Why should you visit Brightlingsea?

Brightlingsea was a bit of an unexpected gem which made a brilliant day trip from London. Yes the company likely helped, but I loved how quiet, clean and full of history and character the town was. Plus it made me learn about Cinque Ports and now I want to visit them all. One of the interesting things about Brightlingsea is it is an outlier in the Cinque Port set and for this reason doesn’t always appear on an official list.

What is a Cinque Port?

The Cinque Ports (pronounced SINK) first came together in order to render Ship Service to the English Crown in return for valuable privileges such as tax concessions, during late Saxon or early Norman times. The closest parallel to a modern institution is the Navy.

The name “Cinque Port” comes from the French word for five, reflecting the fact there were originally five ports in the network.

The head of a Cinque Port is one of the oldest official jobs in the UK and for hundreds of years it was one of the most powerful. Records vary as to when the first Lord Warden (head of Cinque Ports) was appointed, some say it was in 11th Century, some say it was Edward I who appointed the first Lord Warden in the 13th century to enable Crown control of the Cinque Ports.

The original five Cinque Ports were in Kent and Sussex: Sandwich, Romney, Dover, Hythe and Hastings. Rye and Winchelsea also got a mention. Their naval service was last called upon in 1596, to meet the threat of the Spanish Armada. They still had some privileges until the mid 19th Century, but now as with so many things in the UK, it’s a ceremonial designation.

Few of their ancient rights and privileges survive, but the Confederation continues to promote public awareness of the proud history and seafaring traditions of communities which played a key role in the early development of Great Britain as a naval and economic superpower.

How do you get to Brightlingsea?

Brightlingsea is on the mouth of the River Colne which is tidal and salt water. It is best accessed by Car – it is about 35 minutes away from the M25 (Thurrock/ Lakeside Exit). By train, it’s on the line from London Liverpool Street by going to Colchester,  Wivenhoe or Alresford and getting a taxi. It’s probably, for this reason, it has not become a victim of over-tourism.

What is there to do in Brightlingsea?

Not loads, but enough for a day trip.

Walk along Brightlingsea promenade and go for a dip at high tide

The harbour at Brightlingsea provides a beautiful and flat walk. It is not enormous but it is a wonderful way to sweep away the cobwebs and the beach huts that line the route give a quirky backdrop as you meander. You can also swim in the harbour at high tide and bring a paddleboard or kayak for a splash about. There is also a small port further down past the marina.

Learn about Cinque Ports

Possibly no surprise given the title of the post, but there are loads of opportunities to learn about Cinque Ports at Brightlingsea – with signs and information littered around the town.

Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Need I say any more? This indulgent feast included apple pastries, a chocolate tarte, salmon sandwiches, and of course an obligatory scone (cream first). It was from the Olive Room (so independent and popular with locals it has no online presence beyond this story in local press).

Browse local artists at Randall Framing & Gallery

Randall Framing and Gallery is a wonderful way to spend half an hour or so browsing the goods from local artists and seeing the wonderful collection of film posters. It’s hard not to spend money there, as from postcards to paintings there is something for most budgets.

Learn about the town history at Brightlingsea Museum

Brightlingsea Museum is one of those local ones that I LOVE. It covers all elements of the town history, including shipbuilding and oyster fishing. It is free to visit and run by locals who are all passionate about Brightlingsea.

Have you been to Brightlingsea? What have I missed?

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