Southend Holidays Guide

Thinking of taking a break to Southend Essex?  Whether for a short break or a day trip, discover what the vibrant seaside town of Southend on Sea offers for self-catering breaks.

Find Holiday Accommodation in Southend

Why Book a Break in Southend?

Southend has lots to offer visitors, from its impressive pier, to its Adventure island rides, amusements and beaches.  Visitors flock from London and other parts of Essex, to Southend, particularly in summer time.
 

Top Things to See and Do on a Break in Southend

•    Enjoy a long stroll along the pier (it’s around a mile and a quarter in length and there are sea views, birds, and the occasional bench for a rest along the way), or for an easier option, book a train ride, along Southend’s pier.  The pier is said to be the longest in the world, and there is an attractive café at the end.

•    Book to see a show at Cliffs Pavilion theatre close to the seaside, a mile or so west of Southend.  This is a superb theatre with excellent shows on throughout the year

•    If you are feeling lucky, Southend is home to 3 casinos, and most have entertainment on at weekends,

•    In summer time, it can be great to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, basking in the sunshine.  Southend-on-Sea was recently awarded three blue flags for clean beaches and although only sandy in parts, the mud flats have entertained generations of children. There is nothing quite as memorable as the squelch of the mud about your ankles as you cross the mud flats in search of distant water when the tide is out.
 
•    Southend has its own aquarium; Sealife Adventure which is worth a visit, particularly if you are visiting the city with kids.

•    Enjoy meandering along the promenade by the seafront.  Here is where you’ll find Adventure Island; an extensive family amusement park, guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.
  
•    Close to Adventure Island are various amusement arcades with various video games, as well as slot machines and other games.

•    Traditional fish and chips, cockles, eels and other sea food can still be purchased all along the sea front, as can ice creams and doughnuts. There are plenty of pubs, clubs, a casino, sea-life centre and much more to continue to attract a steady stream of visitors to Southend.

•    If you fancy a spot of shopping, Southend is home to a good selection of shops, and a good choice of bars, pubs and restaurants too.

Parking can be a bit tricky, but there is quite a lot of parking towards the Cliffs Theatre, as you head out of the centre of Southend towards the theatre.

Good Places to Visit Close to Southend on Sea

•    If you love nature and stunning unspoilt scenery, then head to Two Tree Island nature reserve whilst on a cottage break.  Two Tree Island is just 4 miles from Southend, where you can enjoy invigorating walks and gaze upon beautiful seascapes,

•    Leigh on Sea just 3 miles from Southend, is a delightful place to visit, popular with locals.  With an arty vibe, there are many splendid little cafes in Leigh on Sea, as well as afternoon tea places and art galleries.

•    Another popular place to visit close to Leigh is Old Leigh. Here you will find a beautiful historic street lined with pubs and cafes overlooking the boats at the water front. A folk festival is held annually in Old Leigh at the end of June. A wide range of music and dance groups perform for free in any available spaces outdoors. There are Morris dancers galore, complete with maypoles, exotic belly dancers, Spanish flamenco, circle dancers and much more; all very colourful and entertaining.

•    If you like keeping active on a self-catering break, don’t miss Hadleigh Country Park, just 5 miles along from Southend.  There is a brilliant mountain biking route in the park, along with good walks.

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Southend or a short self-catering break, Southend-on-Sea with its vibrant seaside appeal, has plenty to offer.