Summary
Now situated at the center of an urban area housing nearly 300,000 residents, Southend began merely as a collection of fishing huts along the Thames Estuary towards the conclusion of the 18th century.
In the early 19th century, Southend garnered the interest of Georgian high society following a visit from Princess Caroline and her five-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte.
Within a few decades, the expansive Southend Pier was constructed, transforming the resort into a preferred retreat for inhabitants of Southeast England throughout the Victorian era and into the 20th century.
Although the influx of domestic holidaymakers has diminished since the 1970s, Southend continues to offer a multitude of attractions, encompassing thrilling theme park rides, the world’s longest pleasure pier, beautifully maintained parks, a historical cliff funicular, and theaters that regularly feature prominent figures from both the comedy and pop music industries.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Southend:
1. Southend Pier
As the longest pleasure pier globally, Southend Pier extends 2,158 meters into the Thames Estuary.
The original wooden pier was established in the 1830s, attaining a length close to its present size by 1848.
This structure was succeeded by an iron pier in the 1880s, which remains intact today despite experiencing several fires, the most recent occurring in 2005. Southend Pier is among the very few in the UK that still offers a rail service, operating hourly from the shore station.
The Royal Pavilion, inaugurated in 2012, hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions year-round, particularly during the summer months.
Additionally, it is worthwhile to visit the Southend Pier Museum, which chronicles nearly two centuries of history, showcasing historical train cars, a toastack tram from 1890, and vintage penny slot machines.
2. Adventure Island
Located where the pier meets the coast, Adventure Island serves as a central attraction for families and young-at-heart adults visiting Southend.
Entry to Adventure Island is complimentary, with charges applicable for rides and games.
In total, there are 32 rides, including five roller coasters such as Rage, which features three inversions, a 97° drop, and reaches speeds of 43 mph.
Adventurous visitors can also experience thrilling rides such as Archeon, a wave swinger from Zierer, the Time Machine, a giant swing that debuted in 2012, and Sky Drop, which descends 21 meters.
Younger children will find ample choices, with no fewer than 11 rides designed specifically for them, in addition to go-karting, two adventure golf courses, and dodgems available as well.
3. Shoebury East Beach
For early risers, a visit to Shoebury East Beach provides an enchanting view of the sunrise over the Estuary and North Sea.
This annually awarded Blue Flag beach features a segment of golden sand, complemented by a raised grassy foreshore adorned with benches.
As is typical along the estuary, the expansive landscape is visible when the tide recedes.
Given the beach’s seaward orientation, robust winds are often experienced; the Essex Kitesurfing Club is situated near the shore.
Situated a mere ten minutes by train from Southend Central Station, Shoebury East Beach offers a serene escape from the bustling resort atmosphere.
4. Hadleigh Castle
Located in open countryside to the west of Southend, Hadleigh Castle stands as a former royal residence atop a London clay hill, overseeing the flat terrain to the south and east.
The castle was originally erected at the beginning of the 13th century during the reign of Henry III, and its primary purpose was defensive, safeguarding the estuary.
Subsequently, during the Hundred Years’ War, Hadleigh Castle was remodeled as a bastion against the French, as well as a residence for King Edward III, who frequently stayed here during the latter years of his reign in the 14th century.
The site is now maintained by English Heritage, and significant remnants of Edward III’s enhancements remain, including the barbican and two drum towers.
In the 18th century, one of these towers served as a lookout for Riding Men, revenue officers attempting to apprehend smugglers.
5. Old Leigh
Leigh-on-Sea was among the busiest ports on the Thames during the Middle Ages, with shipyards launching vessels as large as 340 tons.
This prominence diminished when the port became silted in the 18th century, and portions of Leigh’s history were altered in the 19th century to accommodate the railway.
However, a charming reminder of its past can be found on High Street in Old Leigh, where quaint weatherboard houses, gas lamps, picturesque brick cottages, exposed cobblestones, and outdoor seating areas at pubs and restaurants along the estuary can be discovered.
Old Leigh also hosts fish merchants selling cod, shrimps, lobster, and shellfish such as whelks, cockles, and winkles, which can be savored fresh on site, generously seasoned with vinegar.
6. Cliffs Pavilion
Located in the Westcliff-on-Sea suburb, Cliffs Pavilion is the largest purpose-built performing arts venue in Essex, providing seating for over 1,600 individuals. Construction began in the 1930s, but was interrupted by the Second World War and subsequently abandoned.
A renewed development opened its doors in 1964, and its current form is a result of renovations undertaken in the early-1990s.
Noteworthy musical artists have performed at Cliffs Pavilion, including Oasis, Blur, and more recently, One Direction.
Hosting more than 300 performances annually, the venue typically offers a diverse range of entertainment, complemented by its smaller counterpart, the Palace Theatre.
This may include famed musicians (with Elvis Costello and George Benson featured in 2018), tribute acts, renowned comedians, film screenings, and discussions with cultural figures and sports personalities.
7. Prittlewell Priory
Just one train stop from Southend Victoria, Prittlewell Priory is a Cluniac monastery established in the 12th century by monks from Lewes Priory in East Sussex.
As with all monastic sites in England, the priory faced suppression during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.
Some structures survived as they were transformed into a private residence, undergoing major alterations into the 20th century.
Following a two-year renovation completed in 2013, visitors can admire the half-timbered 12th-century refectory, along with the Victorian wing, which hosts exhibitions on local wildlife and art belonging to the Scratton family, who resided here in the 19th century.
8. Priory Park
Prittlewell Priory is nestled within a scenic 45-acre park, which constitutes a portion of the former priory grounds, serving as a delightful alternative to Southend’s coastal attractions on sunny days.
Visitors can find meticulously maintained flower gardens for relaxation, a spacious playground for children, tennis courts, and a bowling green popular among Southend’s senior citizens.
The charming Victorian bandstand in Priory Park originally stood in Southend’s Cliff Gardens but was relocated here in the early 2000s due to the instability of the cliff soil.
The Prittle Brook meanders through the park, leading to a fishing lake situated towards the south.
9. Chalkwell Beach
Beginning just east of Chalkwell Station, this beach attracts those who appreciate tranquility, ideal for winter strolls or sunbathing on warm summer days.
Chalkwell Beach is distinct from Southend’s vibrant arcades and entertainment options, offering a broad expanse of pebbles and sand along a serene residential esplanade.
Even though Chalkwell Beach presents a more subdued atmosphere, shops providing beach items and amenities such as cafés are conveniently located just behind it.
During high tide, swimming in the sea is possible, and as the tide recedes, tidal pools become available for children to explore and play.
10. Southend Cliff Railway
Another hallmark of a classic English seaside resort is the cliff funicular, and the Southend Cliff Railway descends from the scenic Clifton Terrace through the Cliff Gardens to the Western Esplanade.
This 40-meter railway, which opened in 2012, is distinguished by its unique single-track design, where the counterweight operates on a track beneath the funicular car.
As you ascend or descend the steep 43.4% incline, you can take in the sights of the Thames Estuary and the impressive Southend Pier.
Given that historic railways may undergo maintenance at short notice, it is advisable to check Southend Council’s website to confirm the running status of the Cliff Railway on your planned visit.
11. Sea Life Adventure
Southend boasts the most frequented aquarium in southeast England, located at Sea Life Adventure on the Eastern Esplanade.
Welcoming visitors with 40 exhibits, the aquarium features a variety of marine life including clownfish, rays, sharks, starfish, sea snakes, otters, penguins, dwarf caiman, poison dart frogs, and giant snails.
Children have ample opportunity to engage at the Interactive Education Room, equipped with two rockpools where they can safely touch crabs and starfish.
For those feeling adventurous, native and exotic reptiles and insects are available for handling under expert supervision.
Upon arrival, it is beneficial to check the schedule for talks and feeding sessions, as these offerings may vary daily.
12. Chalkwell Park
A leisurely walk from Chalkwell Station leads to this 27-acre park, which encompasses extensive sports facilities, flower gardens, and “The Ponds,” an area featuring a series of pools and newly planted trees designed to attract local wildlife.
Within the gardens, visitors will discover a rose garden recognized by the national rose society, a parterre-style sun garden, and an aviary designated for peacocks.
In July, Chalkwell Park serves as the venue for the Village Green Festival, a vibrant multi-disciplinary event incorporating music, art, dance, theater, comedy, and culinary offerings, all organized by the Metal Art School located at converted stables within the park.
13. Southend Central Museum
The town museum, inaugurated in 1981, resides within a beautiful Edwardian structure that formerly housed a library.
This library was notably funded, in part, by the Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
At the museum, you can explore collections reflecting local social history and archaeology.
Among the exhibits are reconstructions of a Victorian home, a capsule-like air raid shelter designed for an individual during World War II, along with gas masks and helmets used by air raid wardens and police.
Perhaps the most captivating display features a collection of vintage bakelite radios produced in the 1930s by the EKCO brand, based in Southend.
14. Belfairs Wood
Adjacent to Leigh-on-Sea, Belfairs Wood comprises the oldest stretch of woodland in Essex.
Some of this 1,160-acre expanse has existed for over a millennium, providing a habitat for rare species such as the song thrush and the heath fritillary butterfly.
To emphasize the significance of this woodland, the Belfairs Woodland Centre was inaugurated in 2013, featuring a modern structure clad in wood that contains interactive galleries focusing on the area’s wildlife, plus a shop, café, and a sculpture trail.
From this center, visitors can commence the 5.5-mile Seven Woods Walk that circumnavigates the entire landscape.
15. Gunners Park
This 25-hectare nature reserve occupies a parcel of land that extends slightly into the Thames Estuary.
Located just ten minutes east of Southend, Gunners Park offers a remote atmosphere characterized by grasslands, remnants of sand dunes, and wetlands.
Within this relatively small area, there are 12 distinct habitats.
The park’s positioning on the estuary renders it a sanctuary for migratory birds during transitional seasons, making it an exceptional site for observing species such as ring ouzels, whinchats, wheatears, spotted flycatchers, and yellow-browed warblers in early spring or autumn.
For 150 years, Gunners Park was utilized by the Ministry of Defence as an experimental range.
The landscape remains dotted with casemates, gun emplacements, magazines, and batteries from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
