Seaside Charm at Southend-on-Sea
A favourite with holidaymakers, Southend-on-Sea is a charming destination choice for families and other traveller types. Situated in Essex and near London Southend Airport, this seaside resort packs in an array of attractions, hotels, restaurants and award-winning beaches. Famously, the town also features Southend Pier, which is a major landmark that is celebrated as the longest pleasure pier on the planet.
Family Fun by the Seaside
With seven miles of coastline and a varied choice of things to do, there’s little wonder as to why Southend-on-Sea is a popular choice for families across the UK and beyond. Although if you are at the seaside, there is obviously one aspect that typically stands out: beaches. And thankfully in Southend, there are plenty of highly regarded and pristine options to choose from including Westcliff Bay, Chalkwell Beach and Shoebury East Beach. Yet if something a bit more exhilarating is on your agenda, a day at Adventure Island is a must. This amusement park is free to enter and ideally positioned on the seafront, while it boasts over 30 rides for thrill-seekers both young and old. Another family-friendly attraction is the Sea Life Adventure aquarium, where you can explore the wonders of the ocean via more than 40 delightful displays filled with marine life. And for something more tranquil, the acclaimed Belfairs Woodland Centre is a recommended point of interest. Also important to note is that, if you are staying for more than one day, there are plenty of hotels suitable for families travelling to Southend.
Places of Interest
While family-oriented in most cases, this doesn’t mean that other demographics are ignored by Southend. If you are a history buff, Hadleigh Castle is an attraction worth your time. Originally built during the 1230’s and overlooking Essex marshes, the remarkable remains of the castle have proven to be popular with previous visitors. Nearby Old Leigh is also a place to sample, with this historic fishing village offering numerous traditional establishments in a picturesque setting. Although if history isn’t your thing, how about some adult-themed entertainment? Thanks to establishments like Rendezvous Southend Casino and Genting Club, you can do some casual gambling in a warm and friendly venue. Further fun can be had when trying to get out of both Escape Live and Hide & Shriek, while reliving your arcade memories is possible at Astro City. And if you want to take in a show during your stay in Southend, the Cliffs Pavilion Theatre and Palace Theatre each provide sophisticated old-time glamour alongside a wide array of acts that take to the stage.
Dining & Drinking
When it comes to dining on some traditional fish and chips in Southend-on-Sea, it is essentially mandatory during the summer months to accompany it by unwinding in the open air and taking in the wonderful sea views. But don’t be fooled into thinking that the resort only has typical seaside dining options. In fact, you will find a wonderfully diverse set of restaurants within the heart of the town. These include celebrated choices such as Istanbul Turkish BBQ, II Pescatore Restaurant and Legend-Deli, the latter of which takes multiple cuisines to create an exhilarating – and immensely popular – menu. As far as a nightlife scene goes, Southend also doesn’t disappoint in this respect. Thanks to being accredited with a Purple Flag award, the town is considered to be an entertaining and safe refuge for those that enjoy a late-night tipple. From a relaxed cocktail bar in the historic Royal Hotel to a lively option in the form of Mayhem Nightclub, various choices are available to match all your requirements for a night out.
Gifts & Treats
Before you head back home from your trip to Southend, you will want to pick up some mementos and gifts for friends and family… And yourself! In terms of your typical high street retailers, either The Victoria Shopping Centre or The Royals Shopping Centre makes an ideal starting point. Situated in the centre of the town, these shopping centres both contain a wide assortment of stores to cover all your usual needs. With that said, if you are in search of something that bit more unique and specialist, Southend features a varied mix of independent and boutique shops. The town also boasts a couple of markets where you can pick up some bargains. The Roots Hall Market takes place once a week at the home of Southend United Football Club, while the Farmer’s Market is a fortnightly occasion that gives you the opportunity to pick up some delicious, local produce.