Rebecca’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Leigh has a village vibe and a great community spirit. People are friendly and always willing to stop for a chat. The Broadway and the Leigh Road are the main shopping areas, with lots of independent shops, cafes & bars. Quite often there will be live music in the bars
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Leigh-on-Sea
Leigh has a village vibe and a great community spirit. People are friendly and always willing to stop for a chat. The Broadway and the Leigh Road are the main shopping areas, with lots of independent shops, cafes & bars. Quite often there will be live music in the bars
This area is in the Old Town on the other side of the railway line. There are restaurants, cafes and 4 pubs within a few hundred metres
High Street
High StreetThis area is in the Old Town on the other side of the railway line. There are restaurants, cafes and 4 pubs within a few hundred metres
If you can't park on the streets either side of the Broadway, you might find a space at this small car park
North Street Car Park
20 North StIf you can't park on the streets either side of the Broadway, you might find a space at this small car park
Local sights
This is a very small beach but it has a paddling pool to keep the little ones occupied. The toilets at Bell Wharf are usually kept quite clean. In the summer, the beach is raked and cleaned. The Estuary here is tidal and comes in for 4 hours a day. There is a beach information board which will tell you when High Tide is. If know the area then you will be able to walk out to the creek and across the mudflats but be aware the tide starts to flood the mudflats about 3 hours before high tide - so always be careful
Bell Wharf Beach
This is a very small beach but it has a paddling pool to keep the little ones occupied. The toilets at Bell Wharf are usually kept quite clean. In the summer, the beach is raked and cleaned. The Estuary here is tidal and comes in for 4 hours a day. There is a beach information board which will tell you when High Tide is. If know the area then you will be able to walk out to the creek and across the mudflats but be aware the tide starts to flood the mudflats about 3 hours before high tide - so always be careful
Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve
Ancient woodland with clearly marked paths
Ruins of an ancient castle. Nice walk from Leigh Station. Cafe run by the Salvation Army
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Hadleigh Castle
Castle LaneRuins of an ancient castle. Nice walk from Leigh Station. Cafe run by the Salvation Army
Right next to Chalkwell Train station. Cafe & toilets nearby. Walk from Chalkwell to Leigh along the cinder path next to the railway line
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Chalkwell Beach
Right next to Chalkwell Train station. Cafe & toilets nearby. Walk from Chalkwell to Leigh along the cinder path next to the railway line
Food scene
The very lovely Sarah runs this friendly dog-mad place. Be prepared to queue for a table on Sundays but you can sometimes reserve one if you call ahead.
Sara's Tea Garden
High StreetThe very lovely Sarah runs this friendly dog-mad place. Be prepared to queue for a table on Sundays but you can sometimes reserve one if you call ahead.
Saltwater Beach Cafe
111 Chalkwell EsplanadeCafe at Chalkwell Beach, great coffees & ice cream. They also hire out SUPs
Manoly's
31-33 BroadwayFantastic Thai food restaurant. Booking required
Irmas
9 Elm RdFamily pizzeria
Corner Club
44-46 BroadwayGreat coffees & custard tarts
The Mayflower
6 High StGood quality Fish & Chips but restaurant closes at 8pm
Fish to Go
40-42 Elm RdGreat for takeaway & open late. Also has seating area
Saltwater Beach Cafe
111 Chalkwell EsplanadeFamily run friendly cafe. Also offers SUP sessions
Activity
Southend Kitesurfing
Shoebury Common RoadOpportunity to learn how to Kite-Surf in the Thames Estuary
Olympic Mountain Bike venue. Fantastic cycling from the Green family routes, to the Black nerve wracking paths.
Hadleigh Country Park
Chapel LaneOlympic Mountain Bike venue. Fantastic cycling from the Green family routes, to the Black nerve wracking paths.
Eventyrøya
Western EsplanadeThe kids love this place
Sightseeing
The walk to the end of the pier is bracing 1.25 miles. Cafe at the end to make it worth your while. Great views. Train back.
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Southend Pier Museum
Western EsplanadeThe walk to the end of the pier is bracing 1.25 miles. Cafe at the end to make it worth your while. Great views. Train back.