Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I book hotel / guest house accommodation?

You can book accommodation through our online booking system, via the Visitor Information Centre on 01702 215120 or direct with one of our many hotels and guest houses). We only promote accommodation that has been inspected and given a quality rating by one of the two national schemes run by AA or Visit Britain.

When making a booking make sure you give the exact details of your requirements including; dates, the number of people in your party (including children), the number and types of rooms required and whether you require accommodation only, bed and breakfast, or bed, breakfast and an evening meal.

2. Where can I find out about events that are taking place?

Our ‘What's On' section is constantly being updated with all the latest events - here you will be able to search by event type or date so you can plan ahead and make the best out of you stay or visit to Southend-on-Sea. The biannual ‘Event's on Sea' leaflet is also available at locations across the town, including the Visitor Information Centre. Alternately the team at the Visitor Information Centre are always happy to help on 01702 215620.

3. Can I buy tickets to events and shows?

Why not take a look at online shop which is frequently being updated with the latest tickets for some of our many events which take place throughout the year. The Visitor Information Centre can also book tickets for many events, including the popular boats trips and visiting tall ships.

The Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre always have a fantastic programme of entertainment with everything from intimate plays and stand-up comedy through to large scale touring productions and concerts. Tickets for shows at these venues are available through the theatre Box Office 01702 351135 or visit www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk.

4. What activities are there for children?

There's plenty for the whole family to do in Southend-on-Sea, why not take a look at See & Do section? From visiting one of our many attractions to playing on one of Southend's award winning beaches there are lots of ideas to keep the little ones entertained...

Build sandcastles on Southend's award winning beaches - some of the cleanest in the UK!

Ride the rollercoaster or the big wheel at Adventure Island.

See exotic fish and in the tanks and tunnels of Sea-Life Adventure.

Visit one of Southend's FREE museums & art galleries.

Take a trip on the Pier train and even do a spot of fishing from one of the Pier's sun decks.

Take the family cycling along the traffic-free cycle route by the Seafront.

Enjoy one of Southend's many parks and play centres - why not take a picnic?

5. What is the choice of restaurants like?

Southend has over 300 restaurants offering a huge choice of global global cuisine, including French, Spanish, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Greek, Portuguese, Mexican, British, American, Japanese and Thai delights - not to mention classic seaside meals! Why not take a look at out Food & Drink section where you can browse restaurants in Southend.

6. What is the best way to get to Southend?

You can travel to Southend by road, train or coach - for more detailed information about travelling to Southend and journey times please click here.

7. How much are entry tickets to Southend Pier and how often does the train run?

There are different types of tickets which can be purchased:
Pier Train Return: Adult £3.50, Child/Senior/Concessions £2.00
Walk & Ride (walk one way and ride the other or walk both ways) Adult £3.00, Child/Senior/Concessions £2.00

During busy periods the Pier train runs every 15 minutes and every 30 minutes off-peak.

8. Can I take my dog on the beach?

New Dog Control Orders are now in effect and there is a total dog ban on all of Southend's beaches between 1st May and 30th September. .

9. Are there special offers / discounts?

Special offers and discounts are added to the website all the time - please visit our ‘Special Offers' section to see the latest offers that are available.

10. I want to try a new activity like windsurfing - is there somewhere in Southend that runs courses?

Southend Marine Activities Centre offers a range of watersport courses for all ages and abilities - including family courses and part and business events with a difference. In a fantastic beachside location on Southend's Eastern Esplanade the centre has an excellent reputation of providing nationally recognised watersport courses across a wide range of disciplines - including sailing, windsurfing, paddlesports, powerboat driving and jetskiing. For more information contact the centre on 01702 612770.