Southend-on-Sea

Friday, August 29, 2025

Sunrise

6:03 AM

Sunset

7:52 PM

About

Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant seaside town located in Essex, UK. With its long pier, beautiful sandy beaches, and bustling seafront promenade, it's the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Enjoy traditional seaside activities, such as arcades and fairgrounds, or explore the local history at the Southend Pier Museum and Planetarium. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions, Southend-on-Sea has something to offer everyone.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Adventure Island

The place for thrilling rides and roller coasters for the adrenaline junkie in you.
2. Southend Pier

One of the longest piers in the world, a perfect spot for fishing, or taking a stroll on the sea.
3. Old Leigh

This ancient fishing village is the epitome of the British seaside, lined with pubs and great seafood restaurants.
4. Southend Cliffs Pavilion

A contemporary entertainment venue and theatre with seaside views, perfect for a night out with friends.
5. Leigh Heritage Centre

A small museum dedicated to Leigh’s maritime and fishing history.
6. Southend Beaches

A mix of sandy and pebbly beaches, perfect for sunbathing, picnics and sea swimming.
7. Belfair’s Woodland Centre

A huge, peaceful green haven of woodland and wildlife in the heart of Southend.
8. Southchurch Hall

A medieval and Tudor mansion house with a beautiful garden and café.
9. The Beecroft Art Gallery

A fascinating art gallery showcasing local artists.
10. Southend Marine Activities Centre

A place for all water activity enthusiasts to enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and more.
11. Southend Planetarium

A great place to learn about astronomy and space.
12. Hadleigh Castle

A Tudor castle ruin, perched high on Hadleigh Downs, with stunning views of the Essex coastline.
13. Belfair’s Park

A large park with many walking trails, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
14. Southend Central Museum

Local history museum with interactive exhibits and child-friendly activities.
15. Shoebury East Beach

A quiet and peaceful pebbly beach ideal for family fun and relaxation.
16. Southend-on-Sea Rotary Club

Enjoy a peaceful and scenic boat ride down the Thames, complete with sunsets views and a meal.
17. Southend Pier Museum

Dive deeper into the history of Southend Pier and the Victorian era in this interesting museum.
18. Southend United Football Club

Cheer on the local football team at Roots Hall stadium.
19. Chalkwell Beach

A picturesque sandy beach with glorious views of the estuary and passing boats.
20. Palace Theatre

A small theatre with varied performances and shows.
21. Southchurch Park

A great place for walking and picnics, complete with tennis courts and a pond filled with waterfowl.
22. The Kursaal

A unique and historical amusement park specialising in classic family fun.
23. Prittlewell Priory

A beautiful priory with a fascinating history and large gardens.
24. Southend Cliff Gardens

A beautiful collection of gardens that are perfect for a peaceful stroll on a sunny day.
25. Southend Regatta

If you’re lucky enough to be in Southend during August, be sure to check out the famous Regatta & Carnival, a fantastic set of events by sea and land.
26. The Royal Pavilion

A historical music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music history.
27. Warrior Square Gardens

A stunning formal landscaped garden full of beautifully manicured flowerbeds and sculptures.
28. Southend Tennis & Leisure Centre

A leisure centre specialising in tennis, running and swimming.
29. Chalkwell Park

A well-maintained park with a fantastic playground, a skate park, and tennis courts.
30. The Lobster Smack Inn

A traditional pub and restaurant with fantastic sea views and fresh seafood.