Southend-on-Sea is a coastal city in southeastern Essex, England. It lies on the north side of the Thames Estuary, 40 miles (64 km) east of central London. It is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, Southend Pier. The city originally consisted of a few poor fishermen’s huts and farms at the southern end of the village of Prittlewell. In the 1790s, the first buildings around what was to become the High Street of Southend were completed. In the 19th century, Southend’s status as a seaside resort grew after a visit from Princess Caroline of Brunswick, and Southend Pier was constructed. On 18 October 2021, it was announced that Southend would be granted city status, as a memorial to the Member of Parliament, Sir David Amess, a long-time supporter of city status for Southend. Southend was granted city status by letters patent on 26 January 2022 and were presented to Southend Borough Council by Charles, by the then Prince of Wales in March 2022. Southend is now a much loved destination for all ages, with its long walks along the coastline, the many visitor attractions and arcades and the vibrant shopping and city life.
Adventure Island is a fun family theme park at the coast of Southend-on-sea and the site of the theme park flanks the northend of Southend Pier. It boasts 36 attractions, including 5 rollercoasters and 2 water rides. The most exciting ride is The Rage, which is about 75 feet in height and has a 97 degree drop, a vertical look and a zero-g roll and tight turns. There are many rides to choose from and the variety caters for different ages. You can buy colour-coded wristbands which allows entry and access to rides based on height. Their yearly events include Fairy-tale weekend, Superhero weekend, a Halloween themed week, a Christmas Grotto, pride and Islandfest.
Southend Pier is the city’s most treasured, historical icon as well as being the longest pleasure pier in the world. It stretches for 1.33 miles out into the Thames Estuary, putting Southend on the map as well as into the record books. It is in the heart of the Foreshore Nature Reserve which stretches more than 8 miles from Leigh to Shoebury.You can either take a walk on the Pier or hop on the Pier Railway and enjoy the view of Southend from the Pier. It is also the perfect place to wildlife watch and go fishing. If you have the time, stop for a cup of tea at Tea with the Tide, a quaint tearoom perched at the end of the pier.
The Cliffs Pavilion opened in 1964 and is the largest purpose-built performing arts venue in Essex. It hosts more than of 300 performances each year across a wide range of live entertainment from ballet, opera and classical music, through to top-name comedians and singers, to West End musicals, stand-up rock concerts and the largest pantomime in the South East. It seats 1630 people and most recent shows include Six the Musical, Michael McIntyre and Sarah Millican. Upcoming shows include local stars Diversity, Professor Brian Cox and Gladys Knight.
Rating: ★★★★★
Cost: £££
Rating: ★★★★
Cost: ££
Rating: ★★★★★
Cost: £££