Location: Southend-on-Sea
Top Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
10 Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea That You Shouldn't Miss
Southend-on-Sea (/ˈsaʊθɛnd ɒn ˈsiː/ ( listen)), commonly referred to as simply Southend, is a town and wider unitary authority area with borough status in southeastern Essex, England. It lies on the north side of the Thames Estuary, 40 miles (64 km) east of central London. It is bordered to the north by Rochford and to the west by Castle Point. It is home to the longest leisure pier in the world, Southend Pier. London Southend Airport is located 1.5 NM (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) north of the town centre.
Restaurants in Southend-on-Sea
1. Old Leigh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 819 reviews
Reviewed By mikepaterson - Essex, England
I regularly cycle to Old Leigh. It is s lovely place that retains a quaint old world charm. It is often very busy and that is not surprising given the bars, restaurants and cockle sheds. The CAMRA multi award winning Mayflower Pub ( named after the ship that took the Puritans from Leigh and other places to America) offers great real ales and fantastic fish and chips, and there are Beaches, boats and lovely country walks. Not to be missed.
2. Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By keith l - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom
I doubt you could find anywhere better than Belfairs Wood and Nature reserve. Wide open spaces great forest walks and so special if you take children or just go with your dogs. Beautiful outside Seating area so calm and peaceful, and extremely friendly staff serving homemade cakes and produce that is so reasonably priced. I took young friends but have also taken elderly relations and its so good for either age group.
3. Palace Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By brian t - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
What a rare treasure for southendians! a beautiful old building that hasn't been pulled down or derelict! A good rake ensures all have a good view of the stage, and with a good range of amateur and professional productions and even a small studio for more specialist productions, there is over a course of time something for everyone. It is always a joy to visit and feel part of its history, long may it continue.
4. Adventure Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Adventure Island Fun Park is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outragous RAGE roller coaster. You don't pay to enter, you ride the rides with our great value all day ride bands.
Reviewed By Jewelsju - Krakow, Poland
It use to be cheap and cheerful came to mind when I thought of adventure island.
It's become very Americanised and over priced.
But it's still a must do every summer for us lot from Essex.
5. Hadleigh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By COYS43 - Essex, United Kingdom
Poped to hadleigh castle for a lovely walk and picnic with my Mrs and my 3 year old boy and our dog molly .great place to visit interesting remains of a castle also lovely views across the sea! Bet it’s beautiful there in the summer .we are going back then .
6. Shoebury East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By 610diane - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
We caught a bus to get here and they were every 10 minutes. There is a long grassy park next to the beach, which is very pleasant. We saw a big colony of Sea Holly, with vivid blue stems, leaves and flowers growing in the beach area and could hear sea birds around us. It was sunny and calm and we had a lovely morning here.
7. Priory Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By ProofIsInThePudding - Essex, United Kingdom
Visited here on a weekend.
It's a huge park with a bandstand (which has music in the summer). We visited Priory Museum which sits quietly in the middle of the park. We skipped the information centre / cafe opposite it and went straight into the Museum. We were greeted by two really friendly guides who gave some background to the building.
It's completely free to visit. Lots of interactive displays. Sat in the parlour listening to readings of the Priory Times. So fortunate that the building and land were preserved.
There is some parking but probably can get busy in the middle of summer.
Recommended.
8. Cliffs Pavilion Theatre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 721 reviews
Reviewed By mikepaterson - Essex, England
I have been to the Cliffs Pavilion countless times for Concerts, events, charity balls, comedy nights, weddings etc. In recent years thay have attracted some top stars and acts. I have seen many iconic bands play here and also comedy events and also Darren Brown about 5 times. Food and drinks are good. Parking is OK but best to get there early to park close by for big events.
9. Chalkwell Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By bigbarryEssex - essex
Lovely flowers great to walk about..taking in the fresh air..and admiring the lovely scenery..you could just stroll around here for hours.
10. Southend Pier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Southend Pier is the worlds longest pleasure Pier at one and a third miles or two point two kilometres. You may walk or take a unique ride on a Pier train. Visit the lifeboat station and gift shop, and stop for refreshments in Salt café.
Reviewed By kellyrochford - London
Piers are from the past and are dying, at southend they struggle to maintain it. It is still a nice walk. The staff are struggling with upkeep but try with lack of funds. Maybe needs some private Enterprise to inject money and run it. Dissapointed...MoreThank you for your comments. We will pass these on to the management team at the cafe.
