Our Location
Situated on the waterfront of the Blackwater Estuary near the well-hidden coastal gems of Maldon and Heybridge Basin in Essex, our location boasts a legacy that goes back thousands of years – which may be surprising to some, given that it’s only an hour outside of London.
Enjoy over 350 miles of coastline right on your doorstep, encompassing award-winning beaches, fossil-rich coves, secret islands and beautiful coastal walks. Discover fascinating history and heritage from times gone by with ancient causeways and Viking legacies, just moments from your holiday home. Or simply explore the myriad of saltmarshes and nature reserves, perfect for spotting wildlife and birdwatching – the choice is yours.
Whether you’re after some laidback leisure time, or action-packed adventures that will get the heart racing, Blackwater Lodge Retreat has it all! Check out some of our favourites below.
Osea Island
You may be forgiven for thinking the 20th Century hasn’t quite yet arrived at Osea Island, as access is via an ancient causeway built by the Romans that can only be accessed at low tide. With a fascinating and colourful past echoing back some 5,000 years however, it’s well worth the visit.
Visit WebsiteSaltmarsh Coast Trail
Passing right outside our front door, this beautiful 75-mile-long route is soon joining the England Coast Path and offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs. With stunning views along the way, it’s home to a wealth of amazing Essex wildlife and landscape that are just waiting to be explored.
Visit WebsiteMersea Island
Mersea Island offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere within its traditional fishing village community. Boasting a population of just under 7,000 people, there’s a range of family activities available on its shores – including nature walks, beaches and the beautiful Cudmore Grove Country Park.
Visit WebsiteCrouch Ridge Estate
A perfect afternoon out! Enjoy good food, great wine and stunning Vineyard and countryside views over Crouch Valley. With an on-site wine bar & terrace offering tapas, brunch and more, as well as wine tasting tours, there’s no better place to enjoy the finer things in life.
Visit WebsiteWalton-on-the-Naze
Enjoy fun and occasionally sun by the sea at Walton-on-the-Naze. Explore miles of golden sandy beaches and colourful beach huts, family days out at the Essex Wildlife & Nature Reserve, stock up on fresh goods at the weekly market or go birdwatching at Walton Backwaters.
Visit WebsiteNorthey Island
Enjoy coastal and historic delights at National Trust’s Northey Island. The diverse and rich landscape hosts a myriad of wildlife within its famed saltmarshes, and you can discover the fascinating history surrounding long-forgotten battles between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons back in 991.
Visit WebsiteFive Lakes Golf Club
Take your best swing and enjoy great golf at Five Lakes! With both membership and visitor green fees available, it offers two championship courses that provide a challenge to golfers of all ages and abilities, as well as excellent practice and training facilities, including 3 putting greens, undercover driving range and more.
Visit WebsiteMaldon Wick
Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, Maldon Wick boasts 8 hectares of beautiful woodland to explore, whatever the weather. Home to a plethora of birds, animals and butterflies, there’s also a colourful array of flowering plants that brighten up the walks in the summer months – a perfectly peaceful way to spend the day.
Visit WebsiteRHS Garden Hyde Hall
Make the most of the great outdoors and unwind in stunning natural surroundings. With a plethora of ornamental gardens, wild woodlands and garden trails to discover – including bizarre plants that smell like peanut butter – as well as on site dining, there’s a host of organised fun days out for the whole family, all year round.
Visit WebsiteMarinas & More
Being right on the waterfront, Blackwater Lodge Retreat provides excellent access to more options than you can imagine when it comes to boating, sailing and other water-based activities. Many of these you can take advantage of all year round.
Waterside AttractionsVisit our Get in touch page to book a viewing or request a brochure, alternatively fill out your contact details below and a member of the team will contact you.