Bell Wharf (Leigh-on-Sea) Beach

Details

Accessibility: 

Level access onto sand from adjacent public road.  In this location the public road is cobblestones so a little uneven.

Brief description: 

Small sandy beach at east end of Old Leigh High Street and adjacent to Bell Wharf.

Address:

Nearest post code is SS9 2EP

Email:  

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Phone:  

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Website:  

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Directions:

The beach is located between Leigh-on-Sea and Chalkwell rail stations, both on the C2C train line which runs between Fenchurch Street, London and Southend.  It is nearer to Leigh-on-Sea station being some 0.6 mile from station (approx 10-15 minute walk) and around 0.9 mile from Chalkwell Station (15-20 minute walk). 

Driving along A13 from London eastwards towards Southend, turn right/south at traffic light junction with Thames Drive, follow road into Belton Way (road name changes at traffic lights), down hill past Leigh-on-Sea railway station on right/south side, turn right/south at mini roundabout into Belton Gardens and after approx 0.2 mile turn right/south over railway bridge into Old Leigh.  Continue east along to very end of the High Street and the beach is where you can drive no further.  Note that this area does get very busy at peak times in the summer season; there are several car parks on both sides of the railway line in the vicinity but they quickly fill.

OS TQ 840856

Opening Times:

24/7 Daily.  Be aware that the tide goes out a long way at low tide, although there is a very small paddling pool, covered at high tide but retains water at low tide.  There is a dredged fishing boat channel not far out that retains water at low tide but beware when the tide comes in this quickly becomes deep water whilst on the far side and away from the beach it might still only be ankle deep.

Transport:

For more travel information go to http://www.traveline.info/ or call 0871 200 22 33. 

Leigh-on-Sea train station is the nearest public transport.  However, during July and August, there is an open top bus that runs from Leigh Train station to Southend seafront, bus number 68.  This stops at the Ship Pub (currently closed - July 2019) from where it is a short walk over a pedestrian railway bridge (both stepped and step free) into Old Leigh and the beach.  (Search for "Southend Open Top Bus" in your search engine to check timetable for no 68 bus.)

Bus routes as at July 2019

Amenities: 

Both general male and female toilets along with disability toilet (with both level and stepped access) are available in the building adjacent to the beach and on Bell Wharf itself.  Nearest car park - Victoria Wharf Car Park - is a few minute walk away at the end of the neighbouring wharf; charges apply (see photos) including for Blue Badge holders (unless issued by Southend Council although this policy is due to change with effect from October 2019 but check with Council beforehand).  There are a number of pubs, restaurants and cafes in Old Leigh.  The main shopping area of Leigh-on-Sea (The Broadway) is a short 8-12 minute walk away but up a fairly steep stepped hill.  Whilst there are a large number of retail outlets in The Broadway, it is not a major high street and there are very few corporate brands but plenty of places to drink and eat.