With an unspoilt, golden sand beach and thriving high street, packed with independent shops and trendy eateries, this pretty seaside town sits less than an hour from London
To savour the last few weeks of the warm weather, there’s nothing better than escaping for the day to a charming seaside town that lies less than an hour from London.
London has everything except the coast, and sometimes we crave that fresh sea breeze, the sound of lapping waves, and sweeping shores, all before a wander through narrow lanes and quirky streets. Fortunately for us, there’s a plethora of beautiful coastal towns and resorts within easy reach of the capital by a nifty, direct train link.
One such destination, just a 45-minute train ride away, is the charming seaside town of Leigh-on-Sea in Essex. While its neighbouring city of Southend-on-Sea frequently steals the limelight, Leigh-on-Sea, affectionately referred to as Leigh, is well worth a visit in its own right, and it’s brimming with personality.
Leigh-on-Sea is packed with hidden treasures, with its scenic waterfront, charatised by cobbled paths and fishing boats, lined with seafood sheds and traditional pubs for that classic coastal experience with a refreshingly smaller crowd. For a little coastal retreat, Bell Wharf Beach is conveniently situated just a 10-minute stroll from the train station, and while relatively compact, it offers golden sands and scenes of bobbing boats.
Meanwhile, the high street is packed with independent shops, cosy coffee shops, trendy brunch spots and unique galleries, all set against a seaside location that has been named as one of the best and happiest places to live in England. Locals actively champion independent retailers through dedicated support groups, from the children’s clothing boutique Hoboken Kids and the charming Leigh Gallery Books, to Greens Health Foods and the beloved independent Ugo’s Pizza Bar.
One particular gem is Osborne’s Bros Café, celebrated for its cooked cockles, which earned it the 2021 British Food Awards in the Fish and Seafood category. The seafood and crab establishment also offers fresh seafood platters, prawn sandwiches, and even jellied eels, for those with braver taste buds.
Meanwhile, there’s the traditional-style pub, Ye Olde Smack, with a terrace that overlooks the Thames Estuary for those waterfront views with a drink and hearty meal in hand. However, to truly bask in the last of the sunshine, it’s worth popping into the family-run restaurant and pub, The Peterboat, which boasts a spacious beer garden and a tempting menu of seafood offerings, from their signature cockle chowder to a classic fish pie.
One visitor praised The Peterboat for its “exceptional fresh seafood with unbeatable estuary views” on TripAdvisor. They noted: “Perched right by the water in Leigh-on-Sea, the atmosphere is vibrant and quintessentially coastal. I ordered a selection of their fresh seafood, and every dish was cooked to perfection, packed with flavour, and wonderfully fresh.”
Contributing to its traditional seaside appeal, there’s Sara’s Tea Garden for a tasty cream tea, cake, or bake in its charming outdoor setting. The Hatch is another notable destination, a fashionable café that provides brunch, cakes and coffee, alongside scoops of its locally produced soft serve ice cream – ideal for those warmer days.
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