Southend-on-Sea

Travel Guide
Southend-on-Sea featuring a coastal town, a beach and a sunset
Swim in the mouth of the River Thames, fish from one of the world’s longest piers or eat fresh fish and chips on the beach at this seaside resort town.

Visit Southend-on-Sea to enjoy a seaside resort village that is known for its tranquility and relaxed pace. Built on the mouth of the Thames Estuary, this is a great place to explore the famous river, stroll through a traditional English village or enjoy authentic fish and chips.

Get your bearings in this small town by taking a quick tour, either on foot or by bicycle.  Leave Southend’s main street and head to the Southend Pier to breathe in the fresh sea air. Stop at Adventure Island on your way and ride one of the rollercoasters or try your luck on the arcade-style amusements.

Swim, sail or kayak in the calm waters off Southend’s beaches. The 7 miles (11 kilometres) of waterfront are the major attraction of the town, particularly during the peak of summer. Escape the crowds by heading to Chalkwell Beach to relax in peace and quiet.

Discover Britain’s fascinating military history at Tilbury Fort. This fort is one of the best preserved historic sites in the United kingdom.

In winter the weather turns wet and windy, providing dramatic views across the estuary and making the town’s many warm pubs even more enticing. Drop by the Southend High Street to find bars and clubs. Despite the town’s sleepy reputation, there are some great spots for dancing well into the night, especially on weekends. Stop by a waterfront restaurant or take-out store for locally caught fish with hand-cut hot chips for an authentic British seaside meal.

As the weather heats up Southend-on-Sea’s population swells with visitors and the resort becomes a playground for holiday makers. Walk the length of one of the world’s longest piers, sail the calm waters of the estuary or simply enjoy a cup of tea in the cosy village centre.

Southend-on-Sea is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometres) east of London’s centre and can be reached by car in one hour. Trains depart frequently from London to Southend, while flights from many European cities arrive at the London Southend airport daily.  

Where to stay in Southend-on-Sea

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Thorpe Bay

Travellers like the beaches in Thorpe Bay, and Thorpe Bay Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Thorpe Bay
Seven Hotel
Seven Hotel
4 out of 5
5-7 Clifton Terrace, Southend-on-Sea, England
Fully refundable
The price is S$146 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
S$146
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (877 reviews)
"Nice hotel, good room but strange bathroom design. Amazing staff!"

Reviewed on 1 Nov,2024

Seven Hotel
Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
3 out of 5
Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, England
The price is S$127 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
S$127
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
4 night stau
"Nice stay in park inn quiet room slept well very pleasant"

Reviewed on 31 Oct,2024

Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-on-Sea, England
The price is S$118 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
S$118
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Summer staycation
"The room was very clean, the restaurant at the top floor was very nice with a night view on the airport. Staff very helpful and lovely especially Yanet at the reception."

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lower Bell
The Lower Bell
3 out of 5
201 Old Chatham Road, Bluebell Hill, Aylesford, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aylesford. Enjoy free parking, a business center, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and ...
7.8/10 Good! (132 reviews)
"We had to book at the last minute due to an emergency family vist in the area,Tracey who greeted us on a late arrival was very friendly and went out of her way to get us some food as the kitchen was closed when we arrived,it was much appreciated.lovely grounds to sit in on the outside and in.we had ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sep,2024

The Lower Bell
Remarkable 2-bed Lodge in Clacton-on-sea
Remarkable 2-bed Lodge in Clacton-on-sea
3 out of 5
Clacton-on-Sea
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Clacton-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Jaywick Martello Tower and St. Osyth Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Very nice property. Communication with the owner was easy. Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 17 Jan,2024

Remarkable 2-bed Lodge in Clacton-on-sea
Remarkable 5-bed Cabin in Clacton-on-sea
Remarkable 5-bed Cabin in Clacton-on-sea
3.5 out of 5
Clacton-on-Sea
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Clacton-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Clacton Pier and The Wheel Experience ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
Lovely family stay
"Very clean, spacious and comfortable. Great site facilities and location close to the beach. Lovely touch from host, leaving us water, tea/coffee and icecreams."

Reviewed on 28 May,2024

Remarkable 5-bed Cabin in Clacton-on-sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Southend-on-Sea

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
59
" "5 - Excellent 33.9080459770115%
4 - Good
72
" "4 - Good 41.37931034482759%
3 - Okay
39
" "3 - Okay 22.413793103448278%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5747126436781609%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 1.7241379310344827%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Born and bred so a wee bit biased!! Heehee! Thanks for a great stay at your gaff. First class indeed

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Due to the poor hotel it did not leave a great impression of the area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Southend is great. Everyone should check it out

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Just want there as friends were getting married

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

lovely place, lovely hotel, lovely people, cant wait to return