Leigh-on-Sea

Boasting London's nearest beach, spend an enjoyable afternoon visiting the charming and quaint ‘Old Town’, with its cobbled streets, cockle sheds, Heritage Centre and delicious fresh seafood to enjoy.

Attractions

On the north bank of the Thames, thirty miles east of London, in the borough of Southend-on-Sea, stands the old fishing village of Leigh-on-Sea steeped in a wealth of history and legends of by-gone days.

No trip to the Old Town is complete without a visit to the famed "Cockle Sheds" with a bewildering and mouth-watering array of fresh seafood. These have evolved from a long history of trawling for shellfish, and they still cook the cockles in the sheds.

This area with all its charm and character has proved a popular subject for artists and photographers alike, and there are some fabulous compositions for sale at the Lyn Tait Gallery and other studios.

Shopping

The bustle, warmth and variety of individual boutiques with their own flair and individuality reflects the personality of Leigh itself.This is truly an Alladin’s Cave of variety and quality of fare.

There are designer clothes, trendy affordable clothes and shoes. Specialist shops that cater to sports and pastimes, fabulous furniture incorporating the full range from traditional to cutting edge design.

The number of antique and gift shops, galleries, bookshops, and art and craft shops reflect the deeply engrained artistic nature of Leigh.

Food and drink

From La Sirena at the far end of Leigh Road to The Grove at the top of Belton Hill, Leigh is cram packed with a host of fabulous eateries.

You can eat your way round the world with traditional British, modern British, Continental bistro food, Italian, Portuguese, Thai, Indian, Chinese and American.

That’s just for starters, there is a wide choice of pubs and bars serving food all day, juice bars, Vegetarian specialists, milkshakes, bagels and lots of coffee.