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The seaside town of Southend holds everything one could desire from a trip to the coast, whether it be the undeniably British stroll along a pebbled beach with a cone of chips or a thrilling day out to the amusement park.
Adored by the locals as an easy escape from the bustle of everyday life which you can hardly believe is in Essex, Southend really is worth a visit this summer.
Here is a guide on Things to do in Southend
The Most popular thing to do in Southend
Southend Pier
No visit to Southend-on-sea will be complete without visiting Southend Pier click here for more information about visiting Southend-on-sea pier.
Piers are an iconic UK seaside image as every time I think of visiting the seaside in the UK, I think of walking along the pier whether its sunny rainy or blowing a gale.
The pier is normally the place to have a go in the arcades or get some chips and sit down looking out to sea.
Famously known for being the longest pleasure Pier in the world, a trip to Southend isn’t complete without a trip to this major landmark.
I am amazed that Southend on sea has the world’s longest pleasure pier. The pier is 1.3 miles long that just seems incredible
With ticket prices starting at just £1 to walk both ways in the winter months (another bonus, it’s open all year round) this is an easy way to see the town on a budget.
You can walk along the pier or take the train or get a single train ticket then walk back. Since a return walk would be 2.6 miles, I would be getting the train with my mobility limitations.
A return train ticket currently costs £5.50 per adult and £2.70 for children oaps students and disabled. You still have to pay to walk along the pier. The trains run on the hour and half past from the shore end and quarter past and quarter to from the Pier head.
No dogs are allowed on the pier except guidance dogs.
You can fish on the pier but you need to get a permit to do this. Its lovely to watch the fishermen and see what they have managed to catch.
The last entry onto the Pier is one hour before closing. Opening times are seasonal and may change annually.
If you need a wheelchair, you can hire one from the Visitor Information Centre by calling them in advance on .
There are toilets facilities on the pier including disabled toilet and baby changing facilities.
Southend Pier Museum
There is a museum on the pier which is located underneath the train station at the shore end. Its £2 over 14 £1 5-13 and free for under 5s. The pier museum is not for profit, so the cost goes into running the museum. The museum has some interesting things including an 1850s tram.
Southend cliff railway
The Cliff Lift built in 1912 runs between Western Esplanade and Clifton Terrace, near will The Royals shopping centre which is along the promenade.
Southend cliff list offers excellent views of Southend including the pier.
It is run by volunteers so doesnt always run on time but visit it leisurely and it will be a great experience in southend. Its costs 51p each way
The lift can hold up to 13 people (which includes the operator) and has a ramp for disabled access and pushchairs. The maximum number is dependent on how many pushchairs/wheelchairs are on board.
It has got steps along the side so you dont have to use the lift but it’s a bit of a novelty fun thing to do.
Beaches in Southend
When you by the sea there is no greater thing to do apart from sitting on a beach. If the weather is sunny then this is an ideal thing to do in Southend. But even if its breezy a walk along the beach will clear your cobwebs.
There are several beaches in Southend including Three shells beach and Jubilee beach. Here are some of the best beaches in southend to check out.
Chalkwell Beach
Is well worth a visit when in Southend. It has benefits from being away from the sometimes busy Southend high street. Grab a bucket and spade from the local shops and you’re sorted for the day. Click here for information to plan your trip to Chalkwell Beach.
Shoebury East Beach
Just a small way out from Southend high street, Shoebury East Beach is the perfect option for a day sunbathing (or perhaps just a day sitting on the sand if the weather fails).
With ice creams and the option to rent out beach huts, it’s easy to spend the day here. Plus, there’s kite surfing available for adventure seekers. Click here is you want to see more pictures of Shoebury East Beach.
Thorpe Bay
Another beach worth a visit among many in Southend is Thorpe Bay, commended for its beautiful views.
Well known for being cleaner than most other beaches, this might be the one to visit if you’re looking for a walk along a quieter, more secluded area. Click here to find out what others think of Thorpe Bay in Southend on sea
Explore Southend Outside
Look at southend parks and gardens to get some fresh air. Also, great if you are looking for something to do in southend with a dog.
Priory Park
If you’re looking for a scenic place to sit down for a picnic in southend, or simply wanting to stroll around somewhere with some greenery, Priory Park ticks all the boxes.
It is particularly striking in the summer, the abundance of flowers in the gardens making it all the more impressive. Find out more about Priory Park in Southend here.
Southend Cliff Gardens
There is also Southend cliff gardens, a lovely place to walk.in southend to get amazing views over the Thames estuary.
It’s a great free thing to do in Southend. The gardens have some exotic plants and plenty of places to sit and rest. Click here for more details on Southend Cliff Gardens.
Belfair’s Woods
For nature lovers, Belfair’s Woodland Centre is a great place to explore when you’ve had enough of all the beaches. Acting as both a great walking route in Southend and an education centre, this is a great place to spend a day while also supporting the Wildlife Trust.
Spend some cash and do some shopping in Southend
The Royals Shopping Centre
The Royals Shopping Centre has a wide range of shops making this the only place you need a bit of retail therapy in Southend.
With a fair few small coffee shops and cafes dotted around for the much-needed break you’ll need after walking around the shops, which cover top to bottom of the high street, shopping here can be a pleasant day out. Find out what shops are at the Southend shopping centre here.
Depending on when you visit there may be one of the monthly or weekly Southend markets taking place, in which stalls selling everything from homemade crafts and baked goods line the high street. Find a Southend Market here
Although this is much more fulfilling in the winter months, with mulled wine there to warm you up, you can find some gems in these free entry events.
Family friendly things to do in+ Southend
Adventure Island
This free admission amusement park is something of a celebrity among those who grew up in the vicinity of Southend-on-Sea, it being one of the only ways to guarantee all-day entertainment for a child.
Yet, the charming atmosphere created by the smell of cotton candy and the twinkling lights of the rides means this remains a must see even for adults.
Purchasing a wristband covers you for all rides, the 40 plus attractions guaranteed to appeal to all ages. Wristbands vary from £15 to £22.50 depending on height of the user.
The park is wheelchair accessible.
Arcades
Although Southend-on-Sea is ideal to visit in the warmer months, the unreliable British weather makes the bright lights and shelter of the arcades is always a fun way to seek refuge.
The entire strip towards the beach, Marine Parade, is lined with everything from slot machines to air hockey tables.
This is a British thing to do at the seaside get your pennies or rather pound coins now a days and have some fun on the slot machines. A great activity for kids and adults in southend.
The Sea Life Centre
Aside from what you would expect to see at a Sea Life Centre, Southend’s Sea Life Adventure has plenty to offer for entertainment when visiting the town.
Attend the penguin feed or listen in on the shark talk to make the most out of the £17.50 ticket (though concession and family discounts are available) to guarantee an exciting trip.
All areas of southend sealife centre are considered accessible and wheelchair friendly.
Mini Golf
There’s plenty of fun to be found in around of mini golf in Southend, the access to the beach and high street being a massive selling point of this one.
If you have a few hours to spare you’re guaranteed a laugh, and with prices starting at just £6 when purchased online there’s little to lose (aside from your dignity) and everything to gain.
The Kursaal
If you’re local to Southend then you will have already heard all about the rich history of The Kursaal from your family members but if not, there is still the chance to see it for yourself. Once a grand amusement centre, the building now contains a bowling alley and casino. The Kursaal has a soft play area for kids.
Hadleigh Farm
Most suitable for a family day out in Southend. This farm nearby to central Southend is dedicated to conservation and protection of rare breeds of animal. Children have the opportunity to feed the animals and there is a tearoom for the adults, making for a pleasant trip for just £5.20.
Hadleigh Castle
You might have to take a small drive out if you’re looking for some history in Southend, yet with free entry and generous open hours Hadleigh Castle is the ideal place to be. The castle is situated on a hill ideal for picnics and dog walks, so scenic it was allegedly the favorite place for King Edward III to stay!
Old Leigh
Another seaside location nearby to Southend-on-Sea, the quaintness of Old Leigh makes it ideal for walk along the seafront followed by a pint in one of its popular classic English pubs. Watch the boats go by while enjoying some dinner, or visit earlier in the day to browse many of the idyllic independently owned shops.
Southend Museums
If you’re not familiar with Southend-on-Sea and have time to spare, then it’s worth a trip to one of the handful of museums situated just before the high-street. The visitor’s centre and gift shop can be a good way to spend a rainy afternoon and, if history isn’t your thing, there is also an art gallery. Read more about Southends Museums here.
Get your adrenaline pumping in Southend
Escape Live
For thrill seekers, an escape room is an exciting way to get a group of friends together when in Southend-on-Sea. Giving you just an hour to escape from a locked room, this tests teamwork skills as well as the strength of your friendships and offers a variety of themes such as Sherlock and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Hide and Shriek
The much-loved Hide and Shriek has earned itself the title of Essex’s number 1 scare attraction for its extreme scare tactics, offering people a chance to simulate conducting an exorcism as just an example. It seems this one is not for the faint hearted, but the ratings must be so glowing for a reason.
Things to do at night in Southend
Food and Drink in Southend
People in Essex love a good night out and Southend on Sea has its fair share of bars and restaurants to make a great evening out in Southend.
There are two casinos along the waterfront which also have nightly entertainment.
If you’re after a little tipple, try Revolution the vodka bar. I visited the ones in Bristol and Manchester and love trying the different vodka mint aero vodka was amazing.
There are several music bars in Southend if you’re after something lively in the evening check out Chinnery’s.
You will be spoilt for choice of finding somewhere to eat in Southend they have restaurants of all cuisines and budgets. The top southend restaurants are Monti Ristorante Italiano, Turkish restaurant Barru and Red Chillies for some India cuisine.
The Cliffs Pavilion
Admittedly at its best during the Christmas period when putting on cheesy pantomime adaptations of holiday classics, The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre puts on plays all year round from comedy clubs to tribute shows.
This has always been a crowd pleaser, even for those who don’t claim to enjoy the arts and is rather affordable compared to nearby London theatres.
See what shows are on in Southends Theatre here
I hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in Southend-on-sea if you are visiting soon you will have fun.
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