AboutBritain.com Logo
You are here:  Towns -> Places to Visit in Essex -> Southend

Things to do in Southend, Essex

Southend Pier
The Pier ©Shutterstock /Liubov Terletska

Southend-on-Sea, often known simply as Southend, is a popular seaside resort in Essex. It is on the north side of the Thames Estuary about 40 miles from the centre of London. Its main claim to fame is Southend Pier, the longest in the world at 1.34 miles.

The town developed as a popular resort in the Georgian era and its close proximity to London made it the ideal getaway for a day or longer by the sea.

Beach Huts at Thorpe Bay, nr Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Thorpe Bay ©Shutterstock /Sue Chillingworth

Maintaining the world's longest pier is not an easy task. It has had several ships run into it, the most recent being in 2005.

A major fire in 1976 meant the loss of many of the pierhead facilities, and another fire in 1995 burnt out the bowling alley but the pier continues to operate.

A train runs the full length of the pier for those who do not want to walk the 2½ mile return journey.

The Kursaal, Southend on Sea
The Kursaal ©Shutterstock /Paul J Martin

Since the 1960s, British seaside tourism has declined, forcing many seaside towns to diversify their economies. Southend has been redeveloped to make way for commerce.

HM Revenue and Customs now have extensive office space there along with the VAT office. It also has many jobs in the service and insurance industries.

In 2003 the unstable cliffs slipped and the former cliff gardens, bandstand and Never Never Land theme park had to close. 

Present Day Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea has a population of around 164,000 residents. Its main attraction is the seafront and pier which was originally built in 1830.

Sunset at Southend sea front, looking out to sea
Seafront Sunset ©Shutterstock /S.m.u.d.g.e.

It boasts a full seven miles of award-winning beaches with many watersports. The town has beautiful parks, gardens, museums and art galleries.

Student Accommodation at the University of Essex, Southend on Sea
Student Accommodation ©Shutterstock /Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB

The area is known for its fresh seafood and some of the best cockles can be found at Leigh-on-Sea. Southend also has a Golden Mile of restaurants for dining out.

Thames Estuary as it passes Leigh-On-Sea
Thames Estuary passing Leigh-On-Sea ©Shutterstock /S.m.u.d.g.e.

The Victoria Shopping Centre is at the top of the High Street and has most chain stores represented.

There are nine railway stations serving Southend-on-Sea on two lines which provide easy access for visitors and commuters into the city. The Southend Cliff Railway is a funicular railway which runs from the promenade to the cliff top.

Southend Sea Front Fountain
Sea Front ©Shutterstock /Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB

Southend also has a small airport which was originally a military airport at Rochford. It provides pilot training and scheduled flights to Jersey. Plans for expansion of the terminal are under discussion.

Southend has retained a grammar school educational system and has four secondary schools as well as a university. 

Things to do in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea has plenty of attractions for everyone. It has three theatres including the Cliffs Pavilion which hosts many productions on ice.

The Big Dipper at the Southend funfair
Big Dipper ©Shutterstock /DavidYoung

The Edwardian Palace Theatre dates back to 1912 and is a Grade II listed building. The seats are said to have the steepest pitch in England.

An early theme park has now been turned into housing but the listed entrance hall accommodates the Megabowl Alley and Casino.

Adventure Island theme park has grown over the years and now has 50 rides.

Further along the seafront is the SeaLife Adventure Aquarium with its many marine animals including sharks.

Colorful Beach Huts at Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Beach Huts ©Shutterstock /Martin Parratt

In the summer the Festival of Air takes place at Southend and is one of the largest free air displays in Europe.

It includes military jets and aerobatic displays over the sea and the RAF Falcons and Red Arrows entertain the huge crowds.

If you're visiting Southend-on-Sea for the first time, you'll find our guide to things to do for adults very useful: https://www.aboutbritain.com/articles/fun-things-to-do-in-southend-on-sea-for-adults.asp

Share this page




Self Catering

the appartment
Albion Place - 11 Miles
Admiralty Gate
11 Admiralty Gate - 12 Miles

more self catering near Southend...

Copyright © 1999-2025 Excelsior Information Systems Ltd. All rights reserved.
About Us  Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Index  Site Map  Contact Us

Made with Responsive Grid System by Graham Miller