A South-East-Essex born’s Bank Holiday weekend wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Old Leigh (no matter the weather!).

I love my hometown of Leigh-on-Sea – renowned for its cockle sheds, pubs with most of the seating outside, cobbled streets, a muddy river Thames, fishing boats, a mix of restaurants, bars and tea shops, boutique shops and the smell of fresh seaside air!

I currently live on the Essex/East London border, which does make daily commuting to London quicker, but I am often back in the Southend-on-Sea vicinity (seeing as that’s where most of my friends and family reside).

There’s something so wonderful about a little day trip to my seaside hometown at this time of year – and for the rest of the spring and summer months….

Embracing the early spring weather, sitting outside with views of the sea (or mud!), eating an array of fresh shellfish, alternating half pints of cider with warming cups of tea, dog watching (all shapes and sizes, cute and the not-so-cute – in a cute kind of way) and catching up with my girls on their drunken and “falling over on the dance floor” Bank Holiday antics…..a classic day out in Old Leigh. Love it!

Today the Thames was muddy – but still glorious despite the chilly overcast! Here’s some unfiltered photos from today’s trip to my muddy but blooming lovely hometown……

XCamilla