Leigh on Sea or beach near to Essex

[Matildathebrave]

Has anyone been to Leigh on Sea? Is there much to do there and is the beach ok for kids?

Am thinking of taking the kids out for a day when we get some sunny weather. Don't want to travel much more than an hour away from Essex.

Thanks

the beach is not very nice imo, gritty and with many sharp shells. but ok for a toddler. can be very crowded in good weather due to the good links to london.
if you go a bit further west you have small beaches with a chippy and plastic tat shop, beach huts.
it doesn't feel very clean as there is a big industrial area (oil refinery?) on the other side of the river.

For an Essex beach Clacton is a good option, LOADS for children and not a bad beach.