Location: Southend-on-Sea
Top Things to do in Southend-on-Sea
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What to do and see in Southend-on-Sea, England: The Best Free Things to do
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. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Prittlewell Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Nestled in the heart of Southend's Priory Park, Prittlewell Priory is a beautiful example of a 12th century Cluniac Monastery. Permanent exhibitions tell the story of the Priory and the building's various uses throughout history. Learn about the lives of the monks of Prittlewell, Tudor period owners including Thomas Audley and Sir Richard Rich and the Victorian Scratton family. Opposite the Priory building you'll find our Visitor Centre complete with gift shop, drinks and other facilities. Enjoy the stunning grounds that surround our building and take a stroll through the picturesque walled gardens.
Reviewed By 42glynism - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
So much history to be found definitely worth a visit when in Southend, with a nice park to walk around and lovely flowers when in season.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Shoebury Garrison Conservation area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By 490theos - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
This area has been opened up over the last few years having been military land. There is a nice walk along the seawall. The barge pier is fenced off but this is ignored Good lake with swans and other birdlife Excellent interpretative screens Bracing in th winter
8. Gunners Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By martinthehackEssexUK - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
I'm very lucky as I get to walk my dog here almost every day, and I never tire of it, especially when it's overcast and there are few people around.Splendid isolation. Great place for dog walkers with plenty of bins, so it's a shame that quite a few fail to pick up after their dogs. There's no excuse and spoils it for others. That aside, the views over the estuary are stunning and the lake is full of birdlife while the conserved military buildings and some cannons, add to the interest. Worth a visit and free parking.
9. Leigh Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By roys288 - Romford, United Kingdom
Free museum (leave a contribution on leaving) which gives you a good idea how people used to live in the good old days. Certainly worth a visit if you're in the area.
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
