Local area guide

Living in Canvey Island

Thinking about moving to Canvey Island? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.

Your guide to moving to Canvey Island

Why Canvey Island is a good place to live

Canvey Island offers a unique blend of history, nature and architecture, making it a wonderful place to call home. Living in Canvey Island, you'll experience the undeniable charm of the area's typical detached houses, mobile homes, bungalows and buildings reflecting a mix of 18th-century Dutch influence and 1930s modernism. The island offers a distinctive blend of natural and industrial landscapes that create a sense of 'bleak, quirky beauty', especially evident in areas like the marshes and Canvey Heights Country Park which offers striking views over Hadleigh Ray. Residents also enjoy the extensive network of flood defences, offering additional safety and peace of mind. Furthermore, the local schools, such as Canvey Junior, have earned a rating of 'outstanding' by Ofsted, highlighting the island's satisfactory educational standards.

What's Canvey Island famous for?

Canvey Island is famous for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps the most notable is its association with the band Dr Feelgood, which put the island on the map during the 1970s pub rock era. This musical legacy is documented in the rockumentary 'Oil City Confidential,' where Canvey Island was compared to Britain's Mississippi delta with its creeks, oil jetties and blues music. Another interesting fact is that Canvey Island was the site of the first liquefied natural gas delivery by container ship globally, marking a significant advancement in the petrochemical industry. Lastly, Canvey Island is famous for the Labworth Cafe and the Monico pub, classic examples of its architectural prowess and charm.

Things to do in Canvey Island

A myriad of activities make Canvey Island an intriguing place to explore. History enthusiasts can pay a visit to quaint landmarks such as the Labworth restaurant or the Lobster Smack pub, or delve into local history at the Heritage Centre and Dutch Cottages. Nature lovers have the chance to explore the island's breathtaking sceneries from the 'long, blue-painted seawall' to the abundant wildlife at the Canvey Wick nature reserve, one of Western Europe’s most biodiverse habitats. Canvey Island also offers a wealth of recreational activities for active individuals. Water sport opportunities abound, with sailing clubs, windsurfing areas and swimming clubs. For land-based sport, there's the Castle Point Golf Course and various opportunities for rugby, cricket, or martial arts. The unique setting and variety of engaging activities make Canvey Island an interesting place to live, visit or explore.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.

Average asking prices in Canvey Island today

We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£312,500

6 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£360,000

117 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£350,000

27 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£210,000

59 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Canvey Island

Whether you're looking to buy a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

Transport in Canvey Island

Find the nearest train stations and other transport links in Canvey Island.

Local connections

Benfleet
National Rail
1.1 miles / 1.8 km
Pitsea
National Rail
3.4 miles / 5.5 km
Leigh-on-Sea
National Rail
3.4 miles / 5.5 km
Rayleigh
National Rail
4.5 miles / 7.2 km
Chalkwell
National Rail
4.6 miles / 7.4 km
Basildon
National Rail
5.4 miles / 8.7 km

Schools in Canvey Island

Discover local primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Canvey Island.

Education in Canvey Island

Northwick Park Primary and Nursery Academy
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
The Cornelius Vermuyden School
Ages: 11 - 16 years old
Ofsted Rating: Special measures (2023)
Canvey Island Infant School and Nursery
Ages: 3 - 7 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2019)
Canvey Junior School
Ages: 7 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
St Katherine's Church of England Primary School
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2019)
Winter Gardens Academy
Ages: 2 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2022)

Local pubs in Canvey Island

In partnership with
useyourlocal
  • Oyster Fleet Hotel

    Canvey Island, Essex, SS8

    The Oysterfleet is an independently owned Hotel, Restaurant & Bar situated in the South of Essex. Built overlooking Canvey Island's picturesque lake, it is beautifully maintained lawns provide the perfect setting for Weddings.