Family fun along Southend Seafront
If you are looking for a great family fun day out or short break, you need look no further than Southend-on-Sea!
With seven miles of seafront, there is a complete mix of activities to suit everyone.
The beaches stretch from Shoebury East Beach through to Leigh-on-Sea, and we are proud to have been awarded three Blue Flags and seven Quality Coast Awards for our beaches.
Adventure Island
Why not take the kids to Adventure Island? Situated directly on the seafront, next to the Pier and only a short walk from the Town Centre, Adventure Island is at the heart of the fun. The number one free admission fun park in the UK - you only ‘pay-if-you-play' - Adventure Island has over 60 rides including four incredible roller coasters, drop towers and water slides so you won't spend all your day standing in queues!
There really is something for everyone - from the Big Wheel and Choo Choo train for the little ones to the Rage, Archelon and the Sky Drop for the teenagers in us. All wristbands are priced by height so you only pay for the rides you are allowed to go on - offering fantastic value for money.
For more information visit www.adventureisland.co.uk or call 01702 443400.
Sea-life Adventure
Sea-Life Adventure is the south east's premier aquatic attraction with over 40 unique displays featuring sea life from all over the world. Watch the mezmerising movements of the Rays in "Ray Bay", experience sharks swimming over your head as you walk through the tunnel in "Deepwater World", find out more about the fascinating creatures in the sea at the "Rockpool" where regular talks and demonstrations are given. With the Adventure Towers Play Centre and Waves Cafe, it's a great visit for the whole
family any time of year
For more information visit www.sealifeadventure.co.uk
Southend Pier & Train
At 1.33 miles, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure Pier in the world!
With truly stunning 360 views all year long it is the perfect place to go for a taste of the freedom of the sea and invigorating fresh air. For a unique experience, take a trip to the Pier Head on the Pier Train - pay a visit to the active RNLI station at the Pier Head (one of the busiest RNLI stations in the south east) and don't forget to pop into their gift shop, relax and take in the fantastic views from the superb sun-deck or even try your hand at sea fishing (fishing pass available from the Visitor Information Centre).
Have a trip on one of the many pleasure boats or visiting ships to get a real glimpse of life on the sea, or enjoy one of the many events on the Pier that take place throughout the year. Visit the Southend Pier Museum to gain an insight into the fascinating history of this famous landmark.
Southend Marine Activities Centre
The Southend Marine Activities Centre offers a great selection of watersports and other outdoor activities right on the beach!
Standing in a privileged beachside position on Southend's Eastern Esplanade, the Centre has an excellent reputation, built up over the last twenty seven years, as a provider of nationally recognised watersports courses.
The Centre's programme includes introductory courses in Sailing, Canoeing, Windsurfing, Powerboat Driving and Jetskiing. They can also offer a wide range of improver training through formal courses or more informal practice sessions and expeditions, and the Centre can also be booked for children's parties.
All courses are staffed by well qualified, experienced instructors who teach according to methods laid down by the RYA and BCU.
The Centre also offers a wide range of beach based activities and orienteering at a variety of locations. If you would like to know more about any of these activities, contact them at 01702 612770.
The Kursaal
Built in 1901 the Kursaal originally was home to an amusement complex and ballroom. This historical building now houses ten pin bowling, function rooms and a casino.
Go bowling at Southend Tinpin in the Kursaal - with 30 lanes of bowling, bar and restaurant offering a range of special packages for a great family day or night out. Opens daily from 12 noon to 12 midnight.
Rossi's Ice Cream
Rossi's has a long tradition in Southend, making top quality ice creams for locals and tourists alike, and their ice cream products have been continually winning national awards for the past 50 years.
The Original Rossi are one of the few UK makers of artisan ice cream still using milk as opposed to just milk powder giving Rossi its unique delicious taste.
Available in restaurants as well as their own seafront store, and a fleet of traditional ice cream vans.
With the Ice Cream factory still based in Southend-on-Sea, there are many cafes and restaurants that stock this famous and delicious ice cream.
Amusement Arcades
A trip to the seaside wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the amusement arcades. Southend boasts a variety of arcades with a mix of the traditional seaside arcade games and the latest hi-tech machines.
