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 Museums
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. Estuary Gallery barge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Estuary Gallery Barge is a 21 metre floating Art Gallery showing Fine Art Photography by resident artist Ian James and Watercolour and Mixed Media Paintings by Josephine James. Also showing additional work by invited artists during the year. Open Saturdays 10am to 5pm and other times by arrangement.
2. Two Tree Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
We are a group of local artists, who have come together and opened as an independent gallery co-operative, Kerry Doyland, Susan Allen, Terry Sibson, Jon Trim, David Greenwood, Adrian Lane, Nicola Upton and Yu Lan Burkmar
3. Old Leigh Studios Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
A contemporary Art Gallery with a working pottery and painting studio by the Thames Estuary in the quaint Old Town of Leigh-on-Sea. Established in 1991 by potter Richard Baxter and artist Sheila Appleton, now joined by ceramicist Julie O'Sullivan & painter Ian E Smith. Works on sale and to commission.
Reviewed By suebI5938CN
I always enjoy a visit, it's an oasis of culture and calm, in our often too lively Old Town. The owners produce marvellous work, the conversation can be very entertaining and you can often see work in progress. The pottery is extremely tempting, the glazes are brilliant. The two painters works are very different, but you could easily walk away with a piece. there's a wide price range - so you could easily be tempted!
4. Piece Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Piece is a gallery of globally sourced art with an extensive range of styles to suit all tastes. A selection of high end home accessories complement our art and include beautiful glassware, handmade candles, vases and ceramics. Hand painted and individually designed ornamental apples in a variety of sizes are exclusively available from Piece.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. MOD Foulness Island Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Jimpendrigh - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
We thought we would go to the foulness museum . You have to stop at the security gate and give all your details as it’s still a secure site with limited access. The museum is close to the church so just follow the directions as if you dont the police there will be in to you as your being watched by cctv everywhere so don’t deviate from the route .the museum is well worth a visit as it’s full of old memrobillia from times past
8. The Forum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
The Forum Southend-on-Sea is an innovation with community in mind - a library, gallery and educational resource in a contemporary shared space. The Forum is a collaborative project from three partners: Southend Borough Council, University of Essex and South Essex College. It houses Southend Library on the Ground & First floors, Focal Point Gallery on the Ground Floor, University of Essex on the Second floor and South Essex College utilise the top level. Nosh restaurant operates on the Ground Floor independently. This listing is monitored by Southend Library. Comments regarding other sections of the building will be passed on to the appropriate partners.
Reviewed By jeremyspenser - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Friendly and helpful staff a very well laid out public space. A great library with plenty of space to read/study and computer screens for public access. Meeting rooms are ideal for group training and activities. WiFi access works well etc. Coffee shop next door and parking close enough. There is an outdoor cinema screen I assume used in summer months
9. Southend Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Housed inside Southend Central Museum the Planetarium operates daily in holiday times and on weekends through term time. Look out for special sessions through the holidays too, such as Space Plus and Stories in the Sky.
Reviewed By Catherinehannan271
I took my four children to the 3pm show today, my youngest being 5 years old, the show was captivating, and educational, Wendy was absolutely marvellous!!!!! Cannot recommend this enough xxx
10. Southend Central Museum and Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 54 reviews
Southend Central Museum sits in the heart of Southend and tells the story of the town and the surrounding region. The museum has permanent exhibitions including the internationally significant Anglo-Saxon princely burial found at Prittlewell and an archaeology wing that was refurbished in 2019. Notable recent exhibitions at the museum have included the 'London Shipwreck' and 'Wild Estuary'. See our website for details of temporary exhibitions and events. The building also houses our hugely popular planetarium- be sure to book your place at one of our shows in advance to avoid disappointment!
Reviewed By Davidm1961 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Museum exhibitions don't get much better than this. The range of artefacts from the 580 AD princely burial site are just superb. And its free to enter, complete with a free guide. But the museum goes the extra mile with some great videos and artist's impressions. And when I had a question about a folding stool on a drawing, they even brought in a mega helpful Curator to talk to me! The highlights are; * The golden belt buckle * The golden crosses which would have been on the Prince's eyes - the earliest evidence to date of a Christian burial in England * Part of a wooden box, the earliest remaining painted Anglo-Saxon wood in the country. They tell the story of the excavation in 2003 in Southend really well. The only downside is that while they know from the size of the grave, the swords and gold that this was an important person, it is speculation who he was and whether he was a prince. This is a small exhibition, that needs less than a hour. But with a little imagination, you will love this special gallery. (Park at the nearby Beechcroft car park BTW).
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