Roman remains and industrial relics still dot the landscape, adding historical intrigue to its natural beauty.

📍 *Location*: South Green Road, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DN
🕒 *Open*: Daily, 10am–5pm (seasonal hours apply)
🚫 *Note*: No dogs permitted except on designated trail

Colchester (City)
_The oldest recorded town in Britain_, Colchester was once the Roman capital of Britannia, known as Camulodunum. Its legacy includes the Balkerne Gate, Roman walls, and Colchester Castle—built atop the Temple of Claudius. The city also played key roles in the Norman period, the cloth trade, and the English Civil War. Today, it’s a vibrant cultural hub with museums, galleries, and heritage trails.

🏛️ *Highlights*: Colchester Castle, Roman Circus, Dutch Quarter, Hollytrees Museum
🎭 *Fun fact*: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” was written here in the Dutch Quarter

Alresford (Village)
_An ancient settlement overlooking Alresford Creek_, this village has roots in Roman and Saxon times. Excavations revealed a Roman villa and Bronze Age urns. The ruins of St Peter’s Church contain Roman bricks, and the village was recorded in the Domesday Book. Alresford won Essex Village of the Year in 2012 and 2019.

🛤️ *Transport*: Alresford Station (Greater Anglia) links to Colchester and Clacton
🌿 *Nearby*: Alresford Creek and walking trails

Thorrington (Village)
_Once known as Torinduna in the Domesday Book_, Thorrington boasts a medieval flint church dedicated to Mary Magdalene and a Grade II* listed tide mill built in 1831. Archaeological finds include Roman figurines and Iron Age pottery. The village is nestled between Tenpenny Brook and Saltwater Brook, with scenic marshland views.

🕍 *Church*: St Mary Magdalene, with 14th–15th century architecture
🧭 *Historic features*: Tide mill, Roman road remnants, cropmark barrows

Final Destination: Clacton-on-Sea
_Essex’s largest seaside resort_, Clacton rose to fame in the Victorian era. Its iconic pier—Europe’s largest pleasure pier—offers rides, arcades, and sea views. The town features sandy beaches, Martello Towers from the Napoleonic era, and theatres like the Princes and West Cliff. It’s a family-friendly destination with coastal walks, water sports, and heritage charm.

🎡 *Top attractions*: Clacton Pier, Seafront Gardens, Martello Tower, Clacton Beach
🚶 *Walks*: Essex Sunshine Coast Path, promenade strolls
🍴 *Food*: Classic fish & chips, seaside cafes, and local seafood

Chapters
00:00 Leaving Nature Reserve
00:30 South Green Road
00:59 Wick Lane
02:54 Furneaux Lane
04:09 Fingringhoe (village)
04:24 Fingringhoe Road
06:41 Colchester (city)
07:17 Old Heath Road
08:02 Whitehall Road
08:47 Haven Road
09:22 Colne Causeway
09:45 Eastern Approach
10:32 Clingoe Hill (A133)
11:52 Colchester Road (B1028)
12:25 Brightlingsea Road (B1027)
14:01 Alresford (village)
15:30 Tenpenny Hill (B1027)
16:02 Thorrington (village)
16:51 Clacton Road (B1027)
18:26 Hollybush Lane (B1027)
19:41 Flag Hill (B1027)
19:59 Colchester Road (B1027)
21:01 Bypass Road (B1027)
21:40 Pump Hill (B1027)
21:58 St John’s Road (B1027) – Clacton (town)
26:56 London Road (A133)
27:34 Wellesley Road (A133)
28:14 Carnarvon Road (A133)
29:16 Arrival at Clacton-on-Sea (town) – Marine Parade East

▶️ Explore more from our trip:
• [Car Journeys Playlist](   • South East England Road Trips | Dashcam Dr...  )
• [Places & Events Playlist](   • South East England Travel Guide: Top Attra...  )

Subscribe for more travel stories, wildlife encounters, and heritage insights from across Britain.

#FingringhoeWick #ClactonOnSea #EssexDrive #Colchester #B1027RoadTrip #UKTravelVlog #NatureToSeaside #TourOfBritain #PhoenixPavilions #BritishVillages #DrivingThroughEssex #HeritageTravel #RealTimeDrive