2025 Southend-on-Sea Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Tired of the hustle and bustle of London life? Longing for a seaside getaway to relax and rejuvenate? Then come to Southend-on-Sea! Located east of London at the mouth of the River Thames, this resort town is like a hidden gem, exuding unique charm with its captivating scenery, diverse entertainment, and countless culinary delights. Now, follow this guide and embark on your wonderful journey to Southend-on-Sea! 🚀 1. Travel Guide 🚄 Transportation - Train: From London, there are various train lines to choose from. For example, take the c2c line from London Fenchurch Street Station, and you can reach Southend Central Station directly in about 55 minutes. The scenic route makes for a very pleasant journey. 🚂 - Car: If you prefer to drive, take the A13 road to enjoy the English countryside scenery along the way. You can also freely arrange your itinerary and stop to admire the scenery at any time. 🚗 - Airplane: London Southend Airport is very close to the city center. After landing, you can quickly reach Southend-on-Sea and start your pleasant trip. ✈️ 📅 Best Time to Travel Southend-on-Sea has its unique charm in every season. Summer (June-August) is sunny and warm, a great time to enjoy the beach and water activities. Spring (March-May) sees everything come back to life, and the city is adorned with various flowers. Autumn (September-November) offers cool weather, perfect for strolling along the beach and admiring the autumn seascape. Winter (December-February) is a bit colder, but the festive atmosphere is strong. During Christmas and New Year, the city is decorated with lights and ornaments, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. However, be aware of the strong sea winds in winter and dress warmly. ❄️ 2. Must-See Attractions 🌊 Southend Pier This is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching 2.16 kilometers. Walking on it feels like stepping into the dream world of "Spirited Away." You can choose to take a vintage train directly to the end of the pier or walk along the tracks, feeling the sea breeze caress your face and admiring the vast sea and beautiful skyline. At the end of the pier, there is a row of colorful wooden houses, and many people are fishing, creating a peaceful and beautiful scene. 🎣 There is also a museum next to the pier that showcases the pier's history and culture. If you're interested, you can go inside and explore. 🎢 Adventure Island This is a free-entry amusement park with over 30 rides suitable for all ages. Whether it's thrilling roller coasters, romantic carousels, or fun bumper cars, you'll have a blast. It's a great place for families and friends to enjoy quality time. 🎡 After leaving the amusement park, you can also take a stroll along the beach and feel the gentle sea breeze. 🐟 Sea Life Adventure This is a wonderful world of marine life where you can get up close and personal with sharks, turtles, penguins, sea lions, and other adorable marine animals. You can also participate in interactive lectures and feeding experiences to learn more about the habits of these marine creatures, as if you were in an underwater fairy tale world. 🦭 Don't miss this place if you're interested in marine life. 🌳 Southchurch Park If you want to find a quiet place to relax, Southchurch Park is a good choice. There are large green spaces, beautiful gardens, and tranquil lakes, suitable for walking, picnicking, or outdoor sports. 🌼 Take some time out of your busy trip to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature here. 🐟 Old Leigh This ancient fishing village retains many traditional fishing boats and cottages, filled with a strong historical atmosphere. Stroll along the streets and see many unique pubs, restaurants, and shops. Here, you can taste fresh seafood, experience the local fishing village culture, and even take a boat to watch seals, experiencing a different kind of seaside life. 🦭 3. Food Recommendations 🦀 The Seafood Shack How can you miss seafood when you come to Southend-on-Sea? This restaurant is a seafood lover's paradise. All kinds of freshly caught seafood are cooked into delicious dishes, such as fresh and plump crabs, delicious shrimps, and rich seafood paella. Every bite is full of the taste of the sea. 🦐 The restaurant's atmosphere is also very cozy. Sitting by the window, enjoying the sea view while savoring the food is a great pleasure. 🍟 The Westcliff Hotel This is a good choice if you want to try authentic English afternoon tea and fish and chips. The three-tiered stand of the afternoon tea is filled with delicate pastries. Scones are paired with rich cream and jam, sweet and delicious. The fish and chips are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with special sauces, leaving a lasting impression. 🥧 Here, you can slowly savor the elegance of English afternoon tea and experience British food culture. 🍝 La Tasca If you like Spanish food, don't miss this restaurant. Spanish paella is the signature dish here. The rice absorbs the delicious seafood broth, and every grain is full of flavor, with tender seafood dotted throughout. One bite will transport you to passionate Spain. 🥘 In addition, the restaurant's Tapas are also very special, with a wide variety, perfect for sharing with friends. 4. Shopping and Entertainment 🛍️ Western Esplanade Shopping Street This shopping street not only has many unique shops but also leads directly to the seaside. Here, you can buy various souvenirs, fashionable clothing, and exquisite jewelry. 🛒 When you're tired of shopping, find a cafe on the street, have a cup of coffee, watch the people passing by, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. ☕ 🎤 Kursaal Entertainment Centre This was once a large entertainment venue. Although most of the buildings are now closed, some historical relics remain, making it a unique attraction. At night, the lights create a mysterious and romantic atmosphere, perfect for taking photos. 📸 There are also some bars and restaurants nearby where you can relax after your visit. 🏖️ Beach Leisure Activities The beach in Southend-on-Sea is a great place to enjoy the sun and sand. You can sunbathe, play in the sand, surf, fly kites, and enjoy the fun of a seaside vacation. 🏄‍♀️ There are also some snack stalls on the beach offering various snacks and drinks, satisfying your taste buds while you play. 🍦 5. Important Notes 1. Transportation: Trains and buses are the main modes of transportation. Trains are frequent, but bus operating hours and routes may vary. It's best to check relevant information before traveling to avoid delays. 🚇 2. Weather: The weather in the UK is changeable. Even in summer, it may suddenly rain or get cold, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and warm clothing. 🌂 3. Entertainment: The opening hours and ticket prices of amusement parks such as Adventure Island may vary depending on the season and date. It is recommended to check the official website in advance and book tickets to avoid disappointment. 🎫 4. Seaside Safety: Pay attention to tide changes when playing by the sea, and do not stay in dangerous areas. If you are participating in water activities, be sure to follow the instructions of the staff and take safety precautions. 🚣‍♂️ Southend-on-Sea, this charming seaside town, is waiting for you to explore. Pack your bags, step onto this beautiful land, and embark on an unforgettable seaside journey! 🎉

🌟 Southend-on-Sea, a coastal paradise east of London, just an hour's train ride away! 🕑 Apart from the enchanting seaside train, there's a massive kids' playground ⛲ and shopping streets 🛍 where you can indulge in seafood while strolling – sheer bliss! 🦞 Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! 🚂Southend Pier and Railway - Your Seaside Train Adventure 📍Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE 🚏 Hop on at London Stratford City Bus Station, take 20 stops to Duke Place, then switch to the c2c line to Southend Central Station 🚂. ⚠ Use code: UKTRIP or UKGIFT for extra savings on your train tickets! 🎫 Ticket Options ✅ Train Return - Round trip by train ✅ Walk & Ride - One-way walk, one-way train ✅ Walk - Round trip walk to ADVENTURE ISLAND theme park 🎢 ADVENTURE ISLAND Theme Park Enjoy all-day passes or pay-per-ride options, with plenty of rides for adults too! Book online in advance for the best deals! 🛜 🏖 SOUTH-END-ON-SEA Beach Golden sands await! Take a leisurely stroll along the pier or bask in the sun. 🌞 Grill up some seafood by the shore with friends under the starlit sky – pure bliss! 🍖 Don't forget your flip-flops to avoid sandy toes. 👟 🛍 Western Esplanade Shopping Street Unique shops line this street leading straight to the sea. 🏝 Perfect for an afternoon city walk after your beach stroll! 🦞 SOUTH-END-ON-SEA Seafood Delights Indulge in Paella de Peix, loaded with prawns and seafood! 🍤 Plus, lobster tails, fresh crabs, seafood tapas... 🥟 🏨 PARK INN Seaview Hotel Book your stay in advance 👀. Many hotels offer floor-to-ceiling windows 🪟, framing breathtaking sea views. Romantic nights with the sound of waves lulling you to sleep. 🌊 #travelwithtriptrain #localguides #train #london

#2023travelwish Nice and lively place. there are all kinds of attractions for both children and adults. It is a place I have visited countless times with great pleasure.

The Hope Hotel Southend-on-Sea There is a bar downstairs in the hotel, which is very convenient if you like lively atmosphere. Although it is a bit noisy, the bar closes after 12 o'clock. Rich breakfast 😊

This iron-cast pier, which stretches out into the Thames estuary, is the longest pier in the world and a favorite of local fishermen. As Southend on the sea's most valuable landmark, the pier has been attracting visitors to the shores of Southend on the sea for over a century. The pier extends over 1.25 miles (2 km) into the Thames estuary, with a train service carrying passengers to the end of the pier. Enjoy the fresh seaside air, see the local fishermen, and take in the panoramic views of the estuary and town. Southend Pier is a great place to start your journey, with an award-winning Visitor Information Centre located on the pier entrance porch for its intricate design. Board the train at the entrance porch and it will take you to the end of the pier in just a few minutes. Throughout the year you can enjoy comedians, musicians, performers and international artists in and around the artist studios. Sit down in the exhibition hall's cafe for a cup of coffee or a snack and enjoy the vast view of the opposite bank. On a clear day, you can enjoy the best view of the town from the rooftop terrace. Stroll along the pier and return to town to enjoy the leisurely pace of the coast. Listen to the calls of seabirds, smell the salty sea water, and watch the fishermen cast off from the shore. Common catches at this pier include flounder, bass, and mackerel. Before you leave the pier, visit the Southend Pier Museum to view over 150 years of history in photographs, stories and films.

A day at Southend Adventure Park. It's great for all ages and the staff were extremely polite . Definitely go there !

Great walk and then a train ride back along this historic pier! Loved the museum!

📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips

📅 Itinerary Day1：aquarium Day2: out and about 🏨 Park inn by Radisson palace. 🍴 Fish and chips... what else? 📌 Tips the hotel doesn't have a parking space. £25 per night to park on the public car park. a tips by a local is to park on residential area(no fees) and walk your way to the hotel.

#myfavoriteroute 🚆🚴♂️ For a quick seaside escape, we catch the train to Shoeburyness and cycle along the coast past Southend – wide promenades, sparkling sea views, and plenty of tasty pit stops make this an ideal day out. Whether it's a sunny picnic, beachfront fish and chips, or just soaking in the ocean breeze, this ride is always a winner. 🏖️Ambiance/Facilities: get the C2C from London for a quick access to the beach #CycleTheCoast #ShoeburynessRide #SouthendByBike #UKMicroAdventure #WeekendWander

#myfavoriteroute 🚲☀️ Tried and tested multiple times! There’s something magical about this coastal ride – we take the train from London to Shoeburyness with our bikes and follow the sea breeze all the way back through Southend-on-Sea and beyond. From classic fish and chips on the beach to creamy scoops of ice cream in the sun, it’s a simple day out that always feels like a mini holiday. #SeasideCycle #ShoeburynessToSouthend #CoastalEscape #FishAndChipsByTheSea #DayTripFromLondon

Hirono’s first adventure to Southend.

The beach was packed, and the faint sound of screaming from adventure land filled the air. Loved it

Best airport i have ever been to - very quick immigration.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Muthu Westcliff Hotel (Near London Southend Airport) 💡 Tips

#aprilblooms

Few hundred meter from the pier and might need to climb up some stairs when the pier lift closed. The hotel offer celebration package as a further add-on. A deposit of 50 pounds by credit card required. Overseeing the sea. Possibly see the sunsets. If the weather is good, the view is nice. Amenities are provided. #seaview #travel

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Muthu Westcliff Hotel (Near London Southend Airport) 💡 Tips

In this fast-paced modern society, a pleasant holiday is a rest for the soul and a recharge for the spirit. Choosing the Holiday Inn Southend as our accommodation undoubtedly added more beautiful memories to our journey. As soon as we stepped into the Holiday Inn Southend, we were greeted by a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The lobby is decorated in a simple yet stylish way, making you feel relaxed and happy. The front desk staff were warm and friendly, welcoming us with a smile, which made us feel at home right away. Our room was spacious and bright, and the layout was just right. The room was well-equipped, and the soft bedding and complete bathroom facilities showed Holiday Inn's attention to customer experience. The view from the window was also refreshing, whether it was the morning sun or the night sky, we could find a moment of peace in the busy journey. The hotel's dining service is also a highlight. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the restaurant offers a wide variety of food choices. From traditional English breakfasts to a variety of local dishes, each dish is delicious and makes you want to come back for more. In addition, the restaurant staff are very professional, and their warm service and professionalism make you feel at home. In addition to accommodation and dining, the Holiday Inn Southend also offers a wide range of entertainment facilities. Whether it's the gym, swimming pool, or children's play area, it can meet the needs of different guests. This allows us to find ways to relax and entertain ourselves even on a busy trip. And when we left the hotel, the farewell from the front desk staff made us feel warm. Their attentiveness and professionalism left us with a deep impression of the Holiday Inn Southend. Overall, our stay at the Holiday Inn Southend was comfortable and enjoyable. From the warm lobby to the comfortable rooms, from the food to the entertainment facilities, all reflect the hotel's professionalism and attentive service attitude. It is a place that makes you want to stay, and every stay will be an unforgettable memory. Whether it's for business or leisure, the Holiday Inn Southend is a recommended choice.

Holiday Inn Southend stay experience Recommended reasons: Holiday Inn Southend is an international brand hotel that combines modern comfort and convenient service. Its superior location, diverse room types, and high-quality service ensure every guest feels at home. Room type/layout: I stayed in an executive king room, which was spacious, bright, and well laid out. The bedding was soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The room was also equipped with advanced entertainment facilities and high-speed internet, meeting both business and leisure needs. Soundproofing/hygiene: The hotel has excellent soundproofing, allowing guests to enjoy a quiet private space even in a bustling city. In terms of hygiene, the hotel follows high-standard cleaning procedures to ensure every corner is clean and tidy, allowing guests to stay with peace of mind. Nearby attractions: Holiday Inn Southend is surrounded by a variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, historic museums, and shopping centers. Guests can easily explore the charm of the city and enjoy a pleasant travel experience. Other tips: The hotel's restaurant offers a variety of international cuisines, and it is recommended to try the local specialties for an authentic taste. The hotel's fitness center is well-equipped, making it a great place to exercise and relax. If you need to visit nearby attractions, you can consult the hotel front desk for detailed transportation information and travel guides. In short, Holiday Inn Southend is a highly recommended hotel. Whether for business or leisure, it offers quality service and a comfortable accommodation environment.

Explore Southend-on-Sea: England's coastal pearl✨ Hey friends~ Today I’m going to take you to explore a super beautiful British seaside town - Southend-on-Sea! 🌟Believe me, this is definitely a great place for you to relax and enjoy life! 😎 🏖️Seaside scenery: As soon as you step into Southend-on-Sea, the first thing that catches your eye is the vast expanse of golden sandy beach. The fine and soft sand sparkles brightly in the sun, like a golden carpet laid by nature, inviting every traveler to embark on this dreamlike journey. The waves gently hit the shore, bringing bursts of fresh sea breeze, making people instantly forget the troubles of the world and indulge in this tranquility and beauty. 🌊🏖️ 🎢Entertainment: In addition to its stunning beaches, Southend-on-Sea also offers a wide range of exciting entertainment options. From thrilling roller coasters to warm and romantic Ferris wheels, from childlike amusement parks to exciting live performances, this place can always meet the needs of tourists of different ages. Whether you are an adventurer seeking excitement, a traveler longing for tranquility, or a scholar loving culture, you can find your own happiness and satisfaction here. 🎠🎢 🏛️History and Culture: Southend-on-Sea’s historical and cultural heritage should not be underestimated. Strolling along the town’s ancient streets, you’ll see well-preserved Victorian buildings on both sides, each carrying a rich history and stories. Visitors can visit local museums and galleries to gain a deeper understanding of the past and present of this seaside town and experience its unique cultural charm. 🏛️📚 🍽️Food Paradise: For foodies, Southend-on-Sea is a paradise. From freshly caught seafood feasts to authentic British traditional cuisine, from exquisite French desserts to tempting Italian pizza, the food here is diverse and mouth-watering. In a restaurant or cafe by the sea, enjoying delicious food while admiring the sea view is undoubtedly the ultimate enjoyment. 🦞🍕🍰 🛳️Southend Pier: It is worth mentioning that Southend-on-Sea also has the world's longest tourist pier - Southend Pier. This pier was built in 1830 and is about 2.16 kilometers long. It has many restaurants, bars and cafes, making it a great place for tourism and leisure. Visitors can take the little blue train, ride a boat in the sea breeze, and feel the unparalleled romance and comfort. 🛳️🎈 💌Tips: • Best time to go: Summer is the best time to visit Southend-on-Sea, with mild weather and bright sunshine. • Transportation: From London, you can choose to drive, take the train or bus. • Accommodation recommendations: There are various hotels and guest houses in the town. Well, after saying so much, are you already eager to go to Southend-on-Sea to find out? Hurry up and pack your bags and go out with me.

Stepping into this store on the London Road in Westcliff-on-Sea is like being transported to a foodstall in the heart of Onitsha Main Market in Nigeria: the smells, the eclectic arrangement of food items, customers chatting to each other like childhood friends, even though they've literally just met in the store. The shop was a lot smaller than I expected from the ad that drew me there but it does have unexpected items like pọmọ!

#magicalxmastrip I was craving a chocolate yule log, so I headed to Waitrose to check out their Christmas specials. To my delight, one of my all-time favorites—the Christmas yule log—was there at a fantastic price! I couldn’t resist grabbing it, along with some celebratory chocolates and cookies and mincemeat pies. Everything was fabulous, and it made my grocery shopping experience so enjoyable. Waitrose truly knows how to make the festive season special!

It was a great journey. I bought e-ticket easily and within a very short time. I enjoyed the beauty of nature a lot! #travel #seascapes

**I. Introduction** On the southeast coast of England, there is a shining seaside pearl - Southend-on-Sea. It attracts countless tourists to vacation and relax with its charming beaches, lively piers and rich entertainment activities. Let us walk into Southend-on-Sea together and start an unforgettable seaside journey. 💖 **2. City Overview** Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant and charming seaside city in Essex. With its long coastline, golden sands and clear waters, it is a great place to enjoy the sun, beach and ocean scenery. 🌅 **3. Must-visit attractions** 1. Southend Pier 🚢 - Southend Pier is a landmark of the city and one of the longest piers in the UK. Strolling along the pier, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and feel the sea breeze. 🚶‍♂️ - There are also various recreational facilities on the pier, such as playgrounds, restaurants and cafes, allowing you to have fun and relax while enjoying the seaside scenery. 🎡☕ 2. Southend Beach 🌊 - Southend Beach is a wide and beautiful sandy beach with fine sand and clear water. You can sunbathe, swim, surf or do various beach sports here. 🏄‍♂️ - There are also many food stalls and shops along the beach, offering a variety of food and souvenirs, allowing you to satisfy your taste buds and shopping needs while enjoying the seaside fun. 🍔🎁 3. Southend Sea Life Centre 🐠 - If you are interested in marine life, then Southend Sea Life Centre is not to be missed. A variety of marine life is on display here, including sharks, turtles, dolphins, etc. 🐬 - The center also offers interactive exhibits and shows that give you a deeper understanding of the lives and conservation of marine life. 🎪 **Fourth, Food Tour** 1. Seafood delicacies 🥘 - As a seaside city, Southend-on-Sea is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. You can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes such as fish and chips, crab, lobster, etc. in local restaurants. 🍤 - In addition, there are some special snacks, such as seafood pies, oysters, etc., allowing you to taste authentic seaside cuisine. 🥧🦪 2. Traditional British cuisine 🍛 - In addition to seafood, Southend-on-Sea also has many traditional British restaurants, offering delicious English breakfast, barbecue, fish and chips and other classic dishes. Tasting these delicacies will give you a taste of authentic British cuisine. 🍳🥩 5. Shopping Paradise 1. High Street Shopping District 👜 - Southend-on-Sea's high street shopping area has many shops and boutiques offering a wide range of fashionable clothing, accessories, homewares and more. Here, you can shop to your heart's content and satisfy your shopping desires. 🛍️ - There are also some traditional markets in the shopping area where you can buy fresh agricultural products, handicrafts and special souvenirs. 🎁 2. Seaside souvenir shop 🛍️ - There are many seaside souvenir shops near the beach and pier in Southend-on-Sea, selling various souvenirs related to the ocean and the seaside, such as shell ornaments, marine-themed T-shirts, postcards, etc. 🎐🎽 **VI. Travel Advice** 1. Best time to travel 🌞 - The best time to visit Southend-on-Sea is during the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying beach and sea activities. 🆒 - However, spring and autumn are also good choices, when there are fewer tourists and prices are relatively lower. 🌸🍂 2. Transportation 🚗 - Southend-on-Sea has convenient transportation. You can choose to take the train, bus or drive. It takes just over an hour to get there by train from London. 🚆 - You can get around the city on foot, by bike or by public transportation, which is fast and convenient. 🚲🚌