Pictures of Canvey Island

in the county of Essex

Take a picture tour of Canvey Island

About Canvey Island

It is hard to believe that Canvey Island sits along a coastline which was once a famous haunt of smugglers who steered their craft along creeks between mud-flats to deliver plundered whisky and brandy to local ale-houses. But so it was and this place which in 1953 was cruelly battered by the ravages of a stormy sea, has an equal share of tales to tell of mysterious happenings on dark, murky nights long ago.

A new sea wall has been built since the great storm of the last century and Canvey Island has become a play ground for Londoner's seeking a weekend retreat away from the City. Behind the sea wall, the land is almost entirely covered with holiday bungalows and chalets, some are owner occupied and some let out to holiday-makers. Peer across the sea wall and you have an excellent view across the Thames shipping lanes, to the Isle of Grain, on the Kent side of the river. Beneath the wall a sand and shingle beach attracts families, who swim, sun-bathe, enjoy picnics and do a bit of cockle picking. Pleasurable pastimes here include messing around in boats and fishing.

At nearby Two Tree Island, two round towers each approximately 36ft in diameter, stand like sentinels on a lofty mound. They are the best preserved parts of Hadleigh Castle, the mighty fortress built by Edward III in the 14th-century to guard against invasion from the French. Henry had been victorious in France, he feared retaliation.

The mudflats, marshes and windswept grass of Two Tree Island, have for decades been a haven for wildlife. The island is now a nature reserve of national importance, providing excellent opportunities for watching wildfowl in winter. In the summer the area becomes a riot of colour as wild flowers burst into bloom attracting delicate, colourful butterflies. This is a very special place, beloved by nature lovers from all over - it is fully deserving of a visit but please remember to stick to the way marked paths, so as not to disturb the birds. To the western edge of the island there is a lagoon where waders can be seen.

Getting around is not a problem, both Canvey Island and Two Tree, have ample foot and bridle paths. Leigh Beck is within easy walking distance, so too, is Canvey Point.

With a pleasant coast, intriguing creeks to explore, views across the Thames estuary to Allhallows and beyond, it is not surprising that Canvey Island is a popular tourist destination, not just for summer but all year round.

Attractions and places to visit include: Pitsea Hall Country Park, Hadleigh Castle, Hadleigh Country Park, Two Tree Island, enjoy a sea fishing trip, take a trip up the Thames, or spend a day at lively Southend-on-Sea.

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Recommended towns & villages near Canvey Island

	Leigh-on-Sea At Leigh, visitors will find a small sandy beach and a narrow High Street containing lovely old fishermen's cottages. The resort is situated close to Leigh Marsh Nature Reserve and Two Tree Island, a lonely expanse of windswept grass and saltings... Information \| Pictures (54) \| Hotels
	Southend-on-Sea Southend-on-Sea is mostly known for its long pier and large amusement park - Adventure Island, which has rides to suit all tastes and all ages... Information \| Pictures (90) \| Hotels
	Sheerness This is the port to which Nelson's body was brought home following his untimely death after his glorious victory at the Battle of Trafalgar... Information \| Pictures (8) \| Hotels
	Gravesend Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world... Information \| Pictures (121) \| Hotels
	Greenhithe Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels

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Recommended attractions near Canvey Island

	Hadleigh Castle Built by the Normans on the approach to London, lived in by 3 queens; Catherine of Aragon, Anne of Cleves and Catherine Parr...... Information \| Pictures (8) \| Hotels
	Adventure Island This is the number one theme park in the Southeast of England, a great place for anyone at any age, especially children and tiny..... Information \| Pictures (4) \| Hotels
	One Tree Hill Country Park .. Information \| Pictures (2) \| Hotels
	Westley Heights Country Park .. Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
	Upnor Castle The romantic ruins of this fabled centuries old fortress occupies one of the most delightful sites in England. The castle was..... Information \| Pictures (32) \| Hotels

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Hotels & Accommodation in Canvey Island

	The Balmoral Hotel 32-34 Valkyrie Road, Westcliff On Sea, Essex, Essex, England (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction E) You can be sure of the very warmest welcome to the most luxurious appointed hotel in Southend. Situated just a short walk from the mainline train station, shops and all major attractions. We also offe... More info and book online.. Price from £55.00
	The Westcliff Hotel 18-20 Westcliff Parade, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, England (5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction E) The Westcliff Hotel is a Spendid Victorian Hotel, close to the sea front with spectacular views over the sea. licenced Wedding and conference hotel situtated close to the seafront. The Westcliff Hot... More info and book online.. Price from £68.00
	Tower Hotel 146 Alexandra Road, Southend On Sea, Essex, England (5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction E) Excellently situated hotel in Southend, within the prestigious conservation area. Within walking distance, you will find places of interest such as the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff Casino and Southend S... More info and book online.. Price from £45.00
$Book the Ilfracombe House Hotel in 9-13 Wilson Rd, Southend On Sea, Essex, England$	Ilfracombe House Hotel 9-13 Wilson Rd, Southend On Sea, Essex, England (5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction E) Singles from 39, double/twins from 49 with breakfast. AA 4-Diamond luxury hotel. 20 en suite rooms. Private car park. All rooms have 19 Sky/TV channels with free Sky Sports/Movies, DVD, free wireless ... More info and book online.. Price from £44.00
	The Gleneagles Hotel 5-6 Clifftown Parade, Southend On Sea, Essex, England (5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction E) The hotel is situated within Southend's tranquil conservation area, and enjoys spectacular panoramic sea views. Gleneagles is a Grade II listed building, which has now been completely refurbished ... More info and book online.. Price from £29.00

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Nearby travel help

Benfleet Station	(1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction N)
Leigh-on-Sea Station	(3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction NE)
M2 Junction 1	(10.1 miles, 16.2 km, direction SW)
M2 Junction 2	(10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction SW)
London City Airport	(22.4 miles, 36.1 km, direction W)
London Stansted Airport	(29.2 miles, 47.0 km, direction NW)
Canvey Island to London	(30.4 miles, 48.9 km, direction W)