Best Beach in Tilbury Docks

"Starting just east of Chalkwell Station, this beach is the choice of people who value peace for winter walks or sunbathing hot summer days. Chalkwell Beach is removed from Southend’s bustling arcades and entertainment, and has a vast belt of pebbles and sand tracked by a quiet, residential esplanade. And even if Chalkwell Beach has a more restrained atmosphere, there are shops selling beach paraphernalia and amenities like cafes just behind."

"Out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Southend’s central seaside, Chalkwell beach offers a quieter beach area for relaxation."

"One minute the sea will be there, then at low tide it’s literally completely disappeared. (Hence why the pier needed to be so long back in the day!). The largest beach which is closest to everything is Jubilee Beach."

"Peddling the US ‘roadside burger’ experience in stripped-back diner surrounds, Shake Shack has all the stateside trappings – from buzzers announcing when your food’s ready to drive-by style hatches for picking up your full tray. Just add hot dogs, frozen custard ice cream and thick shakes. Flagship site: 24 Market Building, The Piazza, WC2E 8RD"

"From humble beginnings as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack has cemented itself as an international household name. Today London has seven branches and serves some seriously good burgers, fries and shakes. Not only do they serve mouthwatering hot dogs, the shack serves another kind of dog – of the canine variety."

"With all there is to see at Kew Gardens, you might easily miss the attractive red brick building housing the Marianne North Gallery. But don’t hesitate to take a look inside — the exquisite interior, which incorporates different kinds of wood and stenciled floor tile, is home to more than 800 works of botanical art. Marianne North was a wealthy, single Victorian woman who traveled the world solo in pursuit of interesting plants to paint."

"Another attraction in Kew Gardens, this gallery is dedicated to the work of Marianne North, a Victorian artist who specialised in botanical paintings. The walls of the gallery are covered in her stunning and colourful designs, which show off her incredible natural talent."

"Toddlers can let their imaginations run wild at the UK’s first Story Centre. A day pass includes entry to the Story World and Story Garden where you see tales like The Gruffalo brought to life by Story Builders. There are also storytelling sessions and family exhibitions which you can book onto."

"It is home to Kirkaldy's giant testing machine that clocks in at more than 47 feet long, along with other smaller, modern pieces of equipment. The Kirkaldy Machine is kept in working condition at the museum. The museum is available to the public on the first Sunday of each month."

"An unassuming unit steps away from a Pizza Express on a Marylebone side street houses some of the area’s best quality sushi. An extensive a la carte menu of sashimi and nigiri is where to head, with a nod to the seasonal razor clam and abalone if the time is right. The knowing wit of placing “bowl of boiled rice” on “hot, eat-in menu” says everything about Ohisama’s priorities; that said, the selection of vegetarian rolls, including a fine rendition of ume shiso, is a gesture of hospitality in a space so focussed on the quality and preparation of raw fish."

"If low-key, quick-in-quick-out sushi is what you’re after, you’ll be hard pressed to find better quality sushi in this part of central than Ohisama’s. This utilitarian spot has tables downstairs, but upstairs is almost entirely counter seating, and that’s where you want to be. If you go for one of the excellent omakase options, dinner will easily end up costing you £70 or more, but we tend to go for one of the lower priced sushi or sashimi sets which should be more than enough if you’re not quite up for making a night of it."