This is an excellent time to visit top sights in Southend, such as Adventure Island, and top Southend activities, such as taking a ride on the Southend Pier railway. Spend time taking in some of the wonderful Essex culture and entertainment on offer, such as at the Palace Theatre or the Southend Central Museum and Planetarium, before refueling at some of the finest places to dine in Southend to keep you going for the remainder of the day.

Those with a penchant for shopping may get a new wardrobe at one of Southend-on-greatest Sea's boutiques before experiencing the city's renowned nightlife. You would not want to miss out on any of the greatest things to do in Southend.

1. What makes Southend unique?
2. Southend's popular attractions
3. Nightlife in Southend
4. Sports in Southend
5. Coffee shops in Southend
6. Shopping in Southend
7. Southend living costs
8. Outdoor activities in Southend
9. Travel in and around Southend
10. Explore the UK from Southend

Photo Credit: Uk Beach Guide via Google

1. What makes Southend unique?

When the weather is shining, the sheer number of people that congregate on Southend's beaches is absolutely astounding. Southend is the 'go-to' seaside resort in Essex for holidaymakers, with many people from other parts of Essex and London making the short journey down for a day's relaxation.

Photo Credit: The Times via Google

2. Southend's popular attractions

Southend is full of fun things to do and unique places to visit. Despite being just a town, within this wonderful place are numerous spots you can not miss, including:

• Southend Pier. One of the town's most historic structures
• Hadleigh Castle. Constructed in the 13th century by Henry III, the ruins still show visitors why the castle was such an important strategic defensive bulwark against future attacks.
• Hadleigh Park. English Heritage manages the building, which is currently a Grade I listed structure.
• Southchurch Hall. A historic manor home within a short walk from the Southend coastline, yet a world apart from modernity.
• Southend Cliff Gardens. Due to its altitude position, it also offers spectacular views of the Thames Estuary. Plantings include both common and exotic shrubs and trees.

Photo Credit: Visit Essex

3. Nightlife in Southend

Peggy Sue's Music Bar & Diner in Leigh-on-Sea is a terrific location to start. Six evenings a week, this family-run club has live music from blues and country to reggae and rock.

Mawson's Micro Pub has a great vibe and offers eight cask ales, a dozen Belgian bottled beers, and five ciders. It also features a classic table arcade machine, quiz evenings, and live music.

The old Bellini Bar in Leigh-on-Sea has relaunched as the Oakleigh, with a focus on cocktails rather than genuine ale. It also includes live music and a vibrant cuisine selection with dishes like lemony kale popcorn, Korean beef, grilled Padron peppers, and prawn lollipops.

East Coast Social is a popular pub where the focus is on socialising over a drink or two. Drinks at East Coast include hand-selected wines, artisan brews and unique cocktails. Burgers and smaller shared dishes are popular choices.

The Mews, in a secluded corner of Clifftown, is one of Southend's best-kept secrets. It is famed for its cuisine, but the basement bar is also a must-see. It serves classic and innovative cocktails, as well as Mews house specialties.

Photo Credit: Southend Echo

4. Sports in Southend

In the 21st century, Southend United have had their share of success despite not having the most spectacular moniker. In November 2006, they overcame a Manchester United team that included Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in the League Cup.

Other state-of-the-art facilities open to the public include:

• Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre
• Shoeburyness Leisure Centre
• Westcliff Sports Hall
• Chase Sports & Fitness Centre
• Belfairs Swim Centre

Photo Credit: Southend on Sea Athletic Club via Google

5. Coffee shops in Southend

A good beach café is hard to top, but that does not mean every coastal café is excellent. Coastal Bite is a good location to start in Southend. Located in Westcliff-on-Sea, it has a devoted following and few critics. Fish burgers and charred cod are among the specialties.

Anke's Tea and Coffee Lounge in Westcliff-on-Sea is also part of the Cake Escape Essex cycling initiative. Anke makes real German desserts like apple cake and cheesecake, and there is also occasionally live music for you to enjoy and relax under the sun.

Regulars enjoy the design of the coastal café Attic where it has rustic furnishings and cosy couches, as well as the odd teacup and saucer light fixtures. Attic is a popular site for afternoon teas, providing savoury dishes such as small smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, as well as the traditional sweet sweets.

On Western Esplanade, nearer to the pier, lies the excellent Café Rebecca. This is the place to indulge in some simple seashore treats. This family-run cafe serves up fish and chips, mushy peas, and doughnuts to hungry seniors.

Photo Credit: Creams Cafe via Google

6. Shopping in Southend

Southend-on-Sea has two top-notch retail malls. The Royals Shopping Centre is right in the centre of Southend High Street, with 30 retailers and over 400 parking spaces. The facility also includes three distinct bike facilities for people who want to pedal power.

The Royals' stores include well-known brands like Debenhams, Boots, and TK Maxx as well as lesser-known ones like Wood Nation and Grape Tree. You may also be pampered at Nola Beauty, which provides waxing, threading, and massage. The Little Royalty, a free on-site club for youngsters aged three to nine, is a wonderful addition.

Within walking distance of Southend Victoria Train Station, the 40-storey Victoria Shopping Centre offers a mix of high-street brands and boutiques. Local businesses like Southend Cards & Stationery and Couture Cakes by Kosta are also here.

There are many main street businesses in Southend, but there are also designer outlets for people seeking high-end products. Mark | James of Leigh, a store in Leigh-on-Sea, has been selling designer menswear since 2011. Brands like Z Zegna, Orlebar Brown, Richard James, and Paul Smith are featured.

Photo Credit: Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership via Google

7. Southend living costs

Budget guide:

• One-way ticket (Local transport): £3.50
• Meal out: £12.00
• Fast food (McDonald’s): £6.00
• Gasoline (1 litre): £5.75
• Cinema ticket: £10.00
• Taxi (normal tariff): £2.80

Photo Credit: Southend Echo via Google

8. Outdoor activities in Southend

While windy winds do not always provide for perfect sunbathing circumstances, they can allow you to try out risky activities like kitesurfing or power kiting. Try kayaking at Perfect Day Watersports in Leigh-on-Sea. There are also courses in powerboating and dinghy sailing. Stay on dry ground if you want to take one of the centre's theoretical courses. They include yachting, VHF radio, and first aid.

Adventure Island, the renowned amusement park on Southend-on-landmark Sea's Western Esplanade, is a must-see on any Southend day out. There are over 40 rides and attractions to select from, and entrance is free. The coasters include the Rage roller coaster, Mighty Mini Mega, Green Scream, and Archelon. Online booking also saves money.

There is also a soft play area for kids too young for the rides, and a prehistoric-themed restaurant called Dining-Saurs. Take a walk down the town's world-famous pier on your route to or from Adventure Island.

Garon Park Golf Complex may be for you if you wish to avoid the beach. A 27-hole golf course and a floodlit driving range. The Garon Park clubhouse also has two restaurants, bars, event rooms, and a budget golf store. Garon Park charges a daily fee for golf and has five resident experts available for private or group lessons.

Photo Credit: Garon Park Golf Complex via Google

9. Travel in and around Southend

Southend’s strong transport links make it easy to get to. Public transport, a nearby airport as well as a large train station that gives you plenty of options when planning your visit.

By plane

The expansion of London Southend Airport has made this favourite stretch of Essex coastline even more accessible. Services to and from Southend are provided by easyJet, Flybe and Loganair.

It is easy to get to the airport. If you require a vehicle, there is a Europcar car rental centre near the airport or the Andrews Taxis that offers trustworthy local cab services from their office in the terminal. The C30 coach service and bus lines 7, 8 and 9 link the airport to Southend. Trains are one of the quickest and easiest methods to get to your flight.

By train

Southend Victoria Train Station, one of the town's two principal stations, dated from 1889. It is now serviced by Greater Anglia, which serves trains to and from Liverpool Street through Prittlewell, Southend United's home ground. Southend Central, on the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway, is the other major station. Westbound trains from Southend Central link to Fenchurch Street, giving Southend residents two options for travel to and from London. The LTS line serves Basildon and Barking.

Southend also has two smaller train lines. Southend Cliff Railway, a funicular which provides a popular summer trip for visitors wishing an easy way to ascend the cliffs from the walkway below to enjoy a better perspective of the estuary.

Photo Credit: Essex Highways via Google

10. Explore the UK from Southend

Southend is an ideal base for you to start exploring neighbouring cities, towns, and the rest of the UK.

Chelmsford

With just a 30 minutes drive by car, Chelmsford is Essex's only city, so you will be spoiled for choice and amused for hours. There is something for everyone with so much to see and do. Chelmsford has a superb events calendar. In July, Dixie Fields Country Music Event takes place at Hylands Estate, and 3foot People Festival is the UK's biggest pre-school festival, making it perfect for that family or friends getaway.

Witham

Located just approximately 19 miles away is Witham that lies in the heart of Essex, between Chelmsford, the county town, and Colchester, one of Britain's oldest documented cities. Witham has a population of approximately 26,000 with a mix of ancient and new buildings, shops, cafés, and restaurants. There are various sports fields, a skateboard park, a football and rugby club, and a leisure complex with a pool. Clubs and organisations for all ages and interests are active, adding to the town's communal spirit.

Basildon

With road, rail, sea, and air networks that open up the nation and continent, visitors to Basildon are assured a warm welcome. Basildon offers a strong cultural offer, despite its reputation. A permanent Heritage Trail across the town emphasises a noteworthy legacy for today's visitors and future generations to enjoy. Barleylands is another famous tourist destination. You may purchase held throughout the year.

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