Location: Southend-on-Sea
Top Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
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Top 10 Things to do 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. 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!!!
2. 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!
3. Shoebury East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By stevevO2023TR - Shoeburyness, United Kingdom
Hired a beach hut, Number 13 - The Beach Lounge. Located on a quiet piece of the beach with a beautiful sea view. East Beach is spacious with clean toilets and a large car park that are just a few minutes walk from the long sandy beach (and the beach hut.) I'm typing this whilst sitting on the beach hut terrace, ice cream in my other hand whilst the kiddies hunt for crabs in the rock pool that is opposite, sun is shining, its absolute bliss!! The beach hut is well equipped, fresh coffee / paddle boards / crab nets/ buckets and spades and a few board games too. Fresh air and family time, this is just what we all needed. We'll be back.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Priory Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By 490theos - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Great swings and slides, nice modern cafe all based around a medieval priory which is now a museum. Gifted to the town by RA jones 100 or so years ago
8. Southend Pier & Railway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,052 reviews
Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. Extending 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Sir John Betjeman once said that "the Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier". The pier is a Grade II listed building.
Reviewed By Stevens82WGC - Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
We enjoyed our walk along the pier and the cafe and rnli station/shop at the end was a perfect break before walking back! Not much else open but given it was out of season/windy I wasn’t unsurprised.
9. Sea Life Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 939 reviews
Reviewed By Noodles135 - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
We have been going to Sea Life Adventure for the last 7 years! Started taken my son when he was just 6 months old and he loves it in there. It’s full of beautiful fishes, sea creatures, sharks, other small animals, monkeys, tortoises, meerkats and the new dinosaur and butterfly area is brilliant as it’s Ray Bay and the shark tunnel is fantastic. There are very informative talks in each area where you can learn all about the animals and their habitats, such a lovely venue for young children. There is also a small gift shop and a nice restaurant that has plenty of food and drinks. We have an annual family pass so we tend to go at least once a month and are always greeted so well as they do look after their regular visitors, however with Covid we have only been twice this year but there were safety measures in place, masks worn inside by all and sanitising clearly going on. Highly recommend Sea Life Adventure for families. My son has even said he wants to get a job in there when he is 16 :)
10. Rendezvous Southend Casino
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
You've tried the rest, now try the best! Situated just off of the seafront at the back of the iconic Kursaal building, Rendezvous Casino is one of the most stylish, traditional and exciting places to visit in Southend. We have our Fahrenheit Bar which is open late 7 days a week, serving the best cocktails in town with the finest wine, beers and champagne, and of course our Casino where all of the excitement happens! Our Elements Restaurant offers fine dining at its best and fantastic service, not just that we have our Fahrenheit bistro offering superb light bites at the best prices. We offer function suites, private dining options and experience packages like our Cocktail Masterclass and Learn to Play sessions lead by our amazing hosts which are ideal for Hen and Stag parties! If that isn't enough we also have live entertainment from the countries top acts every Friday and Saturday night! It really is the ONLY place to be seen in Southend!
Reviewed By csecharlton - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Fantastic meal, great service and a take that tribute act who were good as well....we even won a little before we lost
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