Join The Leigh-on-sea Estuary Celebration Walk 23rd to 26th May

May 22, 2025

Join a four-day journey along the Thames Estuary: Jacktars and Landlubbers, part of T100’s Our River festival. Walkers and sailors move side by side, tracing the footsteps and wake of those who shaped this historic waterway.

Explore historic routes, uncover maritime and industrial heritage, and hear the untold stories of the Jacktars (sailors) and Landlubbers (labourers) who built the estuary’s rich history. Whether on foot or by boat, be part of this unique adventure and rediscover the Thames in a whole new way.

Day 1: Shoeburyness to Westcliff via Southend Pier

Take a gentle afternoon stroll along the Thames Estuary, with stories and local history shared as we go. Free admission to Southend Pier for T100 walkers

End-of-pier gig with Fitz & Sons – local legends take the stage from 4:30pm

Not up for the full walk? Join us just for the gig – meet at Southend Pier entrance at 4pm

Finish by the Thames at Westcliff, opposite the Thames Estuary Yacht Club

Perfect for: Local history lovers, families and music fans.

Booking Link: https://t100festival.co.uk/jacktars-landlubbers-day-1/

Day 2: Westcliff to Benfleet via Leigh Old Town

Young local sailors (‘The Cadets’) will be sailing alongside those on land, while the Threads for Tomorrow mobile boat structure parades with walkers from Westcliff to Leigh. Join for all or part of the journey:

Thames Estuary Yacht Club to Leigh: 9am–11:30am

Full walk: 9am–3pm

An optional visit to the Leigh Heritage Centre offers a deeper dive into the village’s rich maritime and fishing history.

12-12.30pm Leigh Heritage Centre Tour 1

12.30-1pm Leigh Heritage Centre Tour 1

Perfect for: Family-friendly fun between Thames Estuary Yacht Club and Leigh, local history and nature between Leigh and Benfleet.

Booking Link: https://t100festival.co.uk/jacktars-landlubbers-day-2/

Day 3: Benfleet to Pitsea, finishing at Thameside Nature Discovery Park

A longer day’s walk – ideal for seasoned walkers or join us for these accessible stretches:

Benfleet to Pitsea (2 train stations): 9:00–11.30am

Thameside Nature Discovery Park Finale: 5–6pm

The Finale includes morris dancing by the all-female troupe Hands Around and a special conservation talk by the Park Manager.

Perfect for: Long-distance walkers, ramblers and nature lovers.

Booking Link: https://t100festival.co.uk/jacktars-landlubbers-day-3/

Day 4: Stanford-le-Hope to Grays – via East Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort, and Tilbury

Join for the whole journey or dip into key scenic and historic sections:

Stanford le Hope to East Tilbury (between train stations)

East Tilbury to Coalhouse via the sea wall

Tilbury Town to

Final stop: The Wharf, Grays – for a celebratory end-of-festival gathering – A Bit of a Do! 4–8pm

Perfect for: Local walkers, heritage fans, and music lovers.

Booking Link: https://t100festival.co.uk/jacktars-landlubbers-day-4/