Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Lower Halstow

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available SSSI Dog friendly

Season: autumn

Tucked away in the recesses of the River Medway, Lower Halstow is predominantly a leisure sailing venue. It has its own yacht club.  There are visitor moorings, but these only offer sufficient depth for an hour and a half either side of high tide.  The location is stunning, with fruit trees next to the creek.  The tidal mudflats attract wading birds, including oystercatchers, turnstones and black-headed gulls.  The village features the exquisite St Margaret of Antioch church, dating back to eighth century Saxon times, with regular additions since, such as the thirteenth century tower.  Lower Halstow is also a popular location for filmmakers.  Credits include the Hollywood blockbuster Wonder Woman, with scenes filmed at the wharf.

Peter and his blackberries.

A varied scene at Lower Halstow.

Sheerness

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Elmley National Nature Reserve Dog friendly Lifeguard support at weekends & bank holidays between May 27 and July 2 and daily between July 8 and September 3 Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming Lifeguard service between May and September

Season: autumn

Located on the Isle of Sheppey at the confluence of the Rivers Medway and Thames, Sheerness beach offers views across to Canvey Island and the Essex coast.  There’s a sturdy sea wall behind the largely shingle beach and rock pools to explore at low tide, when groynes are fully revealed.  Water quality is excellent, making this a popular swimming beach.  Lifeguard support is available during the spring and summer months.  Nearby is Elmley National Nature Reserve, showcasing wading birds.  There are plenty of water sports facilities, with the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club at the eastern end of the beach.

Andy and Joan, at ease by the sea.

An autumn day at Sheerness beach.

Minster Leas

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available SSSI Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: autumn

Situated on the Isle of Sheppey, the sandy beach at Minster Leas is peaceful and relaxing, with fine views over the North Sea, The Swale and The Nore from the promenade behind the grassy backdrop.  This is a popular walking spot.  Swimming can be recommended also, as the bathing water is clean, although there is no lifeguard cover. As you would imagine, there is much of historical interest here, including evidence of ninth century Viking raids on an abbey, which was subsequently rebuilt by William the Conqueror.

The beach as a sanctuary, with Shelley.

Minster Leas on the Isle of Sheppey.