Naze Tower: Historic Maritime Beacon and Cultural Landmark

Historic 1720 maritime tower with panoramic coastal views, museum, art gallery, and rich fossil cliffs at Walton-on-the-Naze.

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Naze Tower

Naze Tower is an iconic 86-foot octagonal brick tower built in 1720 on the Naze headland at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. Originally a navigational daymark for Trinity House guiding ships near Harwich, it has served various roles including a teahouse, military lookout, radar station, and communication hub. Now a Grade II* listed building, it houses a museum, art gallery, tea rooms, and a rooftop viewing platform with panoramic coastal views. The tower stands close to rapidly eroding fossil-rich cliffs, offering visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and culture.

A brief summary to Naze Tower

Old Hall Ln, Walton on the Naze, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8LE, GB
+441255852519
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Climb the 111 spiral steps to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the Essex and Suffolk coastline.
Visit the museum and art gallery inside the tower to learn about its rich maritime history and local artists.
Explore the fossil-rich Naze cliffs nearby, but be cautious due to ongoing coastal erosion.
Enjoy refreshments in the tea rooms located within the tower, offering indoor and outdoor seating.
Plan your visit between April and November when the tower is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Getting There

Train and Walk

Take the train from London Liverpool Street to Walton-on-the-Naze via Thorpe Le Soken, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. From Walton station, it is a 30-minute walk along the seafront to Naze Tower. The walk is mostly flat but may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Bus and Walk

Use regional bus services from Clacton or Colchester to Walton-on-the-Naze. Alight at The Naze stop, which is about a 5-minute walk to the tower. Bus frequency varies, so check local timetables. Suitable for most travelers.
Car

Drive to Walton-on-the-Naze, with parking available at nearby pay-and-display car parks. Blue badge holders can park free for up to 3 hours. Expect a 30-minute drive from Colchester. Note that parking can be limited during peak season.

Naze Tower location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Naze Tower

Architectural Heritage and Maritime Origins

Naze Tower, constructed in 1720 by Trinity House, is a striking octagonal brick structure standing 86 feet tall. Designed as a navigational daymark, it worked in tandem with Walton Hall to guide vessels safely through the Goldmer Gap near the busy port of Harwich. Its three-tiered form tapers towards a castellated gallery at the top, which was rebuilt and reinforced in the 19th century. The tower’s unique design and enduring presence have earned it Grade II* listed status, making it the only surviving building of its kind in the UK.

Historical Roles Through the Centuries

Beyond navigation, the tower has played diverse roles over three centuries. In the 18th century, it hosted exclusive tea parties for the elite, famously run by Martha Ray before her tragic death. During the Napoleonic Wars, it served as a naval lookout and signal station, a role it resumed during both World Wars. In WWI, sentry boxes were added to survey the Orwell estuary. WWII saw the installation of a Chain Home Low radar dish on its roof, and during the Cold War, it functioned as a communication base for the American Air Force. Later, police, coastguard, and port authorities used aerials atop the tower.

Natural Environment and Geological Significance

The tower stands on the Naze cliffs, formed from 54-million-year-old London Clay and 2-million-year-old Red Crag. These cliffs are renowned for their rich fossil deposits, including shark teeth, whale bones, fossilized wood, and rare bird bones. However, coastal erosion is rapidly claiming the land, with nearly two meters lost annually. The tower, once safely inland, now precariously sits just 50 meters from the cliff edge, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.

Visitor Experience and Cultural Offerings

Today, Naze Tower is open to the public from April to November, offering access to eight floors via a spiral staircase of 111 steps. Inside, visitors can explore a museum detailing the tower’s history and the surrounding natural environment, alongside an art gallery showcasing East Anglian artists. The tea rooms provide refreshments with indoor and outdoor seating. The crowning feature is the rooftop viewing platform, where panoramic views stretch from Kent to Orford Ness and out to sea, offering one of the finest coastal vistas in Essex.

Conservation and Community Engagement

After falling into disrepair and being listed on the Heritage at Risk register, the tower underwent extensive restoration beginning in 2004, with further work completed by 2016. These efforts reinstated original features such as the castellations and ensured the tower’s structural safety. Managed by dedicated custodians, the tower serves as a cultural hub and educational resource, promoting heritage preservation and public engagement with maritime history and coastal ecology.

Surrounding Attractions and Natural Beauty

The Naze area offers more than the tower itself. Visitors can enjoy beach and cliff walks, explore a nature reserve, and visit two Sites of Special Scientific Interest: the fossil-rich Naze Cliffs and the saltmarsh habitat of Hamford Waters. The nearby Walton Pier, the UK’s second longest, complements the experience, while plans to commemorate submerged medieval villages add a poignant historical dimension to the landscape.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

National Trust - Sutton Hoo

25.8 km

Explore Sutton Hoo, an iconic archaeological site revealing the secrets of the Anglo-Saxon era in stunning natural surroundings.

Natural History Museum

26.5 km

Discover Colchester’s natural past and present in a charming historic church turned family-friendly museum with free entry and engaging exhibits.

Colchester War Memorial

26.5 km

A dignified tribute in the heart of Colchester honoring the sacrifice and service of its wartime heroes.

Roman Theatre

26.7 km

Ancient Roman amphitheatre where 3,000 spectators once gathered, now marked by darker paving in Colchester's historic streets.

Middle Mill Weir

26.8 km

Historic Middle Mill Weir on the River Colne, a testament to Colchester’s water-powered industrial heritage and enduring community spirit.

Balkerne Gate

27.2 km

Explore Balkerne Gate, Britain's largest surviving Roman gateway, a monumental symbol of Colchester’s ancient Roman heritage and architectural mastery.

English Heritage - Orford Castle

30.5 km

Discover the rich history and breathtaking views of Orford Castle, a stunning medieval fortress in the heart of England's picturesque countryside.

Framlingham Castle

40.2 km

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Framlingham Castle, a quintessential English heritage site in the heart of Suffolk.

Eye Castle

51.5 km

Discover the historic Eye Castle, a medieval gem in Eye, England, offering stunning architecture and rich history for curious travelers.

Prittlewell royal Anglo-Saxon burial

52.8 km

Explore the earliest princely Anglo-Saxon burial in England, revealing a royal Christian tomb rich with ancient treasures and history.

Wayfinding Stone

53.6 km

Explore the Wayfinding Stone in Southend-on-Sea, a unique monument that symbolizes navigation and adventure, connecting visitors to local heritage.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

53.8 km

Explore the enchanting RHS Garden Hyde Hall, a botanical paradise filled with stunning landscapes, diverse plant life, and delightful cafes.

Southend-on-Sea Seafront

53.8 km

Discover the magic of Southend-on-Sea Seafront, where tradition meets seaside fun, perfect for family outings and creating lasting memories.

Southend Pier and Railway

54.0 km

Discover the iconic Southend Pier and Railway, a historic landmark offering breathtaking views, delightful train rides, and family-friendly activities.

Southend Pier

55.1 km

Experience Southend Pier: The longest pleasure pier in the world, offering breathtaking views, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant seaside culture.

Unmissable attractions to see

Harwich Redoubt Fort

8.6 km

A compact Napoleonic fort turned community-run museum, guarding Harwich Harbour with original cannons and passionate volunteer guides.

A House For Essex

11.6 km

Experience Essex’s spirit through Grayson Perry’s extraordinary living artwork and holiday home on the serene River Stour estuary.

Clacton Pier

12.6 km

Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and classic seaside charm at Clacton Pier, Europe's largest pleasure pier on the Essex coast.

Jaywick Martello Tower

16.7 km

Historic Napoleonic tower turned vibrant arts and heritage centre with stunning coastal views and community events.

Wyvernwood

18.8 km

Step into Wyvernwood’s magical kingdom for a family adventure filled with dragons, fairies, and enchanting play in Essex’s captivating outdoor theme park.

Cudmore Grove Country Park

21.6 km

Explore Mersea Island’s scenic coastal park with sandy beaches, historic fort ruins, wildlife habitats, and family-friendly trails and playgrounds.

Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

22.0 km

Discover vibrant habitats and rich wildlife at Fingringhoe Wick, a transformed nature reserve with stunning estuary views near Colchester.

Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Sailmakers Shopping Centre

23.4 km

A compact, accessible shopping centre in Ipswich town centre blending high street brands with local culture and essential services.

National Trust - Bourne Mill

25.8 km

Step back in time at Bourne Mill, a picturesque Elizabethan watermill blending historic charm with tranquil gardens in the heart of Colchester.

High Woods Country Park

26.3 km

Explore 150 hectares of ancient woodland, lakes, and wildflower meadows in Colchester’s award-winning High Woods Country Park.

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

26.3 km

Explore 441 km² of tranquil estuaries, ancient heaths, and forests in Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, a haven for wildlife and history.

English Heritage - St Botolph's Priory

26.5 km

Explore St Botolph's Priory in Colchester, where history, architecture, and tranquility converge in a breathtaking heritage site.

Colchester Castle

26.6 km

Explore Europe’s largest Norman keep, built on Roman temple ruins, with immersive history, interactive exhibits, and stunning views in Colchester’s Castle Park.

St John's Abbey Gate

26.7 km

Explore the beautifully preserved 15th-century gatehouse that stands as the last remnant of Colchester’s historic Benedictine St John’s Abbey.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre

26.8 km

Colchester’s vibrant shopping heart blending historic charm with high street brands and diverse dining experiences.

Essential places to dine

The Eaterie @ the Salthouse Harbour Hotel

22.7 km

Modern British dining with fresh local seafood and stunning marina views at Ipswich’s stylish Salthouse Harbour Hotel.

The Eaterie @ the Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Talbooth Restaurant

24.3 km

Award-winning Modern British fine dining on the River Stour, where 19th-century charm meets contemporary culinary excellence.

The Unruly Pig

26.8 km

Award-winning Suffolk gastropub blending historic charm with innovative British cuisine and local flavors in a vibrant, quirky setting.

Harvester Stanway Colchester

31.4 km

Casual family-friendly British bar & grill in Colchester offering fresh, flavorful meals from breakfast to dinner in a relaxed setting.

The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey

37.1 km

Historic 16th-century barn meets modern British dining in a charming Essex countryside setting with warm hospitality and versatile event spaces.

The Great House Hotel and Restaurant

43.3 km

Historic elegance and exquisite dining converge in the heart of Lavenham’s medieval Market Place.

Scutchers

46.1 km

Refined British fine dining in the historic village of Long Melford, blending exceptional cuisine with warm, polished service.

The Bull Auberge

51.1 km

Elegant 5-star countryside inn in Suffolk offering exquisite local cuisine, luxurious rooms, and warm, attentive hospitality.

Since Kitchen & Bar

51.5 km

Chic grill dining with fresh global flavors, exceptional wines, and crafted cocktails in the heart of Thorpe Bay.

The Square & Compasses

52.1 km

A charming Essex countryside gastropub blending rustic warmth with refined British cuisine and local ales.

Monti Ristorante Italiano

52.7 km

Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality at Monti Ristorante Italiano in Southend-on-Sea.

Sunset Bar and Restaurant

52.8 km

Cozy Italian dining by the Southend-on-Sea waterfront, blending fresh seafood and warm hospitality in an intimate seaside setting.

Ocean Beach

53.1 km

Modern European beach club and restaurant with stunning sea views, family-friendly vibes, and a vibrant coastal atmosphere in Southend-on-Sea.

Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas

53.2 km

Fresh seafood tapas with a family touch, served in a vibrant beachfront setting on Southend-on-Sea’s Eastern Esplanade.

The Seafood Shack

53.5 km

Fresh, flavorful seafood and a welcoming atmosphere await at Southend’s vibrant seafront gem, The Seafood Shack.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Heady's Hobbies & Gifts

2.1 km

Discover creativity and charm at Heady's Hobbies & Gifts, Walton on the Naze’s family-run craft shop with unique handmade treasures and inspiring workshops.

The Emporium

10.0 km

Discover unique gifts, exquisite candles, and enchanting perfumes at The Emporium in Holland-on-Sea’s charming Kings Avenue.

Quirky Old Stuff

18.3 km

Discover a whimsical world of antiques and vintage curiosities in Manningtree’s most eclectic shop, where every item tells a story.

Essential Vintage

23.0 km

Discover timeless vintage fashion classics in the heart of Ipswich’s charming Eagle Street.

Rocks & Rubies

26.6 km

Discover rare crystals, artisan gifts, and spiritual treasures in the heart of historic Colchester.

Bestdays Vintage

26.8 km

Discover sustainable vintage fashion and eclectic music treasures in a cozy, welcoming Colchester shop with a personal touch.

Love Local Essex & Suffolk

33.7 km

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures celebrating the rich heritage and creativity of Essex and Suffolk at this charming Copford gift shop.

Emporium on the Quay

41.9 km

Discover unique local crafts and gifts in a charming riverside boutique on Burnham-on-Crouch’s scenic Quay.

The Lovely Shop

42.0 km

Explore the unique offerings of The Lovely Shop in Burnham-on-Crouch, where local craftsmanship meets delightful gift ideas.

The Emporium Maldon

44.3 km

A beloved family-run gift and garden shop in Maldon’s historic High Street, renowned for variety, community spirit, and local charm.

George Yard Shopping Centre

50.7 km

A vibrant pedestrianised shopping hub in Braintree offering diverse stores and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Under the Sun

52.5 km

Discover unique gifts, charming décor, and warm service at Under the Sun, Southend-on-Sea’s beloved local treasure.

Evie Bleu

52.5 km

Discover sophisticated, comfortable women’s fashion at Evie Bleu Boutique, Southend-on-Sea’s independent style destination since 2000.

Guru Gifts & Gadgets

52.7 km

Discover quirky toys, gadgets, and heartfelt cards at Southend-on-Sea’s beloved gift shop, perfect for every occasion and celebration.

Southend on sea

52.8 km

Discover Southend-on-Sea’s vibrant seaside charm, iconic pier, and diverse shopping centres just 40 miles from London.

Lively seafront pub in Southend-on-Sea offering great drinks, free live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Supper Club

23.1 km

Lively nightclub in Ipswich offering great drinks, music, and a vibrant social scene from afternoon until early morning.

The Club

23.4 km

Experience Ipswich’s vibrant nightlife at The Club, where music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere come alive in the city centre.

Trilogy Nightclub

26.8 km

Experience Colchester’s vibrant nightlife at Trilogy Nightclub, where diverse music and energetic crowds create unforgettable weekends.

Rubix Bar & Nightclub

27.1 km

Experience Colchester’s lively nightlife with Rubix Bar & Nightclub’s energetic music, vibrant dance floor, and welcoming social scene every weekend night.

Carbon Nightclub

41.2 km

Experience Stowmarket’s lively nightlife at Carbon Nightclub, a modern venue pulsing with music and weekend energy.

The Lounge Jazz Club

52.5 km

Experience intimate jazz and soul performances in a cozy, elegant venue near Southend Airport with fine drinks and a lively atmosphere.

MooMoo Clubrooms Southend

53.3 km

Experience Southend’s vibrant nightlife with diverse music rooms, top DJs, and a lively atmosphere at MooMoo Clubrooms.

Just Vibez

53.4 km

Experience vibrant nightlife and non-stop dancing at Just Vibez, Southend-on-Sea’s energetic nightclub hotspot.

MYST Club

53.9 km

Experience the vibrant pulse of Southend-on-Sea’s nightlife at MYST Club, where music, dancing, and social energy converge.

Foundation

54.0 km

Vibrant nightclub and bar in Southend-on-Sea offering lively music, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.

Sunrooms2

54.0 km

Experience Southend-on-Sea’s dynamic nightlife at Sunrooms², where live music and DJ-driven parties keep the energy alive until the early hours.

The Moonraker Club

55.0 km

A vibrant, intimate nightclub in Westcliff-on-Sea with top DJs, a powerful sound system, and a lively social scene for unforgettable nights out.

Southwold Cricket Club

57.7 km

Discover the rich heritage of cricket at Southwold Cricket Club, where tradition meets the enchanting charm of Southwold's coast.

Popworld - Chelmsford

57.7 km

Experience Chelmsford’s ultimate pop-themed nightclub with vibrant music, creative cocktails, and unforgettable themed parties.

Southwold Reydon & District Constitutional Club

57.8 km

Experience the local social scene at Southwold Reydon & District Constitutional Club, where community spirit and friendly faces await.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Naze Tower: Historic Maritime Beacon and Cultural Landmark

A brief summary to Naze Tower

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and Walk

Bus and Walk

Car

Naze Tower location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Naze Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Naze Tower

Architectural Heritage and Maritime Origins

Historical Roles Through the Centuries

Natural Environment and Geological Significance

Visitor Experience and Cultural Offerings

Conservation and Community Engagement

Surrounding Attractions and Natural Beauty

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

National Trust - Sutton Hoo

Natural History Museum

Colchester War Memorial

Roman Theatre

Middle Mill Weir

Balkerne Gate

English Heritage - Orford Castle

Framlingham Castle

Eye Castle

Prittlewell royal Anglo-Saxon burial

Wayfinding Stone

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Southend-on-Sea Seafront

Southend Pier and Railway

Southend Pier

Unmissable attractions to see

Harwich Redoubt Fort

A House For Essex

Clacton Pier

Jaywick Martello Tower

Wyvernwood

Cudmore Grove Country Park

Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Sailmakers Shopping Centre

National Trust - Bourne Mill

High Woods Country Park

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

English Heritage - St Botolph's Priory

Colchester Castle

St John's Abbey Gate

Lion Walk Shopping Centre

Essential places to dine

The Eaterie @ the Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Talbooth Restaurant

The Unruly Pig

Harvester Stanway Colchester

The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey

The Great House Hotel and Restaurant

Scutchers

The Bull Auberge

Since Kitchen & Bar

The Square & Compasses

Monti Ristorante Italiano

Sunset Bar and Restaurant

Ocean Beach

Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas

The Seafood Shack

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Heady's Hobbies & Gifts

The Emporium

Quirky Old Stuff

Essential Vintage

Rocks & Rubies

Bestdays Vintage

Love Local Essex & Suffolk

Emporium on the Quay

The Lovely Shop

The Emporium Maldon

George Yard Shopping Centre