Lively and cosmopolitan town. Discover seven miles (11 kilometres) of coastline, award-winning sand/shingle beaches and magnificent parks and gardens. The famous pier is the longest in the world, stretching for 1.33 miles into the Thames estuary - ride the little trains to the end, then trace its history at the museum. Children will love Adventure Island (ride the thrilling ‘Rage’ roller coaster), or head underwater at the Sea Life Adventure to come face-to-face with sharks. A game of ten pin bowling at the Kurssal is also a must. Southend's pedestrianised High Street is one of the region's top shopping destinations. When it gets dark there are fashionable nightspots, casinos and pubs, as well as theatre and classical music venues. Eating out can be whatever your mood dictates, from fish and chips on the Golden Mile to high class restaurants. Don’t miss some seafood al fresco style at the quaint cockle fishing village of Leigh-on-Sea.
Must see and do
- Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea
- Sealife Adventure, Southend-on-Sea
- Central Museum and Planetarium, Southend-on-Sea
- Prittlewell Priory, Southend-on-Sea
- Southchurch Hall Museum, Southend-on-Sea
- Southend Pier Museum, Southend-on-Sea
- Southend Pier, Southend-on-Sea
- Southend Airshow, Southend-on-Sea
- Southend Carnival, Southend-on-Sea
- Old Leigh Regatta, Leigh-on-Sea