Southend

Overview

Want to discover the best things to do in Southend? We’ve put together a guide to all things Southend, covering everything from its history to our favourite places to eat. Read on to plan your day out…

Map & nearby attractions

More information

• Where is Southend-on-Sea?

  Southend-on-Sea is located in coastal southern Essex, along the Thames estuary.

• How much is a train ticket from London to Southend-on-Sea?

  Train tickets bought online three days in advance from London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central are £12.10 return. Kids also travel for £2 over weekends and during school holidays.

  Whether you’re traveling in a group or have the kids with you explore our great value ticket offers to make sure to get the best deal for you. Also check out our app and Smartcard for the quickest way to buy your tickets in advance and avoid ticket office queues.

• Is Southend-on-Sea a city? Does it have a cathedral?

  Yes, Southend is a city! It finally gained its city status in March 2022, in memory of the late Sir David Amess. It doesn’t have a cathedral, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t a must for a city.

• How far is Southend-on-Sea from London?

  Southend-on-Sea is an hour’s direct train journey from central London, making it one of the most easily accessible beach destinations from the city. Buying your train tickets with c2c is the best option when travelling from the city to Southend. We don’t charge booking fees, and offer exclusive ticket offers like our online advance discount, which is available for travel on ANY off-peak train bought online 3 or more days in advance.

• What is the population of Southend-on-Sea?

  Southend-on-Sea has a population of around 180,000 people, although it’s estimated that over 6 million tourists visit the area every year!

• Why should I go to Southend-on-Sea?

  With award-winning beaches, the longest pleasure pier in the world, and colourful beach huts, you won’t be short of things to do in Southend. You’re not far away from one of the best seaside spots in the country!

• What are the best things to do in Southend-on-Sea?

  There are plenty more things to do in Southend than soaking in the seaside nostalgia, although there’s lots of fun to be had doing that! Stroll the long, wooden 1.34 mile long pier (or take the shuttle train) and be rewarded with stunning views at the end; ride the roller-coasters at Adventure Island or play a round of crazy golf at Caddies; rent bikes and cycle along the seafront, enjoy some old-fashioned arcade fun, eat top notch fish and chips on the beach; or check out the latest cutting edge art at Focal Point gallery. There are also many beautiful bars overlooking the water to go for a refreshing drink, and top notch grub to rival London. Nearby in Thorpe Bay you can find colourful beach huts, or visit Leigh-on-Sea for quaint pubs with sea views and cobbled streets with cute boutiques.

• When should I go to Southend-on-Sea?

  When the sunshine hits, Southend is it. This is a destination designed for the warmer weather, especially if lounging in a deck chair eating an ice cream is on the agenda. However, the Thames Estuary does have a windswept romance year round with plenty of nature spots and historic sites for scenic walks. You can always warm up with fish and chips or a pint in a Southend pub afterwards.

  The Thames Estuary is tidal so depending whether you want sparkling sea views, or miles of mud, you might want to check the tide times before your visit.

• What’s the history of Southend-on-Sea?

  As traditionally one of the warmest and driest spots in the UK, the south end of the Essex Estuary has been a popular holiday destination since wealthy Tudors would take their boats up the river to get fresh air and sunshine, and even before this the area has evidence of habitation going back to the 6th century, with a 12 century Cluniac Priory and 14th century manor house. It wasn’t until the railways arrived in the 19th Century though, coupled with the introduction of bank holidays, that it took off as a seaside resort for normal folk to escape to and enjoy the beach for a couple of days. Seaside traditions like ice cream fish and chips and donkey rides all started – some of which are still going strong today! There are many more historical sites to explore in the area in our guide to historic Essex.

• What galleries and museums are there in Southend-on-Sea?

  It might be best known as a coastal city, but if you’re into art and culture you’ll still find a wide variety of things to do in Southend. Close to Southend Central Station is the Focal Point gallery which runs innovative exhibitions and events year-round that often reflect Southend’s relationship with the Thames Estuary. Down by the waterfront is Twenty One, a multi-purpose gallery, cafe, and events space. If you’re after history of the local area check out the Central Museum and Planetarium, which is also a god-send on a rainy day. Next to Central Museum is Beecroft Gallery which is the largest public art gallery in Essex, showcasing permanent and temporary exhibits.

• What festivals and events are there in Southend-on-Sea?

  Nearby to Southend, lovers of Folk Music should check out the Leigh Folk Festival in June and the Leigh Shanty Festival & Regatta in September. For more information on what’s on in Southend and what’s coming up, see Visit Southend’s guide.

• How can I get to Southend-on-Sea with c2c?

  If you’re keen to experience our top things to do in Southend, take the train from London Fenchurch Street to Southend (you can also hop on at Limehouse, West Ham or Barking) then alight at Southend Central where you’re a 10 minute walk away from the main seafront attractions. Or go a couple of stops up the line to Thorpe Bay (for the beach huts) and Shoeburyness if you’re looking for some quieter spots. Journey time from London is between 45 mins – 1hr. There are 4 trains per hour on weekdays.