We spent a lovely afternoon yesterday with a walk along the coast - the tide was up and the sun was out - what more could we want. We started out at Leigh on Sea, a local fishing village near to where we live which sees a hive of activity winter and summer alike, hosting live jazz festivals and sailing events but mostly loved for its array of old pubs and inns and its wealth of seafood stalls and restaurants.
The harbour is the hub of the village where much was going on
where the fishermen were getting ready to fish
and the sailors were getting ready to sail
A bit further along to Chalkwell where the views are stunning from the cliff top
You can just make out Southend Pier in the distance - the longest pleasure pier in the world and originally built in 1830.
We then strolled along the beautiful Cliff Gardens at Southend
This is the site of what used to be our treasured Victorian bandstand. Sevcral years ago there was a landslide on the cliff edge and sadly half the bandstand went with it!
Such a shame - they used to hold tea dances on Sunday afternoons and occasionally
hosted open air classical concerts.
Further down the coast at Thorpe Bay
where I keep coming back to view these lovely beach huts - and
I WANT ONE!
I WANT ONE!
(keep wanting says hubby)
I love the countryside and open spaces - but there's nothing quite like being near the sea with the sound of the gulls, the smell of the fishing haul, the sailing boats tacking across the bay and the salty breeze coming off the water.
Bye for now
Bye for now
My dream would be to live on a hill top in the country overlooking the sea but it's a case of dream on for me. What a fabulous walk, it looks so lovely there and what a shame about the bandstand. x
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your comment. I do think we should make the most of what's around us. Sometimes we take it for granted and don't bother. We go dashing off for miles to go for walks when there's loads on our doorstep. Patricia x
DeleteHi Patricia, what a lovely sunny post and thanks for sharing these beautiful photos...
ReplyDeleteHug from Amsterdam
Erna
Hello Erna thanks for your comment and welcome to my blog. I've just popped over to yours and liked what I saw there. Hope to see you again soon. Patricia x
DeleteI would love to live nearer to the coast, too, but my OH hails from Plymouth and now prefers to be surrounded by land on all sides.
ReplyDeleteI was born and raised in Essex, and every year in September Mum and Dad would take us to Southend to see the lights. Is the Kursall(?) still up and running?
Joy xx
Hello Joy thanks for your comment. I remember going to the lights as a child too. Yes the Kursaal is still there but not sure what its used for now. Amusements and a Casino I believe. Way before discos and nightclubs came into their own, as teenagers we used to go ballroom dancing there to a big band - gosh I'm really showing my age now! Patricia x
DeleteLovely scenery and weather, glad you enjoyed your day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment DC. I know that you enjoy some lovely coastal walks and enjoy yours too. Patricia x
DeleteWhat a lovely post. Full of sunshine and beautiful views. I don't blame you for wanting one of those beach huts.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Thankyou Lisa. It is nice to get out in the sun as we haven't seen it for so long and got to make the most of it. Patricia x
DeleteThere's nothing like being by the ocran on hot summer days, the boats and the blue sky look lovely and so do those beach huts. How sad about the bandstand, I used to love listening to the brass band playing in our local park when I was a little girl. In the bsouth you have classical concerts - here in the north you get brass bands and very nice too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rowan - yes the beach huts are gorgeous but I'll just have to keep hoping! Patricia x
DeleteHi Patricia, it looks lovely.You cant beat this gorgeous country of ours when we get the weather.I got a beach hut last week- sadly its a money box beach hut!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne - I can keep dreaming though, at least you've got the money box! My only consolation is that I'm just about to 'do up' my summerhouse and the theme is, yes you've guessed - a beach hut. Not quite the same but it'll do. Patricia x
DeleteI would love to live by the sea something I feel an affinity with - lovely sunny shots and looks like an enjoyable walk. The price of beach huts is astronomical so I'll have to make do with the three I have in my bathroom.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Elaine. What I really wanted was a caravan and failing that a campervan but my husband is not all that keen. So - to me the next best thing was a beach hut - but as you say they are so expensive and I could probably buy two caravans for the same price! Patricia x
DeleteDo you know what caught my eye? The list of all the fresh fish they sell. I love grilled sword fish and sole and mussels and most of the other fish mentioned. Thanks for taking us on a lovely seaside walk with you.
ReplyDelete