About Brightlingsea

Brightlingsea is a coastal town in Essex, England, located on the north bank of the River Colne estuary. It is known for its working fishing port and maritime heritage, with a mix of traditional and modern boats moored in the harbour. The town has a long history as a fishing community, and the annual Brightlingsea Seafood Festival celebrates this tradition with local produce and activities. The promenade offers views across the estuary and is popular with walkers and cyclists. The town centre features a range of independent shops, cafes, and pubs, many of which serve fresh seafood. Brightlingsea is easily accessible from the A12 and is served by regular bus services. The postcode area is CO7, and the town is part of the Colchester borough.

School Ratings in Brightlingsea

Brightlingsea is served by 20 schools. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Brightlingsea

Property prices average £380K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £464K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brightlingsea

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Burglary accounts for the highest share in Brightlingsea, with 3 incidents logged in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Brightlingsea

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Brightlingsea falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Brightlingsea

Most properties in Brightlingsea can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 6,385 sales

Average Price £380K
£100 — £9M
Detached £464K 2,891
Semi £298K 1,841
Terraced £277K 887
Flat £205K 449

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

16 Primary
1 Secondary
3 Other
Colne Community School Secondary Good 0.2 miles Brightlingsea Primary School and Nursery Primary Good 0.4 miles Alresford Primary School Primary Good 2.6 miles St Osyth Church of England Primary School Primary Good 2.7 miles Great Bentley Primary School Primary 3 miles Millfields Primary School Primary 3.7 miles Fingringhoe Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary Good 3.8 miles Sir Martin Frobisher Academy Primary 4.4 miles St Lawrence Church of England Primary School, Rowhedge Primary Good 4.4 miles Broomgrove Infant School Primary Good 4.5 miles Broomgrove Junior School Primary Good 4.5 miles Market Field School Good 4.5 miles

Deprivation and Employment in Brightlingsea IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Brightlingsea in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
6/10
7,912 Children (0-15) 15%
30,694 Working Age 59%
17,546 Older (60+) 34%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.4% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Brightlingsea 14 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Brightlingsea falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

5 Violence & Sexual Offences
3 Burglary
2 Criminal Damage & Arson
2 Other Theft
1 Weapons
1 Shoplifting
Local Policing
Essex Brightlingsea and St Osyth Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Alresford (Essex) Train Station 2.7 miles
Great Bentley Train Station 3 miles
Wivenhoe Train Station 4 miles
Weeley Train Station 4.5 miles
Clacton-On-Sea Train Station 5.8 miles
Hythe (Essex) Train Station 6.1 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Hurst Green 0.9 miles Hollybush Hill 2 miles Thorrington 2 miles Point Clear 2 miles South Heath 2.2 miles East Mersea 2.6 miles Aingers Green 2.6 miles St Osyth 2.8 miles Alresford 2.8 miles Great Bentley 3.1 miles Frating 3.1 miles St Osyth Heath 3.2 miles

Local Government

District Tendring
County Essex
Ward Brightlingsea
Constituency Harwich and North Essex
Parish Brightlingsea
Region East of England

Notable & Famous People from Brightlingsea 1 people

Reg White
Sailor
Sailor and boat builder (1935–2010)

Streets in CO7 30 shown View all streets

A12 2 A120 2 Abrey Close 1 Acorn Close 1 Acorn Walk 1 Admirals Walk 3 Aingers Green Road 1 Albert Road 1 Aldous Close 1 Alexandra Drive 2 Alfells Road 1 Alma Street 2 Almond Close 1 Alresford Road 3 Amberley Close 1 Anchor Hill 1 Anchor Lane 1 Anglesea Road 1 Anne Close 1 Ardleigh Court 1 Ardleigh Road 5 Ash Close 1 Ash Grove 2 Ash Road 1 Askins Road 1 Aveline Road 1 Avocet Place 1 B1070 1 Back Lane East 2 Back Lane West 1

Postcodes in CO7 50 shown View all postcodes

CO7 0AA CO7 0AB CO7 0AE CO7 0AG CO7 0AJ CO7 0AL CO7 0AN CO7 0AP CO7 0AQ CO7 0AR CO7 0AU CO7 0AW CO7 0AX CO7 0AY CO7 0AZ CO7 0BA CO7 0BD CO7 0BE CO7 0BG CO7 0BH CO7 0BL CO7 0BP CO7 0BS CO7 0BT CO7 0BX CO7 0BY CO7 0BZ CO7 0DA CO7 0DB CO7 0DD CO7 0DF CO7 0DG CO7 0DH CO7 0DJ CO7 0DL CO7 0DN CO7 0DP CO7 0DR CO7 0DS CO7 0DT CO7 0DU CO7 0DW CO7 0DY CO7 0DZ CO7 0EA CO7 0EB CO7 0EG CO7 0EH CO7 0EJ CO7 0EL