Not only is Southend Pier a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Southend’s bright lights and buzzing tourist attractions, the pier itself is a historic landmark nearly two centuries old.
Travel from London to Southend return for £12.10 with our online advance tickets, bought 3+ days in advance.
You can buy your Off-Peak e-tickets on the c2c App, making your journey quicker and easier. Find out more about e-tickets.
How can I get to Southend Pier with c2c?
Take the train from London Fenchurch Street which will go direct through to Southend Central, and continue to Shoeburyness. The journey time from London is between 55 minutes – 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on which train you use.
Whether you’re travelling 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.
Why not download our app for the quickest way to buy your tickets and beat ticket office queues?
How long is Southend Pier?
A local hotspot for fisherman and joggers alike, this epic structure spans an impressive 1.34 miles.
Is Southend Pier the longest in the world?
Southend Pier is indeed the longest pleasure pier, not only in Europe, but the world!
What’s the history of Southend Pier?
This unassuming structure actually offers a vast history and detailed look into British seaside tourism. Originally, the pier was first built in 1830 as a 600ft wooden structure, but since then has undergone a full makeover into the ironclad behemoth you know today. It was initially designed to increase the growing popularity Southend had amongst Londoners to escape the city, and it worked so much so, it underwent two separate extensions across 50 years. A survivor of several fires, high wind damages, boat collisions and lest we forget two world wars, Southend Pier is a symbol of not just British tourism, but resilience and magnitude.
Where can I eat on Southend Pier?
The Royal Pavilion Cafe is the idyllic place to rest and take in the stunning view whilst enjoying barista coffees, fresh sandwiches, ice cream flavours aplenty and much more. You can also stop by the Pier Fish and Chips hut for some classic British seaside cuisine or drop in at the Tea with the Tide cafe for some sweet treats.
What can I see on Southend Pier?
Besides the picturesque views looking out to sea and back across the famous shingle beach spotted with holidaymakers, there are plenty of more sights to see. Some notable views include local fishers hoping to hook the biggest catch, to the infamous and sizeable seagulls flocking overhead. The Royal Pavilion is also a hotspot for scenic weddings, so you may even see a couple tying the knot! If you fancy learning more about the history of Southend Pier? Stop off at the Museum to see some of their interactive exhibits about the cultural and sociological heritage of the pier. Only £2.50 for adults and free for those under 16’s this is a must-visit on a day out to Southend.
What is the Southend Pier train?
If you’re a fan of railways, and we certainly are, then a trip on the Southend Pier Railway is a must. It’s a narrow gauge railway that runs for 1.25 miles of the 1.34 mile long pier. It runs every day that the pier is open and uses a single train that runs every half-hour, or over the busy season a 15-minute service. There are no stops so it takes you straight to the end of the Pier Head.
How much does the Southend Pier train cost?
A return trip on the pier train currently costs £5.80 for an adult, with lower prices for children and concessions. There are family tickets available, and you can choose to take the train in one direction and walk the other. You can find more information about train tickets here and opening times here.
How much does it cost to walk on Southend pier?
Walking both ways on the pier costs between £1 and £2 depending on time of year and whether you’re buying adult, child or senior tickets. You can see a full price list here.
How long does it take to walk down Southend pier?
The pier walk takes an average of just under 30 minutes in each direction.
