In our regular monthly spotlight, we spend 24 hours by the seaside at this idyllic coastal town.
Offering a sense of community, independent shops, cafes and restaurants, all topped off with beautiful views across the estuary, no wonder Leigh-on-Sea is a coveted place to live. Walking along The Broadway in the seaside town, residents and visitors alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink as well as shop. Leigh-on-Sea has a rich history which belies its current modern incarnation as a cool commuter town with plenty of culture.
Dating back to Medieval times, the town was mentioned in the Domesday Book as 'Legra.' Back then Leigh was a small manor with livestock and a strong fishing community according to leighonseatowncouncil.gov.uk, compiled by Councillor Carole Mulroney. It went from a small village to a busy fishing town of national importance, trading between the 14th and 18th centuries. Its position on the Thames made it a crucial point for protection from the French, Spanish and Dutch armies and also as a fast route across the Channel.
Properties in Leigh-On-Sea had an overall average price of £471,118 over the last year, according to Rightmove. The majority of sales during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £497,413 and overall, sold prices over the last year were seven per cent. It is easy to see why Leigh is a draw for property searchers, with its shops, cafes and estuary views as well as the charming appeal of Old Leigh. It is an idyllic place to live.
THINGS TO DO
Whiling away in Leigh is like food for your soul. Whether it is a morning pit stop at your favourite café or a mooch about the shops, it is a place filled with gentle activities to rest and restore. The cobbled street of Old Leigh is a Mecca for many people on a sunny day where visitors can walk along the estuary and take in the stunning views. Sunset is particularly spectacular and people can often be seen enjoying the views.
For those who want to experience the water close up, Leigh-on-Sea Sailing Club is a friendly club that promotes amateur sailing and racing in both dinghy and cruiser classes as well as an active group of kayakers The club's shore-based headquarters are located in the old station building in Old Leigh, adjacent to the beach. Take in some history at the Leigh Heritage Centre and Museum which is the headquarters of the Society. It is advised to phone ahead to confirm opening ours.
Head to the Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre to take in the majesty of the ancient woodland.
WHERE TO SHOP
The seaside town has lots of independent fashion boutiques offering something more unique than your average store. Ruby Room is a quirky independent shop with brands such as GingerFizz and Kiss The Sky as well as handbags, footwear and jewellery.
Showing preloved means sensational fashion, Re:Loved in 174 Leigh Road is open seven days a week with a selection of high-quality preloved goods including sustainable fashion at affordable prices. The shop, which is run by Havens Hospices, displays each item beautifully, giving the fashion wears the attention they deserve and making shopping second-hand a boutique experience.
For unique fashion in a welcoming atmosphere, head to Rockamilly. Having opened in 2015, they cater to people who don’t always see their tastes represented in mainstream fashion. LA Luna Boutique was started by two friends who shared a love of the bohemian. They followed their dreams and now sell gorgeous, and affordable clothing and homeware, which are influenced by travels, music, and places they loved.
EAT AND DRINK
Where you choose to go for a bite to eat depends on what tickles your fancy. The town is thriving with cafes, restaurants and estuary pubs, and because competition is stiff, they all seem to be masters in their specialised offerings.
For example, Flour and Spoon, which has cafes on Leigh Broadway and Eastwood, are the artisans of baking. Their sourdough bread and crafted cakes are sold in the cafés as well as being sold by other cafes in the area. There is also Piggy Went to Market, a popular café teaming with regulars who love their great coffee and homemade sausage rolls (get there early before they are sold out).
For food and drink with a view, not much rivals The Peterboat in Old Leigh. They have live music during the summer and plenty of seating. Tasty food eaten while watching the sunset is one of life’s great pleasures. Another hidden oasis worth a visit is Sara’s Tea Gardens, also in Old Leigh where guests can enjoy tea and cakes surrounded by plants, loving cared for by Sara and her team.
PLACES TO STAY
Make the most of your visit with a break away at Billet Wharf House in Old Leigh. It hosts six guests with three bedrooms and a bathroom. It is located in the heart of Old Leigh with its cockle boats, waterside pubs and restaurants, sea birds and beach. The first-floor flat is on the waterfront and has its own entrance with a digital lock, so guests can check in at any time without having to pick up a key. Guests have exclusive use of the whole flat and the kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, microwave oven, kettle, toaster and a few basics such as tea, coffee, salt and pepper.
Another great find for people looking to stay in the idyllic town is Kit’s Place. The accommodation features off-street parking and a private garden. It has a master bedroom and an additional sofa bed in a separate living area. There is plenty of space to sleep four guests. kits-place.co.uk
