Location: Southend-on-Sea
Top Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
Things to do in Southend-on-Sea, England: The Best Nature & Parks
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. Shoebury East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By stevevO2023TR - Shoeburyness, United Kingdom
Hired a beach hut, Number 13 - The Beach Lounge. Located on a quiet piece of the beach with a beautiful sea view. East Beach is spacious with clean toilets and a large car park that are just a few minutes walk from the long sandy beach (and the beach hut.) I'm typing this whilst sitting on the beach hut terrace, ice cream in my other hand whilst the kiddies hunt for crabs in the rock pool that is opposite, sun is shining, its absolute bliss!! The beach hut is well equipped, fresh coffee / paddle boards / crab nets/ buckets and spades and a few board games too. Fresh air and family time, this is just what we all needed. We'll be back.
2. Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By 421brendap
A lovely place to walk, ride a bike, see nature especially squirrels all safely. Even a small adventure playground. We always have a great time
3. Gunners Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By martinthehackEssexUK - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
I'm very lucky as I get to walk my dog here almost every day, and I never tire of it, especially when it's overcast and there are few people around.Splendid isolation. Great place for dog walkers with plenty of bins, so it's a shame that quite a few fail to pick up after their dogs. There's no excuse and spoils it for others. That aside, the views over the estuary are stunning and the lake is full of birdlife while the conserved military buildings and some cannons, add to the interest. Worth a visit and free parking.
4. Chalkwell Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
A park with beautiful ornamental gardens, colourful bedding displays, an environment garden, a courtyard-style sun garden and a rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society. The park is home to Metal, a local Arts company that host a number of events here throughout the year. Facilities include: Beautiful ornamental gardens; Colourful bedding displays; An environment garden; Courtyard style sun garden; Rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society; Football; Cricket; Tennis; Basketball; Skate/BMX 2; children's playgrounds; Cafe and function room.
Reviewed By natalieereviews
Lovely park! Well maintained hardly any littler there.in summer the flowers look lovely. Plenty to do as there are 2 big fileds,basketball court,tennis courts (need to pay to access those though) play ground area for bigger childen,play ground area for smaller children. Lovely family atmosphere
5. Churchill Gardens
6. Priory Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By 490theos - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Great swings and slides, nice modern cafe all based around a medieval priory which is now a museum. Gifted to the town by RA jones 100 or so years ago
7. Belton Hill Gardens and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By sezy1975 - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom
When the sun is shining and you pop your earphones in and take a walk along Belton hill up top, it’s not overly long but the views and nature are breath taking, along with some furry friends popping out along the way. Benches are placed along your walk so you can sit and take it all in whilst catching some rays. We do have some beautiful views in Leigh the estuary and old Leigh with all the boats are just so worth just sitting and taking it all in.
8. Southchurch Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Andi_Sernicki - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
With councils selling land to developers to build and the expansion of home creation this little green spot is a gem. A local group called SHIP are the main force behind its upkeep and cleanliness. They do a great job of clearing away cans, fag butts, fast food rubbish, used needles and the likes of. This is now a good place to walk and take in a bit of nature and relax. I personally believe the council has very little interest in investing in green spaces and the removal of toilet facilities, janitors and park wardens is testament to this. The local group are amazing for protecting our dwindling spaces and it's up to us, the local residents to use the space and help keep it clean.
9. Barling Magna Wildlife Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By online32017 - Great Wakering, United Kingdom
It's certainly not big but what a little gem. Parking is limited which is probably quite fortunate. It was so tranquil, just what was needed. A gentle stroll with information about the local wildlife. We'll be back with a picnic.
10. Chalkwell Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By paulbennett0460 - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Well worth the five mile round trip from Southend, you could say Tides is a destination cafe! We had the chai lattes and two toasties and munched away watching everyone - and their dogs- taking a stroll. The food was lovely and service excellent! See you again soon!
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