Southend

Not the best day to go to Southend, but I decided to go anyway, getting the train from Fenchurch Street, as it goes along the coast and is a much prettier route than the one from Liverpool Street.   Also,it's quicker, and the station is more conveniently situated.

I arrived in time for a late lunch, which I had at a little cafe in a side street - one which serves things like English breakfasts all day.   Then it was off down to the front, where it was quite chilly and blustery - fortunately I was well-wrapped up, but it would have still been rather cold standing still.

I had intended to walk to Leigh-on-Sea, and get the train back to London form there, but by that time it was dark, with no moon, and I was starting to get cold.   Also I hadn't realised how far Leigh-on-Sea was from Westcliff-on-Sea, which I passed on the way.   On the train, it seems hardly any distance, but in fact it must be a good mile and a half.   I tried to find my way in the dark  through the gardens to what I thought should be about the right place; finding it wasn't, I asked how far it was, and discovered it was much further along.   So I decided to go back to Westcliff, which was on the main road and get the bus from there.