The artistic Essex coastal town with boutiques, seafood and a regatta

Leigh-on-Sea, on the Essex coast, is presented as a characterful seaside alternative next to the louder Southend, blending cliffs, independent shops, seafood and an annual art trail running until 19 July. The town’s older waterfront area reflects its history as a fishing port, with boathouses and pubs lining the foreshore. Daytrippers can buy cockles along the estuary paths that run where the Thames meets the North Sea, while creeks and mudflats provide habitat for shellfish, birds and seals. The piece also highlights the creative draw of the area, including art galleries and Leigh’s art scene. For getting there, it cites C2C trains to Leigh-on-Sea and Southend Central/East (about 45 minutes from London Fenchurch Street), plus Greater Anglia services to Southend Victoria (around an hour from London Liverpool Street). Accommodation is anchored by The Ship, reopened last summer with doubles from £130 and suites from £225.