Southend-on-Sea

Travel Guide

Southend-on-Sea featuring a sunset, a coastal town and general coastal views
Epping Forest showing forests
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea
Adventure Island featuring rides

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 kilometers) 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 vacationers. 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 cozy village center.

Southend-on-Sea is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of London’s center 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

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

Thorpe Bay
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 P4,945 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P4,945
P5,935 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Excellent location and good service.
"Best location for hotel in Southend. Overall an excellent hotel , especially the family room is very good. The receptionist stored our baggage so we can go out and wonder about as we got there before the 3pm Check-in time. Also at check out time 12pm they stored our luggage in hotel so we can pick ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea
Holiday Inn Southend by IHG

Holiday Inn Southend by IHG

4 out of 5
77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-on-Sea, England
The price is P4,424 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P4,424
P5,309 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,000 reviews)
"good option really closed to the airport"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Holiday Inn Southend by IHG
Seven Hotel

Seven Hotel

4 out of 5
5-7 Clifton Terrace, Southend-on-Sea, England
The price is P5,931 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,931
P7,117 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (984 reviews)
"Its a nice hotel but quite expensive over £300 no breakfast included! This booking was for a newlyweds and i order a bottle of prosecco to be in the room upon arrival but unfortunately they forgot to put it even was already paid i have to call the reception a couple of times to check if the couple ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Seven 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.
Ardens Lodge

Ardens Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Arden Street, Gillingham, England
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Gillingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Chatham Naval Memorial and Historic ...
4/10 (1 review)
"Arrived at the property and called to check in. Was told that property was closed for refurbishment and I had to go to a different property managed by them 15 minutes away. Got there and room was minimal and bare. Host was nice but it wasn’t an aparthotel as the original one was advertised as. I ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Ardens Lodge
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! (146 reviews)
"Clean comfortable proprty"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

The Lower Bell
Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Burnham-on-crouch

Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Burnham-on-crouch

3 out of 5
5 Queens Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, England
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Burnham-on-Crouch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Ramblers Stadium and Mangapps Railway Museum ...
Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Burnham-on-crouch
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.

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