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10 things you need to do in Southend-on-Sea before you die
Southend-on-Sea has become a popular destination for tourists and those who want to stay longer-term over the last few years. And it’s easy to see why.
From the new city’s proximity to London, at just over an hour into London Liverpool Street on the train, to lots of beaches with the sea barely a walk away, there’s plenty to do in Southend. The coastal town was even made into a city last year, in remembrance of Southend West MP Sir David Amess, who had campaigned for many years to see the town he loved recognised as a city.
Since Southend received city status, there has been even more events put on than ever before. Adding this to the already bounteous options on offer along the south Essex seafront, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the things you must do in Southend-on-Sea, whether in a fleeting weekend visit or spread over the course of your life.
If you think there’s an essential activity we’ve not mentioned but should be on this list, please tell us by emailing [email protected] or commenting below.
1. Southend Pier
No list of the best things to do in Southend-on-Sea can leave out the Pier of the Year 2023. Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, and it even has a little railway that operates between the coast and the end of the pier, 1.33 miles out into the Thames Estuary.
It has a fascinating history, which you can find more about here and .
2. Adventure Island
Almost as if Southend Pier and Adventure Island go together as the two most iconic things to do in Southend, this seaside theme park is a great day out for the whole family. The park itself is free to enter, and there are a wide variety of rides for all ages and levels of courage.
3. Leigh-on-Sea
Southend’s neighbouring town could be considered her upmarket younger sister. Trendy, brimming with brunch places and coffee shops, it’s a delightful place to wander around for the day.
The Broadway is the home of most of the shops, ranging from boutiques through to crystal shops and everything in between. But head down to the seafront and you’ll reach Old Leigh, where there are some lovely pubs looking out over the estuary towards Kent, perfect for an afternoon drink and a catch-up with friends.
4. East Beach, Shoeburyness
It’s worth making the trip down to Shoeburyness to visit East Beach while in Southend. It’s much quieter than the main Jubilee and Three Shells beaches, and even the sand here feels a bit less stony and unpleasant.
You can even hire a beach hut if you want more privacy or to make a full day of it, and it’s lovely just lying on the beach, watching the boats sail out from Thorpe Bay.
5. Luminocity Festival of Light
The Luminocity festival is held in Southend every February after restarting in 2022. It’s an absolutely magical experience, and one that’s worth braving the cold sea winds for.
, from the high street down to the end of the pier. Music and movement are integrated into many of the giant sculptures, and best of all – it’s completely free.
6. A Southend night out
Southend has been a well-known and popular night out hotspot for many years. From the days of Naughty and Mayhem, there are now three dedicated clubs and several pubs and bars that transform into a dance floor in the evening.
Start your evening along the seafront with a drink or two at one of the pubs facing the estuary, before heading up to the high street. Bring out your inner teenager by having some pre-drinks at the Wetherspoons (The Last Post) or be sensible and have some food at Brickhouse on London Road.
Then, you’re ready to hit the dance floor. There’s MooMoos, with its popular Fever Room full of cheesy bangers – though make sure you don’t sound Welsh – or Popworld opposite, still new to the city.
For further options, head to Revolution for DnB vibes or Slug and Lettuce for a classic soundtrack to your night.
7. Hot doughnuts, Rossi’s ice cream and fish and chips
Rossi’s ice cream is so good it is basically an event to eat one in my opinion. Created in Southend in 1932, the light and airy ice cream is some of the best I’ve ever tried, and is synonymous with Southend.
Pair that with some hot doughnuts from one of the kiosks along the seafront, and you’ll experience one of the wonders of the seaside at Southend. To complete your foodie tour of the seafront, visit Bella John’s for the best chips in Southend.
Though be warned – the seagulls are vicious and aren’t above stealing your chips.
8. Sealife Adventure centre
Sealife Adventure is the UK’s first Zooquarium, making it yet another iconic thing to do in the seaside city. At great value for an annual pass, and with a wide variety of creatures to see, it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family.
There are famous sea dwellers, weird and wonderful creatures of the deep, and plenty of land-loving animals to see as well. These include monkeys, meerkats and Humboldt Penguins.
9. Hadleigh Castle
One for the history buffs and those who like some fresh air, Hadleigh Castle is the ruins of a royal castle looking out over the stunning views of the Thames Estuary. The castle was built in the 1230s, and in the 14th century King Edward II began to use it as a royal residence.
It had an important strategic location as a good base for defending the Thames Estuary against French invadors during the Hundred Years War, and was used by Edward III for many years. But after his death, the castle was forgotten by the royals and was mostly demolished in the 16th century.
10. A night at the theatre
Southend is lucky enough to have not just one but two theatres, with both putting on an impressive range of shows. At the Cliffs you’ll be able to see Jimmy Carr live, the Take That musical, the Simon and Garfunkel Story, the ultimate Abba tribute act.
The Palace theatre is putting on a production of Wish You Were Dead, based on the novel by Peter James, as well as hosting comedians Tim Vine and Mark Watson.
Find out more here.
