With seven miles of coastline, there is a whole host of things to do and see in Southend-on-Sea
From traditional seaside fun from award-winning beaches to family attractions from the famous Pier and its mile long railway there is something for everyone.
Here are 8 of our favourites…
1) Made By You Pottery
Made By You is a little, but very popular, pottery studio on London Road, Leigh-on-Sea. It’s a family run establishment that caters to all ages and specialises in hand-fired bespoke pottery pieces. It has over 110 different pottery items to choose to paint, Made By You is a fantastic family activity, and you can take home your unique creation to remember the day.
2) Adventure Island
Adventure Island is a brilliant day out. It’s an exciting place to visit in the Summer time, with something for everyone. Adventure Island is UK’s top free admission theme park and is one of Southend’s gems as well as a holder of a couple of world records.
3) Old Leigh-on-Sea
Best known most for its annual Leigh Folk Festival, the biggest free entry folk festival in the UK which attracts big numbers of visitors to the area each year. This humble fishing village is known for its cockle sheds and seafood outlets, where you can sample the very best of locally caught seafood, stroll along the seafront and view the beautiful estuary as the boats sail by.
4) Belfairs Wood
Belfairs Wood is a gret place to go to relax. It’s a popular place to go for a run, cycle or stroll through the trees along the pathways. There’s a great play area complete with assault course and fort, large enough to entertain the children for a day while you take a break on the bench. The woodland also has a refreshment centre so you can grab a drink while you’re relaxing.
5) Cliffs Pavilion
The Cliffs Pavilion is the latest theatre in Southend, and is host to a large variety of acts and performances all through the year. Its clifftop location looking down on the seafront has made the theatre a big hit for all kinds of occasions, from theatrical events to conferences.
6) Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre is a staple for comedy tours having been host to TV comedians like Jimmy Carr and others. The building is over a century old, and once was the steepest theatre rake in the whole country. The Palace Theatre is a little more intimate than the Cliffs Pavilion, making it the popular choice for small shows and niche theatrical productions.
7) Shoebury East Beach
Shoebury East Beach looks directly out into the North Sea, making it an great swimming spot. It doesn’t draw such a crowd like other nearby beaches, but does attract kitesurfers which you can watch. It’s also brilliantly clean beach to take the family for a day out to the seaside and even allows BBQs.
8) Leigh Library Gardens
A beautiful park with fantastic views out to the sea. Ideal for children or a place to walk the dog or take in the winding paths in the gardens. Tranquil, quiet and if you’re a bookworm then also a well stocked library!
