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Photo: Steve Hancocks, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A popular historic attraction and can be seen on the hillside as you travel by train between Benfleet and Leigh-on-Sea stations. The castle in its current state is just some ruins and there is no shop or guide; however, there is free on-site parking. It is possible to walk from Leigh-on-Sea station but the walk is around 2 miles (3 km) through fields. Nearby is a petting zoo and a farm run by the Salvation Army.
Hadleigh Castle is a ruined fortification in the English county of Essex, overlooking the Thames Estuary from south of the town of Hadleigh. Built after 1215 during the reign of Henry III by Hubert de Burgh, the castle was surrounded by parkland and had an important economic and defensive role. The castle was significantly expanded and remodelled by Edward III, who turned it into a grander property, designed to defend against a potential French attack, as well as to provide the King with a convenient private residence close to London. Built on a soft hill of London clay, the castle has often been subject to subsidence; this, combined with the sale of its stonework in the 16th century, has led to it now being ruined. The remains are now preserved by English Heritage and protected under UK law as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.
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Stroll along the sea wall past Chalkwell Railway Station and you come to the sandy beach by the Bell Wharf in Leigh "Old Town" (known as Old Leigh). Visit the Lynn Tait Gallery, stroll on past the cockle sheds and take a walk round the bird sanctuary on Two-Tree Island (at the rear of Leigh-On-Sea Railway Station).
Belfairs Woods and golf course. Has nature walks, a cafeteria, golf facilities and as large car park. Free to enter however you will have to pay to park. Golf course features a large public 18-hole golf course as well as a 9-hole pitch and putt course, and is open all year around. 18 holes costs £12 or more and pitch and putt is £2 or more.
Music and art festival held in July each year, attracting about 15,000 visitors.
The beaches get quieter further from the pier, but there are still cafes regularly spaced to the west. The area around the Beach Hut in Westcliff is a local favourite: a quiet and traditional beach with an old tidal pool.
The Palace Theatre is the Cliffs' sister venue and shows alternative arts including plays and musicals.
The Cliffs Pavilion is a renowned theatre venue in Westcliff-on-Sea. There is always a show on and it is possible to see many famous acts including music, comedy and theatre. Tickets start from around £10 but bargains can be found on the opening night of shows.