Southend centre is about 25 minutes away by bus or train. Southend pier at 1.3 miles is the longest pleasure pier in the world and has a 3/4 scale railway running the length of the pier for the less mobile. Jamie Oliver's Friday Night Feast cooking programme was set in the lovely, railway carriage cafe at the end of the pier. At the end of the pier, the RNLI station welcomes visitors. By the pier is Adventure Island, a large funfair and a short distance along the front is Sealife Adventure.
Southend Museum and nearby, The Beecroft and Focal Point Galleries, have interesting exhibitions and there is a large library in Focal Point (and a small library in Leigh). The Beecroft Gallery in Southend is home to The Jazz Centre UK where there are many interesting exhibits and regular concerts and film screenings.
There are a variety of cinemas and theatres in Southend and a cinema on Canvey Island.
Pritwell Park in Southend is worth a visit for the old Priory buildings and free concerts in the bandstand every Sunday. There is a pedestrian path/cycleway from close to our house along the Prittwell Brook to the Park. Likewise, Southchurch Hall, on the eastern side of Southend, a medieval, moated manor house makes an interesting short visit.

Chalkwell Park is a short walk from the house where you will find a lovely garden, children's playgrounds, tennis courts and a cricket pitch. The Metal Arts Centre often has events open to the public.
Two Tree Island National Nature Reserve (about a 10 minute drive or 45 minute walk from us) has lovely views across the estuary and walks and hides for birdwatching.
Hadleigh Castle ruins were made famous in John Constable's late masterpiece of the same name. It can be reached by a lovely circular walk ( one hour each way) from the house or can be reached by bus in about 25 minutes; from the castle are fine views across the Thames Estuary. Nearby Hadleigh Park contains the mountain biking tracks used in the 2012 London Olympic Games; bikes can be hired or take your own.
There are a number of ancient woodlands nearby and in Belfairs Park there is a visitor centre and golf course.
There are badminton and bowls clubs within 15 minutes walking distance.
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Hyde Hall is about a thirty minute drive or by bus via Chelmsford. The lovely towns of Malden and Burnham on Crouch are about a 45 minute drive and Colchester is just under an hour away.

We often travel into London for the day to see exhibitions and the theatre. From Chalkwell Station C2C runs an excellent service east to Shoeburyness and west into London Fenchurch Street (next to The Tower of London). From Fenchurch Street or earlier stations such as West Ham and Limehouse you can connect to the London tube system. The service starts early in the morning, runs through to 1am (even on a Sunday) and takes 50 minutes.
Cook's Coaches in Southend offer a variety of day trips throughout the year and pick up in Leigh on Sea.