Welcome to Southend-on-Sea
With seven glorious miles of seafront, the longest pleasure pier in the world and a host of exciting events and festivals all year, it's no wonder Southend-on-Sea leaves visitors smiling time after time.
Here you'll find all the traditional seaside pleasures as well as exhilarating watersports, theme park thrills, top shopping, thriving arts and culture, dazzling night-life and a feast of seafood. Choose from more than 300 great places to eat, and quality accommodation from luxury hotels to guest houses and bed & breakfast.
All just an hour's train ride from London, and easy to reach by rail, road or air.
Let the Visit Southend Official Tourist Information website help you to plan every aspect of your visit.
Southend-on-Sea in the Olympic year
Southend-on-Sea is ideally situated to enjoy the Olympics. Outside of the Games themselves, where better to enjoy England at its best with seaside fun, events, parks and open spaces, exhilarating water sports and fascinating local culture. All topped off with some great dining options, theatres, casinos and of course the world's longest pier.
Many outstanding events take place every year in Southend such as the Air Festival, Barge Match and Film Festival but for 2012 there's even more such as our Sparks Will Fly Southend event on 23 June and the visit of the Olympic Torch on 6 July.
City Status Bid
Southend is seeking royal recognition by bidding to become a city in a national competition to mark the Queen's 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Join us and back our bid here!
Dine-on-Sea
Whether you're looking for a slice of café culture, the perfect romantic setting or simply somewhere to unwind with friends, we can help you find your perfect dining experience.
Diving Centre
Check out the British Diving team in training at the brand new Southend Swimming and Diving Centre, plus top British diving coaches give the seal of approval to Southend's fantastic new facilities.
A postcard from Southend-on-Sea
Check out what Southend-on-Sea has to offer with this postcard from Southend.
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Weather Forecast
5 day weather forecast for Southend-on-Sea
Thorpe Bay Beach