Southend-on-Sea

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 kilometers) 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 vacationers. 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 cozy village center.

Southend-on-Sea is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of London’s center 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.