Southend-on-Sea

Travel Guide

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

Travellers 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 €94 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€94
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Service excellent. However the Carpets need cleaning as lots of stains."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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
Fully refundable
The price is €78 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€78
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,002 reviews)
Highly recommended
"Another welcoming stay by all staff, efficient check in n out. Breakfast was good, staff very pleasant. Room was comfortable."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 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 €107 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€107
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (978 reviews)
"Really nice hotel, in a convenient location, breakfast was ok but very expensive, also the bar was comfortable but again very expensive especially as i was given a double without asking."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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 8 Jul 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 10 Jul 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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