Southend-On-Sea holidays

How to reach Southend-on-Sea

• Flight time: Flights to Southend-on-Sea Airport are available from several UK airports, with flights from the likes of Manchester and Edinburgh taking about an hour.

• Transfer time: From Southend-on-Sea Airport, the train to Southend-on-Sea Victoria station takes just 5 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi should take no longer than about 10 minutes.

• Price: The train fare from Southend-on-Sea Airport to the town centre costs around £3 for a single ticket, while a taxi ride costs approximately £10–£15.

Best time to visit Southend-on-Sea

The key to making your holiday to Southend-on-Sea truly memorable is knowing the right time to visit, though you’ll get the most out of all the town has to offer during the sunnier summer months.

• March to May: Spring sees Southend-on-Sea beginning to warm up, with average temperatures around 12°C to 16°C. It's less crowded, making it a great time to explore attractions without the queues. Expect moderate rainfall and about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.

• June to August: Although popular with visiting Londoners, summer is the perfect time for a visit to Southend-on-Sea, with consistent sunshine and temperatures typically above 20°C, and sometimes nearer the 25°C mark. Don’t forget your sun cream and shades though.

• September to November: Autumn offers cooler weather and fewer tourists with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 17°C, and increased chances of rainfall, although you should get around 5 to 7 hours of sunshine daily. The changing foliage in the parks and countryside is beautiful, making it a great time for scenic walks.

• December to February: Winter in Southend-on-Sea is pretty mild compared to much of the rest of the UK, with temperatures between 5°C and 10°C. Rainfall is highest during these months, averaging 60–80mm per month, and sunshine is limited to about 3 to 5 hours per day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Southend-on-Sea.

• Local habits and customs: Southend-on-Sea folk are friendly enough but not overly so.

• Health and safety: Southend-on-Sea is generally very safe, but it pays to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

• Currency: The currency is the British Pound. ATMs are widely available and credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: Southend-on-Sea is small and therefore easily walkable, but if required there is a reliable bus service operated by Arriva and First Bus. Single tickets cost around £2.50, or you can get a day pass for about £4.50.

• Time zone: Southend-on-Sea is in the GMT zone and observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting to British Summer Time in the summer.

Best things to do in Southend-on-Sea

With its endless pier, cool-as-you-like arts scene and understated charm, Southend-on-Sea is a seaside town that welcomes all-comers.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Southend-on-Sea Pier: Southend-on-Sea is the proud location of the world’s longest pleasure pier, a staggering 2.16km long. Whether you walk it or take the pier train, you're guaranteed splendid views along the whole stretch. Just before sunset is the best time.

• Cliffs Pavilion Terrace: Enjoy sweeping views over the Thames Estuary from this popular spot, especially beautiful at sunset.

The best districts

• Old Leigh: This ancient fishing village is charm personified, all cobbled streets, quaint pubs and smart restaurants – a truly lovely place to explore.

• Southend-on-Sea High Street: The beating heart of Southend-on-Sea, this lovely thoroughfare is just the job for a spot of retail therapy or an alfresco meal.

Parks and gardens

• Chalkwell Park: This fine green space in Westcliff-on-Sea is home to Netpark, the world’s first digital art park, where visitors can tune in to more than a dozen artworks via smartphone and headphones, along with music and spoken-word poetry.

Historical monuments

• Southchurch Hall: Set in picturesque gardens, this rather splendid 13th-century manor house not only remains much as it did all those years ago, but also provides a fascinating glimpse into Southend-on-Sea’s surprisingly illustrious past.

• Prittlewell Priory: Former Cluniac monastery where today’s visitors can gape at its cavernous hall with its vaulted, timber ceiling, exposed stonework and flagstone floor.

Activities for families in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea holidays are excellent for families, offering a range of fun and engaging activities.

• Adventure Island: While the thought of an outdoor, plasticky, theme-parked playground is many people’s idea of hell, this fun-filled amusement park on the seafront bucks that trend, with a variety of rides and attractions for all ages.

• Crabbing: If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to keep the kids occupied for hours on end, it’s a spot of crabbing. Grab a bucket, some bait, drop the line, and then keep your fingers crossed.

• Aquariums and zoos: Sealife Adventure harbours a range of aquatic life forms that might be found in the nearby Thames Estuary such as rays, crabs and starfish – although somewhat bizarrely, there’s also a Dinosaur House.

• Beach life: Southend-on-Sea’s clean and shallow sandy beaches are particularly family-friendly, ideal for paddling, building sandcastles or just doing very little at all.

Free things to do in Southend-on-Sea

The town’s remarkable roster of festivals belie its small size, while there are plenty of other things to see and do without having to keep reaching for your wallet.

• Free events: Going from strength to strength, the Southend-on-Sea City Jam Festival is one of the country's most exciting street festivals, while the Lumino Festival of Light is another belter of an event. Meanwhile, the always popular Halloween Parade gives visitors the chance to get creative with wacky costumes.

• Explore Southend-on-Sea by public transport: Local buses are a cheap and convenient way to get around and see the sights without breaking the bank. A good one is route 1, which offers scenic views along the coast, with tickets costing around £2.50 for a single journey.

• Splash fountains: Located at the end of City Beach, these colourful shooting fountains will provide hours of free fun for kids of all ages.

• Street art: As unlikely as it may seem, Southend-on-Sea is one of the UK’s foremost street art destinations, and you’ll have a blast tracking down the several dozen permanent murals.

Nature and outdoor activities in Southend-on-Sea

Being so close to both seaside and countryside means that Southend-on-Sea is well positioned to offer a good mix of outdoor experiences.

• Hiking and walking: Extending for some 47km between Southend-on-Sea and Tilbury, the Thames Estuary Path is a fantastic tramp along riverside paths with the bonus of some beautiful views along the coastline.

• Cycling: Don the lycra and get pedalling the Prittle Brook Greenway, a modest but enjoyable 5.7km route linking the urban heart of Southend-on-Sea to existing tracks and Woodlands Park in Hadleigh.

• Water sports: You’re on the coast, so there must be opportunities for some water sports, right? Correct, so if any of sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are your thing, then it’s all here.

• Wildlife watching: Southend-on-Sea is in close proximity to a handful of diverse habitats, two of which – Hadleigh Marshes and Two Tree Island – are abundant in birdlife.

Explore the beautiful beaches of Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering a variety of beaches that cater to all types of visitors. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly spots, tranquil escapes, or places to indulge in water sports, Southend’s beaches have it all. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches to visit during your holidays to Southend-on-Sea:

Family-friendly beaches

• Westcliff Beach: Westcliff Beach is perfect for families, offering clean sands and calm waters ideal for children to play and swim. It’s also equipped with plenty of amenities, including cafes, restrooms, and nearby playgrounds.

• Chalkwell Beach: Another great option for families, Chalkwell Beach is known for its safe, shallow waters and extensive sandbanks at low tide. This beach also features ample facilities and is close to local shops and eateries.

Secluded beaches

• Shoebury East Beach: For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Shoebury East Beach offers a peaceful escape with its wide open spaces and less crowded environment. It’s a great spot for picnics and long, relaxing walks along the shoreline.

• Thorpe Bay Beach: Thorpe Bay Beach provides a quieter alternative to the bustling central beaches of Southend. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful views, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind away from the crowds.

Beaches for water sports

• Shoebury Common Beach: Known for its excellent water sports facilities, Shoebury Common Beach is popular among windsurfers and kitesurfers. The beach’s windy conditions make it ideal for these activities, attracting enthusiasts from all around.

• Three Shells Beach: Located near Adventure Island, Three Shells Beach offers various water sports, including paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach is well-maintained and provides easy access to nearby attractions and amenities.

Popular central beaches

• City Beach: Located at the heart of Southend, City Beach is a bustling spot perfect for those who enjoy being in the centre of the action. With its vibrant atmosphere, numerous cafes, and close proximity to the pier, it’s a must-visit.

• Jubilee Beach: Jubilee Beach is another central location known for its lively ambience and wide range of facilities. It’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the seaside attractions that Southend has to offer.

These diverse beaches ensure that your holidays to Southend-on-Sea are filled with memorable moments, whether you’re travelling with family, seeking solitude, or looking for adventure on the water. Enjoy the best of Southend’s coastal charm and vibrant beach life!

Local dishes in Southend-on-Sea

Surprisingly perhaps, one of the great joys of holidays to Southend-on-Sea is indulging in its varied culinary scene. While seafood inevitably dominates most menus, there are plenty of other local curiosities to try out.

Some typical dishes

• Essex Huffer: Peculiar to the county, this large, triangular bread roll is filled with calorific fare such as bacon, sausage and egg – perfect for a filling breakfast or lunch.

• Jellied Eels: A traditional East London dish that has made its way to Southend, this delicacy (admittedly, an acquired one) is typically topped with vinegar and a sprinkle of pepper.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cockles: No visit to Southend is complete without tucking into a pint of cockles, tiny bivalves that have existed around here in one form or another for over 55 million years.

• Southend Oysters: Sourced from the Thames Estuary, these little beauties are renowned for their quality and taste – they taste best with a squeeze of lemon, which enhances the natural briny flavour.

• Prawn Cocktail: A retro classic, this popular starter is served with a tangy Marie Rose sauce on a bed of crisp lettuce.

Street food

• Pie and Mash: A comforting dish served with liquor (a parsley sauce) and sometimes jellied eels – a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Sweets and desserts

• Southend Pudding: The locals’ take on a traditional British pudding, this rich, fruit-laden dessert is best eaten with custard.

• Ice Cream: You can’t move for ice cream vendors along Southend’s seafront (look out for the Italian ones, they’re usually the best), all of whom offer a head-spinning variety of flavours.

• Seaside Rock: A hard, sweet candy that’s made in an assortment of flavours and eye-popping colours, often with "Southend" written through the middle – but just how do they do that?

Local drinks

• Essex Ale: The local breweries are well regarded, none more so than the Leigh-on-Sea Brewery, whose appropriately named Beach Hut Brew is a cracking pale ale, and one that’s best enjoyed within the sanctuary of a warming pub.

• Cider: Essex is replete with apple orchards, hence large volumes of cider are produced in the county; on a warm day, a pint of ice-cold cider is the most refreshing drink.