Spend some time in the suburb of Southend-on-Sea.

DAYTIME

Park life

Discover beautiful ornamental gardens, colourful bedding displays, an environmental garden, a courtyard style sun garden and a rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society at Chalkwell Park.

There's also two children's playgrounds, a skatepark, tennis and basketball courts too...

Great British Life: Katy Pearson paddleboarding with Saltwater SUPKaty Pearson paddleboarding with Saltwater SUP (Image: Katy Pearson)

Try out paddleboarding

Saltwater SUP, is a fully accredited British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) school based at Chalkwell beach. Spend time learning how to stand up paddle board with qualified SUP instructors. Saltwater SUP social club offers for fun on and off the water too.

saltwater-sup.co.uk

Get pampered

Established in 1998, Eden Beauty and Aesthetics is a place of complete indulgence in the heart of Chalkwell. Offering everything from massages and facials to semi permanent make-up, the salon's treatment of the month offers are also hugely popular.

edenbeautyandaesthetics.co.uk/

EVENING TIME

Take a sunset stroll

Chalkwell beach is a sandy beach with groynes backed by a grassy area. There's a seawater paddling pool that is also a crabbing hotspot for youngsters.

The Crowstone - a granite obelisk from the 1800s - can also be spotted on the beach off Chalkwell Esplanade.

Wine o'clock

A cosy cross between a candle lit Parisian cellar bar and your Nan’s old kitchen, the Cork Dork has an impressive wine list with over 100 wines with most available by the glass. Enjoy your tipple with a cheese and charcuterie board.

iamthecorkdork.co.uk

Party time

Surrounded by beautiful views of Chalkwell Park, the Chalkwell Park Rooms is a popular venue for weddings, parties and events. Whether you require a three-course meal function for 100, or a corporate conference event, the Chalkwell Park Rooms can deliver.

parkviewchalkwell.co.uk/

EATING AND DRINKING

Grab a coffee

Saltwater Beach Cafe is a warm and friendly café on Chalkwell Beach, offering more than just coffee and ice cream (the bagels are top notch!) Temple Cafe, opposite Chalkwell Park, is another popular coffee spot and specialises in freshly made sandwiches.

saltwaterbeachcafe.co.uk | templecafe.co.uk

Great British Life: Saltwater Beach CafeSaltwater Beach Cafe (Image: Saltwater Beach Cafe)

Middle-Eastern cuisine

Baboush, on Chalkwell's Ridgeway, is a Turkish restaurant serving the very finest of Middle-Eastern cuisine. Dining at Baboush is available both inside the restaurant and outside on the terrace. Wednesdays are 'bring your own wine'.

baboushleigh.com/

Vegan delight

Stoked is a southern American style vegan BBQ joint in London Road, Chalkwell. Stoked regularly sells out of its one of kind food where the menu changes every 6-8 weeks. You can also find an impressive craft beer, wine and cocktail offering.

stokedveganbbq.com/

SHOPPING

Whatever the occasion

Chantilly Lace Bridalwear is an independent prom dress and bridalwear boutique in London Road. The team offer colour–coordinated bridesmaids and grooms accessories as well as personalised styling advice and exclusive designs.

chantillylacebridalwear.com

Interiors revamp?

From that living room armchair to a complete suite of office chairs, the skilled upholsterers at Pricketts can refurbish any piece of furniture, no matter the scale. Established 65 years ago, the team offer a free shop or home consultation.

prickettsupholstery.co.uk/

Sweet music

Piano Pavilion, in London Road, is one of the largest piano showrooms in Essex, specialising in pre-owned acoustic pianos including uprights, grands and baby grands and PianoDisc installations. All pianists of all abilities are welcome to play the pianos any day.

pianopavilion.com