Location: Southend-on-Sea
Top Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Southend-on-Sea, England
Southend-on-Sea (/ˈsaʊθɛnd ɒn ˈsiː/ ( listen)), commonly referred to as simply Southend, is a town and wider unitary authority area with borough status in southeastern Essex, England. It lies on the north side of the Thames Estuary, 40 miles (64 km) east of central London. It is bordered to the north by Rochford and to the west by Castle Point. It is home to the longest leisure pier in the world, Southend Pier. London Southend Airport is located 1.5 NM (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) north of the town centre.
Restaurants in Southend-on-Sea
1. Discovery Seal Trips
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
We are based at Essex Marina on Wallsea Island and offer trips into the Rivers Crouch & Roach to see the resident seals. Trips lasts approx. 2 hrs and we sail up to 3 times per day depending on tides and weather. We launch from Wallasea but also do pick-ups on the town jetty at Burnham-on-Crouch.Our trips take us around the RSPB reserve on Wallasea where a variety of birdlife can also be seen.
2. Hide and Shriek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Hide and Shriek is one of the UK's Scariest Attractions and Essex's No. 1 Scare Attraction - featuring a variety of Live Action Scare Experiences throughout the year! Brand New for 2017 - The Séance, discover Southend's Dark Paranormal History in an experience that combines 18th Century Techniques with Theme Park Technology. This is an encounter, that will seem all too real, testing your senses and bravery...
3. Adventure Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,630 reviews
Adventure Island Fun Park is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outragous RAGE roller coaster. You don't pay to enter, you ride the rides with our great value all day ride bands.
Reviewed By jay-c2012 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
My 7 year daughter and her 9 year old friend were treated to a day out at Southend a few days ago. My wife had visited adventure island a number of times as a child but I never had and being completely honest, for some reason always though Southend and adventure island would be a run down typical English seas side town. I was very very wrong!!! Adventure island was brilliant, so much to do and good value too having purchased tickets online in advance. Parking was simple on the sea front and cost £6.60 for 7 hours. The staff on every ride were so interactive and more like entertainment staff than your usual theme park ride assistants, cracking jokes, having sing songs with the kids and spending time with every guest even during busy times. I really am pleased to say I loved it and we will be back again shortly!!!
4. Old Leigh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 995 reviews
Reviewed By lovinmambo - Manchester, United Kingdom
What a hidden gem , loved the quaint little streets and the lovely shops we found a traditional fish bar which sold cockles, mussels, whelks, prawns and jellied eels , we had a half pint of cockles with vinegar and pepper and sat and ate them at a table facing the sea lovely!
5. Hadleigh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By ForgotAboutMuntus - London, United Kingdom
We call this place Windy castle as there's always a breeze! One of our favourite places. Parking is a bit difficult so definitely recommend getting there early. The walk to the castle isn't too long and then the views when you get there are beautiful overlooking the estuary. The ruins are very atmospheric although its quite a challenge to stop children climbing on them! The Salvation Army Cafe by the carpark is brilliant with great views if you sit outside and very reasonable prices.
6. Southchurch Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
A stunning Grade 1 listed moated, medieval manor house is just a short walk from Southend on Sea's busy seafront and High Street. The house, gardens and archaeology are captured in time. Stop by the gift shop for a hot drink and a snack before exploring the gardens and feeding the ducks.
Reviewed By 149stuartc - Rayleigh, United Kingdom
Not far from central Southend on Sea but hidden away in amongst the streets of Southchurch. There are a couple more f brown signs but probably best to use a SatNav if you don’t know the area. There was is no parking so you have to find a space in the side roads (which isn’t too hard). The hall is set in nice gardens. It’s a wonderful building with friendly staff happy to tell you all about the place. Best of all though is it’s free to visit. It’s a wonderful medieval building with very few modern trappings. There are information boards in each room and there are lots of exhibits to give you a feel for the place. I particularly like the kitchen and great hall. The gift shop area also has large information boards telling you all about the history. Really worth finding.
7. Chinnerys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By sarah26sat - Westcliff-on-Sea, United Kingdom
went to chinnerys southend to see mimic Floyd on 9th june great music venue fantastic gig and the staff are amazing thanks chinnerys for a great night
8. Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By 421brendap
A lovely place to walk, ride a bike, see nature especially squirrels all safely. Even a small adventure playground. We always have a great time
9. Palace Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By briant438 - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
What a rare treasure for southendians! a beautiful old building that hasn't been pulled down or derelict! A good rake ensures all have a good view of the stage, and with a good range of amateur and professional productions and even a small studio for more specialist productions, there is over a course of time something for everyone. It is always a joy to visit and feel part of its history, long may it continue.
10. Chalkwell Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
A park with beautiful ornamental gardens, colourful bedding displays, an environment garden, a courtyard-style sun garden and a rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society. The park is home to Metal, a local Arts company that host a number of events here throughout the year. Facilities include: Beautiful ornamental gardens; Colourful bedding displays; An environment garden; Courtyard style sun garden; Rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society; Football; Cricket; Tennis; Basketball; Skate/BMX 2; children's playgrounds; Cafe and function room.
Reviewed By natalieereviews
Lovely park! Well maintained hardly any littler there.in summer the flowers look lovely. Plenty to do as there are 2 big fileds,basketball court,tennis courts (need to pay to access those though) play ground area for bigger childen,play ground area for smaller children. Lovely family atmosphere
