A COASTAL town near London is becoming the trendy new place to be – and not just because of all the celebs you might spot there.
Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, is now a popular commuting town due to being as quick as 41 minutes to the capital.
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And locals have said you can easily spot some very famous celebs and politicians visiting too.
Local Karen, who works at Osborne Cafe and Seafood merchant on the seafront, previously told The Sun: “We’ve had Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, Prime minister Rishi – oh and Bridget Jones’ dad – Jim Broadbent.
“Jedward were down with Gemma Collins, The Hairy Bikers, Denise Welch.
“And we’ve had so many, and obviously, TOWIE.”
Another local said he’d seen comedian Jack Whitehall, along with Jamie Oliver, Bradley Walsh and Michel Roux Jr.
The town was once the stomping ground of one of Britain’s most-famous actresses Helen Mirren, who moved their as a child.
Speaking to Culture Essex, she said: “I was raised in Leigh-on-Sea and am proud of my Essex roots.
“I gained my love of acting during my early performances on the stages of Essex.”
The town still draws in film stars to this day as it’s often used as a film set.
In February of this year, it was used for filming the new ITV drama The Lady, starring BAFTA-winning Mia McKenna‑Bruce.
Aside from spotting celebrities, Leigh-on-Sea has lots to explore like its high street filled with pubs, tearooms and cafes.
Some of the most popular spots include Ye Olde Smack, which overlooks the Thames Estuary, as well as the neighbouring The Boatyard.
Head up to Broadway for independent shops, antique stores and plenty of boutiques like Just Fox, Heatherbie of Leigh and The Magic Wardrobe.
After splashing the cash, relax on the shore of Bell Wharf Beach which is shingle and shell with calm waters that are popular with swimmers in the summertime.
Bell Wharf Beach is part of Leigh-on-Sea’s Old Town, which was once a thriving fishing hub.
It’s near to where you’ll find little fishermen’s cottages, pubs and its famous cockle sheds.
Once the centre of the fishing industry during the 19th century, theyhave since been modernised since then with some even being turned into seafood restaurants.
1 Cockle Shed is a popular spot along the front with a huge outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the likes of fish and chips, and of course, Leigh cockles.
Leigh-on-Sea isn’t the only spot in Southend that draws in a celebrity crowd.
Thorpe Bay is also a popular spot – especially at the Roslin Beach Hotel which has welcomed the likes of Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise van Outen, and other TOWIE stars like Frankie Essex.
The hotel recently underwent a £10million makeover adding more rooms, a new spa and outdoor restaurant.
For another seaside stay – check out one of our favourites in nearby Norfolk…
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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
For more on Essex, here’s Britain’s smallest town which was named one of the coolest spots in the country with cosy pubs and coastal walks.
And further inland, check out this Essex market town that’s an alternative to the Cotswolds.