Southend-on-Sea

Travel Guide
Epping Forest which includes forests
Swim in the mouth of the River Thames, fish from one of the world’s longest piers or eat fresh fish and chips on the beach at this seaside resort town.

Visit Southend-on-Sea to enjoy a seaside resort village that is known for its tranquility and relaxed pace. Built on the mouth of the Thames Estuary, this is a great place to explore the famous river, stroll through a traditional English village or enjoy authentic fish and chips.

Get your bearings in this small town by taking a quick tour, either on foot or by bicycle.  Leave Southend’s main street and head to the Southend Pier to breathe in the fresh sea air. Stop at Adventure Island on your way and ride one of the rollercoasters or try your luck on the arcade-style amusements.

Swim, sail or kayak in the calm waters off Southend’s beaches. The 7 miles (11 kilometres) of waterfront are the major attraction of the town, particularly during the peak of summer. Escape the crowds by heading to Chalkwell Beach to relax in peace and quiet.

Discover Britain’s fascinating military history at Tilbury Fort. This fort is one of the best preserved historic sites in the United kingdom.

In winter the weather turns wet and windy, providing dramatic views across the estuary and making the town’s many warm pubs even more enticing. Drop by the Southend High Street to find bars and clubs. Despite the town’s sleepy reputation, there are some great spots for dancing well into the night, especially on weekends. Stop by a waterfront restaurant or take-out store for locally caught fish with hand-cut hot chips for an authentic British seaside meal.

As the weather heats up Southend-on-Sea’s population swells with visitors and the resort becomes a playground for holiday makers. Walk the length of one of the world’s longest piers, sail the calm waters of the estuary or simply enjoy a cup of tea in the cosy village centre.

Southend-on-Sea is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometres) east of London’s centre and can be reached by car in one hour. Trains depart frequently from London to Southend, while flights from many European cities arrive at the London Southend airport daily.  

Where to stay in Southend-on-Sea

Default Image

Thorpe Bay

Travellers like the beaches in Thorpe Bay, and Thorpe Bay Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Thorpe Bay
Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-on-Sea, England
Fully refundable
The price is RM365 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
RM365
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Friendly stuff and clean hotel ! Lovely"

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel
Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
3 out of 5
Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM390 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
RM390
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Night out
"Room 409 is huge ! And well maintained! Side sea view lovely ! Could only open one off the windows ! Carpet was ok but outside the room needs changing when they get round to it , the hot water wasn’t very hot in the shower ! Otherwise great stay"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
Seven Hotel
Seven Hotel
4 out of 5
5-7 Clifton Terrace, Southend-on-Sea, England
The price is RM523 per night from 13 Jun to 14 Jun
RM523
per night
13 Jun - 14 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (806 reviews)
"Lovely welcome and stay. Thank you so much,"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Seven Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lower Bell
The Lower Bell
3 out of 5
201 Old Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Aylesford, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aylesford. Enjoy free parking, a business center, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and ...
7.6/10 Good! (117 reviews)
"Had to leave the key for the room in the door, as the main building was locked up when I left. Not a big drama though"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

The Lower Bell
Remarkable 2-bed Lodge in Clacton-on-sea
Remarkable 2-bed Lodge in Clacton-on-sea
3 out of 5
Clacton-on-Sea
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Clacton-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Jaywick Martello Tower and St. Osyth Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Very nice property. Communication with the owner was easy. Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2024

Remarkable 2-bed Lodge in Clacton-on-sea
Remarkable 5-bed Cabin in Clacton-on-sea
Remarkable 5-bed Cabin in Clacton-on-sea
3.5 out of 5
Clacton-on-Sea
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Clacton-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Clacton Pier and Princes Theatre ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
Lovely family stay
"Very clean, spacious and comfortable. Great site facilities and location close to the beach. Lovely touch from host, leaving us water, tea/coffee and icecreams."

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

Remarkable 5-bed Cabin in Clacton-on-sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Southend-on-Sea

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
59
" "5 - Excellent 33.9080459770115%
4 - Good
72
" "4 - Good 41.37931034482759%
3 - Okay
39
" "3 - Okay 22.413793103448278%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5747126436781609%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 1.7241379310344827%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Born and bred so a wee bit biased!! Heehee! Thanks for a great stay at your gaff. First class indeed

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Due to the poor hotel it did not leave a great impression of the area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Southend is great. Everyone should check it out

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Just want there as friends were getting married

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

lovely place, lovely hotel, lovely people, cant wait to return