You won’t be stuck for something to do in Rayleigh and the surrounding areas. There’s golf, horse riding, a leisure centre, several cricket, football, rugby and bowls clubs, a swimming pool within a couple of miles and watersports and flying at Southend. You can also visit the restored 19th century Rayleigh windmill, one of the local galleries and museums or take a stroll though Chalkwell Park and Gardens. Local walkers flock to nearby Hadleigh Country Park, an historic site that boasts magnificent wildlife and the remains of 13th century Hadleigh Castle. The site is brought bang up-to-date as a designated venue for the hill cycling event in the London 2012 Olympics.

Rayleigh has a lovely night time atmosphere with plenty of wine bars, bistros and restaurants. You can take in a show at the Mill Arts Centre or head to Southend to catch the latest blockbusters or a West End production at the Cliffs Pavillion.

Rayleigh is a town for today and tomorrow, for young and old and is a truly charming place to call home.