Welcome to Southend

Just treat our website like your own personal tour guide, just without the awkward small talk.

This summer we've got all the info on the best things to do, see, and experience in our city. From rocking rollercoasters and soaking up the sun on the beach, to exploring heritage sites and partying it up at night, Southend's got you covered all year round. So, what are you waiting for?

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Featured Events

Southend boasts a year round schedule of fantastic events. From vibrant street art festivals, to historic open days, workshops and more.

Proms at the Vulcan

4 Jul 2026

London Southend Airport

Find out more

Lazydays

24–26 Jul 2026

Priory Park

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Puppet Festival

31 Jul 2026 – 2 Aug 2026

Southend Pier

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Southend City Jam

28–30 Aug 2026

City Centre & Seafront

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Browse all Events

Things to Do in Southend this Summer

Make the most of summer in Southend, from big days out and family favourites to quieter corners waiting to be explored. Ride the rollercoasters, wander through parks, discover colourful street art, or head beyond the seafront to find a different side of the city.

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Eat & Drink in Southend this Summer

Summer tastes better in Southend. Grab fish and chips by the water, settle into a sunny beer garden, book a table for a seaside dinner, or follow your appetite through cafés, pubs, restaurants and hidden local favourites across the city.

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Find the Perfect Place to Stay this Summer

Turn your summer day out into a proper Southend getaway. From seafront hotels and cosy guesthouses to self-catering stays and places close to the action, find the perfect base for beach days, big nights out and exploring more of the city.

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When to Visit

Southend is a year-round city by the sea, with great things to see and do in every season.

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Plan your Visit

Get the most out of your next visit with essential tips and visitor information.

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Contact Us

Got questions? Then get in touch with our team and we'll be happy to help.

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Southend Blog

Stay up-to-date with all the latest goings on in Southend, from travel and short break ideas, to event info and much more.

30 June 2026

Halloween - We want you!

4 June 2026

A Summer Date Day by the Sea

18 May 2026

Classic Cars are back for summer 2026

1 April 2026

Southend's set for an egg-citing Easter!

Browse all Blog Posts

Get Social with Us!

@VisitSouthend #VisitSouthend

What does your Southend look like? Discover a snapshot of Southend through the photos below and share your moments using #VisitSouthend on Instagram.

Join Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre for a relaxed evening of live music in the beautiful surroundings of Belfairs Woodland Centre. 🌟

Enjoy performances from an awesome line-up of local talent!
📅 Saturday 11 July | 6:30pm
👉 www.visitsouthend.co.uk/music-in-the-woods

HAVE YOU SEEN? 👀

The Beecroft Art Gallery's exhibition 'State of her: a Retrospective' by Heidi Wigmore?
‘State of Her’ is a survey of Heidi Wigmore’s studio practice across three decades as a commentary on contemporary womanhood.
📅 Running until 23 August
✅ Beecroft is open Weds - Sun | 11am - 5pm

BEAT THE HEAT 🔥🌞

Summer vibes are rolling in this weekend, with temperatures set to hit 27°C on Saturday and 25°C on Sunday, perfect for a trip to the coast! ☀️

☀️ With temperatures climbing, don’t forget to stay safe in the sun! Wear sun cream, keep hydrated, take breaks in the shade… and of course, treat yourself to an ice cream (or two 😉)

#visitsouthend #beattheheat

GOOD LUCK 🍀🤞

The Visit Southend Team would like to wish the very best of luck to everyone taking part in the @havenshospices Southend Half Marathon tomorrow!
You've got this! 🏃‍♀️ 💪👟
📷: Havens Hospices, Southend Half Marathon

#Southendonsea #southendhalfmarathon

Blue skies loading... The sunnier weather is on its way! Dreaming of beach days at #shoeburyeastbeach

#visitsouthend #southendonsea #shoeburyness

Lovely to see the return of Classic Cars On The Beach on City Beach this morning ☀️🚘

Thanks to Southend & District Classic Car Club & the @southendcityc Culture & Tourism Team 🙌🏼

Cars there all day until 4pm.

For more Classic Car event dates or how to register check out https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/event/classic-cars-on-the-beach/

#classiccars
#mercedesclassic
#mercedes190sl
#southendonsea
#southend

🍹🕺 GET ON THE DECKS 🕺🍹

The open‑air disco at the end of the world’s longest pleasure pier returns Saturday 30 May (weather dependent), serving pure summer joy! 😎☀️

Feel‑good tunes from live DJs ✨The Disco Dream Team✨, ice‑cold cocktails, unbeatable estuary views, and those iconic colourful beach huts… it’s the ultimate seaside hangout! 🍹🌊

Whether you’re catching up with friends, spending time with family, or simply watching the world drift by, there’s nowhere quite like it. The beach hut bar is open and fully stocked with refreshing cocktails, cold drinks and more.

📅 Saturday 30 May
🕐 1pm - 7pm
📍 @southendpier
🌴 Usual pier admission charges apply

See you On The Decks! 🎶 👉 visitsouthend.co.uk/on-the-decks

Beeeautiful shot from @shoeburygarrison Dare we say summer days are here? 😍😎

#southendonsea #shoeburyness #sunnydaysarehere #beachvibes

🎢🌟 THRILL SEEKERS 🌟🧗

Thrill seekers, this half term is for you! 🙌 Scream your way through @adventureisland.uk, swing into competitive fun at @caddiesgolf, then crank up the energy at @indirock_ 💪

Choose your own Southend adventure and chase the thrills. Plan your half term visit here 👉 www.visitsouthend.co.uk

@southendcityc @visitessex #chooseyourownadventure #visitsouthend

HEATWAVE IN SOUTHEND 🔥🌞

It's a bank holiday weekend and it looks like summer arrived in style! 😎

☀️ Don’t forget, it's going to be hot! Slap on your sun cream, stay hydrated, keep cool, follow safety advice and treat yourself to an ice cream (or two 😉)

Plan your visit with our Summer Guide 👇
www.visitsouthend.co.uk/summer

#visitsouthend #southendonsea #

🖼️ 🏛️ CURIOUS MINDS 🏛️ 🦈

Half term is the perfect time to feed your curiosity! Explore the rich history of our city at @southendmuseums, uncover hidden treasures at @southendpiermuseum, wander through Southend’s inspiring galleries, then switch gears with hands on fun at @sealifeadventure.

This half term, choose your own Southend adventure and see where your curiosity leads. Plan your visit here 👉 www.visitsouthend.co.uk

@southendcityc @visitessex @beecroftartgallery @focalpointgallery #chooseyourownadventure #visitsouthend

🎢🎡 PLAN YOUR VISIT 🎡🎢

Super news @adventureisland.uk will be open every day over the May half term! 🎉

Prepare for an action‑packed half term bursting with excitement and adventure 🙌 A brilliant day out for the whole family!

📆 Open every day Saturday 23 May - Sunday 31 May
✅ Then every weekend
⏲ Open from 11am
👉 www.visitsouthend.co.uk/adventure-island

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Welcome to Southend

​Just treat our website like your own personal tour guide, just without the awkward small talk. ​

Get inspired...

Featured Events

Proms at the Vulcan

Lazydays

Puppet Festival

Southend City Jam

Things to Do in Southend this Summer

Eat & Drink in Southend this Summer

Find the Perfect Place to Stay this Summer

Join Our Mailing List

When to Visit

Plan your Visit

Contact Us

Southend Blog

Halloween - We want you!

A Summer Date Day by the Sea

Classic Cars are back for summer 2026

Southend's set for an egg-citing Easter!

Get Social with Us!

@VisitSouthend #VisitSouthend

​

Just treat our website like your own personal tour guide, just without the awkward small talk.