Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Chic coffee houses, cool bars and a beach lined with pretty cockle sheds: meet Leigh-on-Sea, Southend’s smaller, trendier sister. Home to a steady stream of relocating Londoners, it blends small-town seaside charm with hip hospitality offerings. There’s even an artisan vegan-friendly <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.pocogelato.co.uk/what-we-do/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gelato house</a> – you won&#8217;t get more Shoreditch-in-Essex than that!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="959" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/447764169_122152957670131798_670300590223775065_n.jpg" alt="The Sand Bar Leigh on Sea interiors" class="wp-image-18993" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/447764169_122152957670131798_670300590223775065_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/447764169_122152957670131798_670300590223775065_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/447764169_122152957670131798_670300590223775065_n-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/447764169_122152957670131798_670300590223775065_n-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Sand Bar</figcaption></figure>



<p>For a wowser backdrop to fine dining, head to <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.theboatyardrestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boatyard</a>, which has a deck over the estuary and floor-to-ceiling glass mezzanine. Check out <a href="https://foodleighonsea.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food</a> for its locally-produced seasonal menu with a focus on health and flavour. For weekend brunch or a coffee fix try <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cornerclublos.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corner Club</a> and <a href="http://stoptheworldcafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stop The World Café</a>, as well as <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/finalists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos Essex 2024 Awards</a> Best Café finalist, <a href="https://www.thesqueezecafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squeeze</a>. The fish dishes at gastropubs <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/eastofengland/thecrookedbilletleighonsea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crooked Billet</a> and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://the-peterboat.eastangliapubs.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peterboat</a> are legendary in Leigh, and we&#8217;re also all over <a href="https://thesandbarleigh.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sand Bar</a>, which announced new owners last year. For delicious food to grab and eat at home, head to <a href="https://www.millysdeli.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milly&#8217;s Deli</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>The Broadway, Broadway West and Leigh Road are a haven of quirky indies, high-end antique stores and homeware emporiums. Our pick? <a href="https://www.jezboutique.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jez Boutique</a> and <a href="https://www.emilyandlouise.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emily &amp; Louise</a> for cool fashion finds, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildandidle/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wilde &amp; Idle</a> for retro furniture. Treat yourself to blooms from <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/finalists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos Essex 2024 Awards</a> Best Florist finalist, <a aria-label="Scent (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.scentleighonsea.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scent</a>, and for gifts try <a href="https://otherletters.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Other Letters</a>. Little darling in need of a party like no other? <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/finalists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos Essex 2024 Awards</a> winner of Best Children&#8217;s Business, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelittlediningclubhq/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Little Dining Club</a>, offers packages fit for celebs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/Untitled-design-339.jpg" alt="Chopp Leigh On Sea Essex" class="wp-image-19173" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/Untitled-design-339.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/Untitled-design-339-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/Untitled-design-339-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/10/Untitled-design-339-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chopp</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>GPs are in abundance in Leigh, including <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/services/gp-surgery/the-leigh-surgery/F81696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Surgery</a>, <a href="https://www.highlandsurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highlands Surgery</a> and <a href="https://pallmallsurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pall Mall Surgery</a>. We also love <a href="https://clubonehundred.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Club One Hundred</a>, which offers weightloss and bootcamp programmes alongside the gym. Your hair will thank you for moving here – <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/finalists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos Essex 2024 Awards</a> winner of Best Hair Salon, <a href="https://chopphair.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chopp</a> is a skip away. The <a href="https://www.jasminedayspa.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jasmine Day Spa</a> offers manis, facials, massage, tanning and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The fabulous <a href="https://www.leighfolkfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Folk Festival</a>, jam-packed with theatre, art, workshops, music and comedy, took a break this year but is back for 2025. Check out the <a href="https://leighonseabrewery.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh on Sea Brewery</a> for events, too – it hosts music and beer festivals, brewery tours and others. If you want to know what&#8217;s going on in the local community, the lively <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416136391879210/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh on Sea Discussion Page</a> on Facebook is a great source of info, as well as recommendations and news of local groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1439" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n.jpg" alt="Sealife Adventure Aquarium manta ray" class="wp-image-18997" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n-768x767.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/461575890_1322440345717604_3482060952089568807_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sea Life Adventure Aquarium</figcaption></figure>



<p>Southend is just three miles away and a hub of activity, particularly for young families. Kids will love the <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://sealifeadventure.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Life Adventure Aquarium</a> on the Eastern Esplanade, while thrill-seekers can get their kicks at the <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://adventureisland.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventure Island</a> theme park, which has rollercoasters, go-karting, dodgems and two adventure golf courses.&nbsp;And then there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.southendpier.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southend Pier</a> of course, an impressive 1.33 miles long. Phew, you&#8217;ll need an ice-cream after that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Your cultural cup will runneth over just up the coast in Southend, with <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/default.asp" href="https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/default.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cliffs Pavilion and The Palace Theatre</a>. These venues host West End shows, top notch comedians, touring plays, plus an annual Christmas panto (Oh yes they do!). For art check out <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://piecegallery.co.uk" href="https://piecegallery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piece Gallery</a>, <a href="https://create98.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Create98</a> and <a href="https://www.richardbaxter.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Baxter Ceramics</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average house price here is £460,235, which is not too bad for a seaside location. The majority of sales last year were semi-detached houses, which sold for an average of £483,850. Flats went for around £265,452, and detached properties £637,599.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-7.jpg" alt="Leigh on Sea Penthouse with sea view" class="wp-image-18226" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 4 bed penthouse is all about that show-stopping sea view. <a href="https://www.winkworth.co.uk/properties/sales/the-leas-westcliff-on-sea-essex-ss0/LOS240093" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for a cool £1.5m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES </h2>



<p>There&#8217;s plenty to smile about at Ofsted Outstanding <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/leigh-on-sea/" href="https://www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/leigh-on-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Station Nursery</a>. This light and spacious space for kids aged two to five offers lots of extras, from French lessons to forest school. <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.littleacornsleigh.co.uk" href="https://www.littleacornsleigh.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Acorns Pre-School</a> is another Outstanding nursery for the same age group. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>You’re spoilt for choice, with high-performing state, grammar and private schools. There&#8217;s indie <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-michaels-school-leigh-on-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Michael&#8217;s</a>, a warm and friendly C of E prep for boys and girls aged 3 – 11 yrs, and also the co-ed <a href="https://saintpierreschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saint Pierre School</a>, an Ofsted Outstanding prep for ages 2 – 11 yrs. <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.blenheimprimary.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blenheim Primary</a> on School Way and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thestchristopherschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The St Christopher School</a> in Mountdale Gardens both come highly recommend by Ofsted. Grammar schools <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.whsb.essex.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westcliff High School for Boys</a>, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.shsb.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southend High School for Boys </a>and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.whsg.info" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westcliff High School for Girls</a> are also all rated Outstanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Bell Wharf Beach, a sliver of sand by Old Leigh, is perfect for a sunrise swim. And if a dip in the estuarial murk doesn’t appeal, try walking at the <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/two-tree-island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Tree Island Nature Reserve</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Leigh on Sea is just 33 miles east of London, and a fuss-free 50 min train ride takes you straight into London Fenchurch Street. An annual season ticket with C2C starts at £4,284.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Leigh-on-Sea

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