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.

Upcoming Events

Polish Festival

Weds 8th - Sun 12th Sept
The five day Polish festival celebrates the very best of Polish culture and art, and the special relationship between Southend-on-Sea and Sopot, Southend's Polish twin town, on the Baltic Sea.

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Old Leigh Regatta

Sat 11th Sept
An annual weekend of fun and frivolity held in a traditional old fishing town atmosphere. A unique combination of sailing races and novelty water events with the unusual sights of cockle eating contests.

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Big Saturday Nights

Sat 11th Sept - Sat 6th Nov

Come and enjoy top tribute acts at Adventure Island on BIG Saturday nights with music, interactive games, giveaways and DJ's. HALF PRICE wristbands are on sale after 6pm.

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Festival of Fireworks

Saturday nights from 2 Oct - 6 Nov
The skies over the seafront dazzle, shimmer and explode with colour every Saturday night at this time of year as a fabulous array of fireworks are launched just off Jubilee Beach, east of the Pier.

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Ghost Train

Saturday 23rd, 30th Oct & 6 Nov
Southend Pier will be running a special Ghost Train experience with ghostly tales after the Pier has closed. The Pier is the ideal platform to watch the spectacular winter firework displays from.

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Artemis Tall Ship

Fri 17th - Monday 20th Sept
Come sailing on the Artemis, an impressive three-masted sailing barque. An opportunity to sample the thrills and excitement of being under sail on a tall ship. Sailings & open ship available.

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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.

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Secrets-on-Sea

There's so much to discover you'll need to stay longer than you thought. Why not visit Old Leigh? With it's art galleries and trails, stunning views and restaurants there is something for everyone.

Southend's Historic Cliff Lift has recently reopened and retains many of it's original features from 1912. The iconic railway is an enjoyable way to travel between the Seafront and Clifftown area.

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