There are a number of nearby towns and places of interest and for your benefit we have listed a few that you may want to visit as part of your stay.
The Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Farm Estate is a short walk from the park itself. Combine a trip to meet your favourite farm animals at the rare breeds centre with a walk in the beautiful countryside and a bite to eat in the tea rooms. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Thames Estuary and Hadleigh Castle, and English Heritage site.
Hadleigh Farm Estate: https://www.hadleighfarm.org.uk/visit-us
Hadleigh Castle: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadleigh-castle/
Alternatively, Hadleigh high street has a range of coffee shops and small retail outlets that you can explore at your leisure. For the budding Artists, there is Hadleigh Old Fire Station that has been transformed into a small area for local artists showcasing their works.
Southend-On-Sea has plenty to offer to make your stay even more special, we have selected a number of attractions that will make your family break exciting and fun.
With over 60 rides and attractions, there’s something for everybody to enjoy… Scream through the loops and twists of Rage – with its 75ft drop and 360 degree barrel roll it’s the only ride of its kind in England, and was voted the most thrilling rollercoaster in the UK by BBC1’s Blue Peter.
The newest addition is their ‘Adventure Inside’ – a brand new indoor centre that boasts a range of great rides, arcade games and attractions and a whole host of tasty food options. It’s open all year round!
There’s always plenty of free entertainment on offer too. With themed weekends and not forgetting the spooky Fright Fantastic. And throughout September and October you can enjoy the “Big Saturday Night Out” with live music, DJ and fireworks.
Feeling hungry? Then there is the themed Jungle Jive Café and the exciting restaurant ‘Feelgoods’ providing quality pizza and pasta with a super fun atmosphere, plus kiosks and carts serving everything from hot dogs and ice cream to candy floss and fudge – and not forgetting Southend rock of course.
Southend has over 7 miles of sandy beaches on offer with plenty of activities taking place along the 7 miles stretch. If the tide is out, you can enjoy bathing in the new three shells lagoon close to Adventure Island or one of the many beach side pools on offer along the coast. There are chargeable facilities to launch boats and jet-skis; additionally Shoebury common beach is home to Southend Kite surfing school.
Standing for over a century it extends 2.158 kilometres (1.341 miles) into the Thames Estuary, and is a well loved and recognised symbol of Southend and the pleasures of the English seaside.
With truly stunning 360 degree views all year round, Southend Pier is the perfect place to go for a taste of the invigorating fresh air, and experience the freedom of the sea or to simply spend the day fishing at Southend pier. At the Pier Head you can visit the active RNLI station and gift shop, relax and take in the fantastic views from the superb sun-deck or stop by The Royal Pavilion, which dominates much of the Pier Head and provides the perfect place for a drink and a snack from “Salt” the pier head cafe.
Throughout the year Southend Pier plays host to a number of fantastic events, from live music and puppetry, to spooktacular Halloween fun and even a visit from Santa, as well as visiting Tall Ships, which offer unique trips and a taste of the nautical life
Old Leigh is walking distance of Hadleigh Park where you can take a stroll along the many walking routes of Hadleigh Park to get to Old Leigh. Old Leigh is a traditional fishing village where fishing trawlers still make their way out to sea today and bring in the catch and provide fresh fish to local restaurants. You can enjoy a walk through Old Leigh taking in the historic buildings and enjoy fresh seafood from many of the cockle sheds that still operate along the sea wall. There are a number of pubs to enjoy with varied food offers or you can take time to relax on the golden sand beach and soak up the views across the Thames estuary. If your stay is September you may want to make a note in your diary for the old Leigh regatta which will provide you with an action packed family day out.
If you are looking for that more modern era, you can take a short walk onto Leigh Broadway where there are a range of small boutique shops and many restaurants to pass the time of day.
