To the south of the beach is Benacre Broad, an isolated, brackish coastal lagoon surrounded by trees which forms part of Benacre National Nature Reserve. Managed by Natural England, the reserve comprises a variety of habitats including reedbeds, woodland, and heathlands. It is a haven for wildlife and particularly important for breeding birds such as bitterns, water rails, marsh harriers, and bearded tits. Typical East Anglian shingle plants including yellow horned poppy, sea kale, and prickly saltwort are also to be found.

Nearby the beach are the ruins of what was once a magnificent medieval church. All that remains of St. Andrew’s is the 14th century tower and some walling. After the English Civil War, the church became too expensive for its parishioners to maintain, and in 1672 they were given permission to remove the roof and build a new church inside the structure. The smaller church is thatched and still welcomes congregations today. Unfortunately, both churches are likely to disappear in a few decades positioned as they are at the edge of the cliff.