Things to Do in Southend on Sea
Southend on Sea has the longest pleasure pier in the world, a fishing village on its doorstep and a ruined castle above the estuary. Here is how to spend a day.
Southend Pier
Southend Pier stretches well over a mile into the Thames Estuary, the longest pleasure pier in the world. You can walk it or take the pier train, and the views back to the town are wide.
Southend Pier stretches well over a mile into the Thames Estuary, the longest pleasure pier in the world.
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The seafront
The seafront either side of the pier has sandy beaches, gardens on the cliffs and Adventure Island, the funfair beside the pier.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Southend on Sea itself.
Book somewhere first, then see who is free this evening.
Old Leigh
Old Leigh, west of the centre, is a small fishing village of cobbled streets, cockle sheds and pubs by the water, with boats on the mud at low tide.
Old Leigh, west of the centre, is a small fishing village of cobbled streets, cockle sheds and pubs by the water, with boats on the mud at low tide.
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Hadleigh Castle
Hadleigh Castle, on the hill west of Leigh, is a ruined medieval castle with views over the estuary, painted by John Constable. Hadleigh Country Park around it has walking and cycling trails.
Hadleigh Castle, on the hill west of Leigh, is a ruined medieval castle with views over the estuary, painted by John Constable.
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Prittlewell Priory
Prittlewell Priory, in Priory Park north of the centre, is a medieval priory turned museum, set in a calm park.
Prittlewell Priory, in Priory Park north of the centre, is a medieval priory turned museum, set in a calm park.
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Planning a Southend day
Walk or ride the pier in the morning, spend the afternoon in Old Leigh or up at Hadleigh Castle, and finish with dinner on Leigh Broadway. As everywhere on the site, this guide is for adults aged 18 and over.
Walk or ride the pier in the morning, spend the afternoon in Old Leigh or up at Hadleigh Castle, and finish with dinner on Leigh Broadway.
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Places worth knowing in Southend on Sea
- Southend PierThe longest pleasure pier in the world
- Adventure IslandThe funfair beside the pier
- Old LeighA fishing village by the water
- Hadleigh CastleA ruined castle above the estuary
- Prittlewell PrioryA medieval priory in Priory Park
- Cliff GardensGardens on the cliffs at Westcliff
Frequently asked questions
Well over a mile. The pier train saves the walk, and you can walk one way and ride the other.
Old Leigh is a few minutes west by train to Leigh on Sea, or a longer walk along the seafront.
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