Southend on Sea
Southend-on-Sea boasts great visitor attractions, whatever your age or interests.
Its proximity to London by train makes it one of the most popular resorts in the country and with its world-famous pier, attracts visitors from all over the world.
Things to do
Southend Pier and Esplanade
Stretching 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary, this is the world's longest pleasure pier, with people visiting the town just to walk its length and admire the view back to Southend.
With a 'Golden Mile' of amusements and arcades stretching back along the shore, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.
The Kursaal
With its distinct domed roof, the Kursaal remains one of Southends' primary attractions.
After extensive refurbishment in the late 90s, the building now hosts 30 lanes of state-of-the-art ten pin bowling, themed bars and restaurants, and a casino.
Adventure Island
Located on the seashore, this small, clean family theme park offers over 30 rides for all ages.
Depending on how much time you have, you can either buy a wristband for the day or pay-as-you-ride if you're feeling more selective. Rides include Vortex, Green Scream and the most recent addition, Rage.
From now until November we're offering free rail travel when you visit Adventure Island. Learn more here.
Take a look at their website to learn more about the range of great things to do.
Beaches
You'll be spoilt for choice for somewhere to take a dip in the Southend area.
With Jubilee Beach and Three Shells Beach near the town centre and beaches at Shoeburyness, Thorpe Bay, Leigh-on-Sea and Chalkwell, the area provides a host of options for sunseekers.
Go to our Shoeburyness page for more details.
Shopping
There are literally hundreds of shops in Southend ranging from well-known high street names to more obscure, high quality independent boutiques.
Southend High Street adheres to this general rule nicely with the Royals Shopping Centre at the south end containing 30 or so shops including Boots, Debenhams, TK Maxx and Primark.
The Victoria Plaza Shopping Centre is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment program to bring it into the 21st Century and will offer visitors undercover shopping for all seasons.
With Hamlet Court Road, once known as the 'Bond Street of Southend', experiencing a resurgence by attracting department stores and bijou boutiques alike, there is plenty in Southend for all you shopaholics.
Add to all this a large number of museums, galleries, parks, gardens, restaurants and cafes, you can see that Southend is well worth a visit. Please go to the Visit Southend website to learn more.