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The Crowstone

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Riverside

Walking, Cycling, Swimming, Photography, Wildlife Watching, Kayaking, Picnicking, Birdwatching

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Des Blenkinsopp via Geograph.org.uk

The Crowstone is a granite obelisk about eight metres tall standing out on the tidal mudflats off the Chalkwell and Westcliff foreshore at Southend in Essex, reached on foot across the sand only at low tide and surrounded by water when the tide is in. It marked the old seaward limit of the City of L...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

10 overnight parking

Piccolo's Restaurant, Fellini's Dolce Vita, Buddha Belly​ Thai

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is The Crowstone?
Southend-on-Sea hosts this old coastal landmark right on the shoreline at Chalkwell Beach. Walkers on the promenade easily see the monument standing out across the sand.

What type of place is The Crowstone?
The Crowstone is a historic boundary stone on Chalkwell Beach in Southend-on-Sea.

When is the best time to visit The Crowstone?
Spring through to autumn brings the finest weather for enjoying a proper stroll along the seafront. Low tide periods provide the only real opportunity to walk directly across the mudflats right up to the base.

What can you do at The Crowstone?
Stepping out across the sand allows you to inspect the old inscriptions carved into the stone face. People frequently take photographs here using the wide estuary as a backdrop.

How long should I spend at The Crowstone?
Spending about thirty minutes gives you plenty of time to read the text and grab a few pictures. Many people pair the stop with a longer stroll along the adjacent promenade.

Where do I park at The Crowstone?
Spaces for ten vehicles are available nearby, providing ten overnight parking spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near The Crowstone?
Piccolo's Restaurant, Fellini's Dolce Vita, and Buddha Belly Thai offer three spots to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near The Crowstone?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near The Crowstone, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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