Is Frinton in north Essex the ‘NIMBY’ capital of the UK?

Frinton is one of the much-loved coastal towns of north Essex and why wouldn’t it be?

Having been mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Frientuna, meaning ‘fenced-in or enclosed town or settlement’, there wasn’t much going on in the town until the boom of the seaside in the late-Victorian era. Industrialist Richard Powell Cooper rejected plans for a pier to be put in place as well as the restriction of boarding houses and pubs, emphasising the need for quality housing.

During the late-19th century several developments, including a lido, hotels and housing, as well as the golf course, were created. The town attracted visitors from high society including the Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill. Connaught Avenue, now home to shops and businesses, was named after the Duke of Connaught. Today, the tree-lined avenues, esplanade and relaxed feel, all ensure it remains a favourite with many.

Those interested in finding out more of the history of the town, Walton and the villages, should head to the Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust (fwheritage.co.uk) which not only educates in the geography, history and architecture in the area but also to secure the conservation, preservation and features of the area for the future. Then there is the UK’s oldest surviving repertory theatre, Frinton Summer Theatre (frintonsummertheatre.org) which was established in 1934 and brings West End quality theatre to the Essex coast. This year’s season kicks off on Tuesday, June 30 at The McGrigor Hall, and for the first time in its history, Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The full line-up and ticket info can be found via the website.

The beach is another gem and has just been awarded both Blue Flag and Seaside Award status again for 2026.

If we’ve whetted your appetite for making the move, there’s a choice of homes including Art Deco properties, sea view apartments, as well as newbuild options.

Frinton Montessori provides high quality pre-school education for children between the ages of two-and-a-half years to four years old, and for primary education there’s Frinton-on-Sea Primary School and St Philomena’s, the only independent school in Tendring. For secondary and sixth form age, Lift Tendring has a campus in Frinton.

Train commutes to London Liverpool Street Station take approximately 90 minutes, and by car, road connections via the A133, A120 and A12 link Frinton with the rest of Essex.

Osteria del Mare in Frinton (Image: Osteria del Mare.)

FOOD AND DRINK

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Bird and Bean

(@bird_and_bean_frinton) will get your day off to a winning start with its coffee and breakfast options. With quirky yet delicious options available, it’s not just for breakfast, a great choice for brunch and lunch too.

There’s no need to rush to the Med this summer… Osteria del Mare (@osteriadelmarefrinton) has authentic Italian cuisine to savour right here in Frinton. From fresh pastas and delicious pizzas, creamy risottos and irresistible desserts, it makes sense to book a table so you don’t miss out! Next up, is Different Restaurant (differentrestaurant.com) which also serves up some contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a much-loved tapas style. Pan con tomate (grilled ciabatta bread with Spanish tomatoes, garlic and Maldon sea salt) and gambas al ajillo (pan-seared king prawns with garlic, chilli and fresh samphire) get my vote!

Of course, you can’t not mention fish and chips in a seaside town – and Young’s Other Plaice in Old Road has this and many options on offer.

While you can sit outside and watch the world go by, they’re great to take to the Greensward or beach…just what summer is all about.

The Naze Tower stands tall in Walton-on-the-Naze (Image: Getty Images.)

EXPLORE

Whether you decide to pack a bucket and spade and spend time on the sandy beach or want to pack a picnic to enjoy on the Greenward, Frinton is certainly a great space to explore this summer. Highly recommended is a walk along the promenade to nearby Walton-on-the-Naze. Just two miles long it follows the sea wall and is accessible for everyone and is not just for the summer season but all year round.

Tucked away at the northern end of The Naze public space is the John Weston Nature Reserve (essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/john-weston), named after the reserve’s late warden and leading Essex naturalist, John Weston. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its birdlife and natural beauty with migrant birds in the summer. Of course, there is also the Naze Tower (nazetower.co.uk) which offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic views from the viewing platform and a café… a great pitstop from the 111 steps via the spiral staircase to the top!

Back in Frinton, leisure lovers have the opportunity to play tennis, squash and more at Frinton Lawn Tennis Club (fosltc.com) while Frinton Links Golf Club (frintonlinks.com) established back in 1895, provides the experience of coastal golf at its finest.

The garden area at Parkers Garden Company (Image: Parkers Garden Company.)

SHOPPING

Connaught Avenue is the street for shopping and Frinton is fortunate to have many independents. One is Caxton Books (caxtonbooks.co.uk) but it’s not just books, there’s also a range of beautiful art and gifts.

Ladies’ boutique, Kittys Jules (kittysjules.co.uk) sells a range of Italian ladies clothing, scarves, handbags and jewellery and staff are always on hand to help customers find the right colour and items at affordable prices.

Also, in the avenue and stocking a selection of both women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and shoes from much-loved brands, is Townrow (townrowstores.com). From casual comfort to coastal style, your home can also look stylish as there is also a dedicated linen shop which offers a wide range of home essentials – such as pillows and towels.

If you need new plants, Parkers Garden Company (parkersgardencompany.com) is certainly the place to visit. As it celebrates 80 years, one member of staff is also celebrating her 80th birthday. You can read about true Frintonian, Helen White in our case study opposite. Parkers are also proud supporters of the Essex Life Garden of the Year 2026 competition – nominate your favourite garden by emailing a photo to: essexgardenoftheyear@newsquest.co.uk

Rookwood is a holiday let just a short walk away from the beach (Image: Frinton Holiday Lets.)

STAYCATION

You just can’t beat a summer staycation and the Essex Sunshine Coast, which of course includes Frinton, is one to enjoy. You may be surprised to hear that there are not many hotels in Frinton but that’s also part of its appeal, it sets itself apart from other seaside resorts. However, if you are looking for a break that’s going to leave you relaxed and refreshed (and not too far from Frinton) then it’s certainly worth checking out Lifehouse Spa and Hotel (lifehouse.co.uk). Peace and comfort can be found in every one of its 89 bedrooms, and along with the spa facilities, additional treats can be arranged. It’s good to point out that accessible rooms are available. Local company, Frinton Holiday Lets (frintonholidaylets.com) has every type of property to suit. From couples to groups of 20, the company has a good choice with everything from apartments to large holiday homes, all to suit individual requirements. Frinton Escapes (frintonescapes.co.uk) also delivers for a stay in the heart of the town with its newly created studio apartments on the ground and first floor of a detached property or a two-bedroom cottage, both of which are in the heart of the town.

Frintonian, Helen White, celebrates her 80th birthday in July (Image: Supplied)

CASE STUDY

A true Frintonian, Helen White has lived and worked locally for many years, watching the town evolve while holding on to its strong sense of community, traditional charm and gentler pace of life. Celebrating her 80th birthday this July, Helen has been a much-loved member of the team at Parkers Garden Company for over 26 years.

‘Born and raised here, Frinton has always been home. I love the Blue Flag beach with its clear water, safe, dog-friendly, sandy shoreline and the unspoilt greensward, a rare open green space that gives the town its calm, traditional feel.

‘The independent shops are a real strength, from the baker, butcher, fishmonger and greengrocer to a growing variety of places to eat. Supporting local businesses is part of everyday life here.

‘Frinton offers so much, good rail links to London, arts, a museum, thriving sports clubs and the country’s oldest continuously running summer theatre, still welcoming West End shows each August. Many people return to retire after visiting as children, which says everything.’.