Every town, village and city in Essex has its own story to tell and personality to share.
Some areas of the county are steeped in history, such as Colchester and Chelmsford, while others, such as Saffron Walden, offer rolling countryside.
Essex also has one of the longest coastlines in the UK and is dotted with beautiful seaside towns, attracting thousands of people each summer in search of warm weather, sunshine and swimming.
Tourist attractions in the county include Clacton and Southend, with Frinton and Leigh-on-Sea also attracting many tourists.
But Leigh-on-Sea stands out from busier, more populous seaside destinations. Although there is a small sandy beach for visitors to enjoy, the town itself is packed with fun activities.
This charming town, home to lively beach huts basking in the sun, is home to many independent businesses in its busiest shopping area.
A stroll down Broadway in the town center will reveal a variety of shops, including local butchers such as T, reports Essex Live.
Harrison, Jez Boutique for the latest in women's fashion and Warburtons for new jewellery.
If you're in the mood for a snack, there are plenty of options. From acclaimed Italian restaurant Cucina, to Ugo's popular pizzeria, Manoly's Thai cuisine and Estuary's modern classics, there's something for everyone.
Family-run Leigh Bistro comes highly recommended and customers are said to be treated like royalty.
With a population of just under 10,000, this quaint town is popular with commuters. C2C trains run regularly to and from London Fenchurch Street, taking just over an hour.
There are frequent bus services to Southend-on-Sea and Southend Airport is nearby, providing easy access to a variety of domestic and international destinations.
There are many reasons to consider moving to Leigh-on-Sea, but the cost of housing may deter some.
According to Rightmove, the average house price in Leigh-on-Sea over the past year was around £450,000.
Semi-detached properties were the most commonly sold property, with an average price of £479,599, while apartments had an average price of £258,086.
Leigh-on-Sea offers a great lifestyle for those who can afford it, whether they're commuters, singles or families looking for a fresh start. If you're just planning a day trip, there's plenty to see and do.
