Discover Southend-on-Sea: Your Ultimate Coastal Guide

Welcome to Southend-on-Sea, a delightful British seaside resort that encapsulates the best of traditional coastal holidays. With its seven miles of sandy beaches, a grand pier, numerous attractions, and a variety of cafes and restaurants, Southend-on-Sea has something for every visitor. Positioned on the Essex coast and a mere 50 miles from London, it's a top choice for day trips and extended holidays alike.

Southend-on-Sea Highlights

Whether you're looking for Southend-on-Sea hotels, holiday cottages, guest houses, or attractions, this bustling seaside resort has got you covered. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Southend Pier: The world's longest pleasure pier, stretching an impressive 1.34 miles into the North Sea. First opened in 1889, it was once a base for steamships traveling to France and Holland. Today, it hosts a variety of events and is popular with anglers.
• Beaches: Southend-on-Sea boasts seven miles of beaches from Shoeburyness to Leigh-on-Sea, all of which received seaside awards in 2005. With six separate beaches, there’s ample space for everyone.
• Attractions: The town is home to an array of attractions including four museums, three theatres, two art galleries, seven libraries, three casinos, a bowling alley, a sea life centre, the largest fun park in the south-east, a skateboard park and BMX track, five leisure centres, and even an airport. Plus, there are several commercial attractions like an aquarium, permanent fun fair with rides and amusements, a large bowling centre, and numerous theatres.

Explore Canvey Island

Located just 3 miles west of Southend, Canvey Island is nestled in the Thames estuary and primarily consists of holiday homes and tourist facilities. It was heavily flooded in 1953, but now, its surroundings are well-protected by a robust sea wall reminiscent of Dutch sea defences. Canvey Island also offers two approved bathing beaches for visitors to enjoy.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Southend

Southend-on-Sea is brimming with places to visit, making it a perfect holiday destination for families, couples, and solo travellers. Here are some top attractions you should consider:

• Southend Pier: The world's longest pleasure pier.
• Southend Sea Life Adventure: An exciting aquarium with an underwater tunnel. Located at Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2ER. Contact: 01702 442200.
• Adventure Island: A theme park with 40 rides. Find it at Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE. Contact: 01702 443400.
• Kursaal: Offers tenpin bowling and other facilities. Located at Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2WW. Contact: 01702 322322.
• Southend Planetarium: Located at Southend Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6EW. Contact: 01702 434449.
• Belfair's Nature Reserve and Golf Course: Find it at Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4LR. Contact: 01702 520202.
• Kid's Kingdom: Located at Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Contact: 01702 462747.

Southend-on-Sea Map

Get a better feel for the area with this interactive map:

Other Coastal Activities

Whether you're a fan of sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, or kite sailing, Southend-on-Sea offers a wide range of activities for everyone. Explore our detailed activity listings for more information.

Local Pubs, Restaurants, and Shopping

Our listings also include details of local pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops in Southend-on-Sea. Stay tuned for updates on restaurants and shops coming soon.