Alice's Place

Benfleet Creek / Yacht club

Click here for street map giving bungalow location

The bungalow is situated in a relatively peaceful road, a short walk from the centre of Benfleet, where a variety of shops and eating establishments are located. The main shops start at the eastern end of Richmond avenue and include such things as bakers, butchers, supermarkets, fishmongers, jewelers and clothes to name just a few. These lead down to the conservation end of Benfleet, by the church, where you can find 3 pubs and several restaurants. Looking eastwards from the bungalow you can see Boyce Hill golf course which clings to the side of Vicarage Hill and also lies adjacent to Thundersley glen, an ancient woodland once part of a royal hunting ground. North east of the High road the area becomes quite steep and is known locally as 'Little Switzerland'. A short walk along Richmond Avenue takes you into the many acres of park/playing fields which spread as far as the tidal creek and railway station. The park has a playing area for children, soccer and cricket pitches depending on the season. There are many footpaths and cycle tracks to follow which will take you through the woods, Hadleigh Castle Country Park, or along the coastal paths to Canvey Island or Southend on Sea. Though the bungalow is in a peaceful location it is only a mile from the main road networks with the M25 being approximately 20 minutes drive. The C2C railway line will take you to Fenchurch Street, London in less than an hour, just a short walk from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Close by:

Hadleigh

Hadleigh is our next door neighbour and is the the setting for the impressive ruin of a castle built over 700 years ago. The castle is perched on a hill and gives one of the best views in Essex. A stunning panoramic view over the whole estuary taking in Southend Pier, the coasts of Kent, Canvey Island and on a clear day Canary Wharf in London. There are a myriad of self guided paths to walk or cycle and it provides a great place for picnics and kite flying. There is also an abundance of bird life and wildfowl for anyone interested in ornithology, especially down by the creek. Close to the castle is a cafe and rare breeds centre run by the Salvation Army, providing all manner of meals and refreshments. In 2012 the site is going to be taking a key role in the Olympics by hosting the mountain bike races.

Leigh is just a few miles from Benfleet at the eastern edge of the country park and one stop on the train. The main shops and High street lie on the top of the cliffs, but down at the waterfront is the village of Old Leigh, famous for its cockle fleet. Here you can enjoy a drink or meal whilst watching the fishing boat activities. Here also is the first sandy beach, with a path that will take you all the way to Southend and beyond. To the rear of Leigh station is the access road to Two Tree Island, which nestles between Leigh creek and Benfleet creek. A golf driving range and Leigh motor boat club are situated just before the small bridge over Leigh creek. The island is a nature sanctuary with bird hides, picnic tables and a public slipway for launching boats. Here Benfleet creek meets the open water of the river Thames.

Southend on Sea

About 5 miles away and is a typical seaside town. Famous for having the longest pier in the world and also its Golden Mile of amusements and beaches. Adventure Island is one of the main features of the seafront and is one of the largest amusement parks on the east coast. Nearby are other attractions including Sea Life aquarium, two theatres, a multi screen cinema, two casinos and of course marvelous cliff walks.

Canvey Island

Canvey Island is accessed via a road bridge over Benfleet creek just beyond the railway station. Just over the bridge lies Dauntless Boatyard and Benfleet Yacht Club. A little further on is a public 18 hole golf course / driving range and sports centre with swimming pool. Canvey Island sits below sea level and is protected by a sea wall which goes all around the island with sea defences at either end of Benfleet creek. The Dutch were the first people to put in sea defences to protect the island from the sea and there are several Dutch cottages still remaining, with many streets with Dutch names. There are excellent views across the river Thames from the seafront and here you can also find a small multi screen cinema.

Basildon

About 5 miles west of Benfleet and boasting a large shopping centre and market. A short drive to the outskirts of Basildon there are two retail parks and the Festival Leisure Centre. This is an area that contains several nightclubs, a multi screen cinema, ten pin bowling and many restaurants. The train will take you to the town centre, but you will need a car or taxi to get to the Festival Leisure Centre.