Brightlingsea

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Map sources for Brightlingsea at grid reference TM087168

Brightlingsea is a coastal town in the Tendring district of Essex, roughly between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, situated at the mouth of the River Colne, on Brightlingsea Creek.

Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. With the decline of these industries, the town is largely a dormitory town for Colchester, and a popular retirement destination.

Brightlingsea is a limb of Sandwich, one of the Cinque Ports. This makes it the only Cinque Port in Essex.

The town retains an active ceremonial connection with the Cinque Ports, electing a Deputy from a guild of Freemen.

The town has an active recreational boating scene. Brightlingsea Sailing Club runs an active competitive sailing program, and has produced many champions at international and olympic level. The Colne Yacht Club caters mainly to cruising members. They have an active cruiser racing fleet.

Brightlingsea was for many years twinned with French oyster fishery port Marennes, but the relationship fell into disuse.

In the mid 1990s, the port of Brightlingsea was used for the export of live animals for slaughter, leading to a protest campaign dubbed "The Battle of Brightlingsea".

In the centre of the town is Jacob's Hall, the oldest timber-framed building in England. Also in the town centre is Victoria place, where there are lots of shops from Tesco to Spirals, the stationers.

To the West, on the creek is Western Promenade. It has lines of beach huts, a swimming pool, boating lake and a paddling pool. It is a popular destination for tourists. Bateman's Tower, a local landmark by the sea, has recently been renovated by the Colne Yacht Club with help from a Lottery Fund grant.