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Town in Essex, England
Photo: Joshua Fuller joshuafuller, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Leigh-on-Sea is a beautiful old fishing port on the London side of Southend-on-Sea on the south coast of Essex. Visitor venues in Leigh can be divided into three zones. The two key points for visitors are firstly the old town, by the sea, with its pubs, eateries and a very small beach. Secondly the Broadway - the high street at the top of the hill, with independent shops, bars and restaurants.
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The oldest part of the church is the circa 14th-century North Aisle which resembles the inverted hull of a ship and is thought to have been constructed by the old boat builders of medieval Leigh.
Ruined 1200s castle, refortified by Edward III in the Hundred Years War, affording marsh views.
Outdoor space for annual community events.
Take a step back into the past and tread in the footsteps of Elizabethan mariners, artists and open-air preachers.
Walk or cycle the Greenway.
See the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike course that was designed to test the best athletes in the world. Over 18 km of trail to suit all abilities and ages. Strongly recommended to reserve your hire bike a minimum of 24 hours ahead to avoid disappointment.
The Woodland Centre provides a space for schools, groups and families to learn about south Essex’s fantastic ancient woodlands in an interactive way.
Taking place leading up to and including the last weekend of June, The Leigh Folk Festival is unchallenged as the UK’s largest free folk gathering taking place across more than 20 indoor and outdoor venues around the town. All daytime events on Saturday take place in and around the Library Gardens on Broadway West. All events on Sunday take place in and around the High Street of Old Leigh.
Showcasing the work of local contemporary artists & designers between the second and third Saturdays in June.
Held on the second Sunday in September with sailing races, pig races, rowing races, a dinghy tug-o-war, art competitions, face-painting, shanty-singers, clog-dancers and pirates as well as Punch and Judy, barbecues and sweet stalls. Story-telling for children and a Seaside Stage complete with deck-chairs and real ale bar alongside a selection of craft stalls.
A unique, family-run seafood café in Old Leigh.
A popular family-run pub and seafood restaurant overlooking the Thames Estuary. It’s known for its fresh, locally caught fish dishes, traditional British fare, and a good range of vegetarian and vegan options. The large outdoor seating area offers fine views of the water, making it a favourite spot for relaxed meals and drinks in good weather. The Peterboat combines a friendly atmosphere with efficient service and is one of the best-known places to eat and drink in Old Leigh.
Premier dining.
Traditional English fish-and-chips.
The Billet
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub popular with visitors looking for traditional British ales.
Dockside pub with large beer garden.
Live bands and a pub quiz every Thursday.
Another Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub with its own in-house fish-and-chip shop.
Small cafe/pub with live music in the evening.
Pub
Small craft beer bar
Holiday home.
Holiday home.
Men's clothes shop.
Furniture and accessories.
By road
If you stay on the A13 travelling east from London, you'll arrive in Leigh.
The old town is best enjoyed on foot. There are car parks at the station and off Belton Way. On quieter days, you can actually park next to the beach in the old town, but at popular times, you've no chance.
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Southend-on-Sea, Essex · Regional · SEN
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