There's so much to see and do in Southend you'd be hard pressed to fit it all in one day, which is why we've created this weekend ideas guide that will hopefully give you some inspiration for your next break.
With lots of fantastic things to do, a wealth of history to discover at our museums, and some of the finest art galleries in South Essex, there's plenty of things to keep you entertained all weekend.
Begin your weekend by checking in at the stunning Seven Hotel, a four-storey boutique hotel on the seafront, that features 37 rooms and five luxury suites. Once settled in your room (or you've just dumped your cases) head downstairs to the exquisite Aurum restaurant, which boats interiors by renowned interior designer Adam Tibbatts. From the luxury soft furnishings to the exquisite tableware and choice of lighting and fixtures, no expense has been spared in creating one of Essex’s finest dining experiences.
Start your weekend off by taking it easy, why not wrap up and take a walk around some of our beautiful green spaces? Southend parks are always beautiful but autumn is when they really burst into colour and look their best. Or take a trip to one of our nature reserves - autumn is a great time to spot some visiting wildlife.
A visit to Southend wouldn't be complete without taking advantage of our wealth of eateries along the coastline! Whether you want a fancy sit-down meal or a quick bite to eat, there's plenty of choices. Watch the waves kiss the shoreline as some of the venues have decking on the beach or just enjoy watching the world go by.
Scream if you wanna go faster! Spend your afternoon at Adventure Island. Kids and adults will love the variety of rides, refreshment options and all round exciting atmosphere. The great thing is you only pay if you play! Purchase a wristband valid for all day or just tickets for the rides you want to try!
After your busy day, head back to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for some dinner and a show! Southend is bursting with places to eat from fine dining to date night favourites. After dinner, wrap up warm, round up your friends and family and head on down to the seafront every Saturday night during October and November for FREE firework displays! Embrace the exciting atmosphere, the smell of chips, the sounds of Adventure Island, the buzz of the seafront arcade machines. Start practicing your oooohhhs and ahhhhhs now!
After a luxurious breakfast in bed, head out for some culture at one of Southend's top art galleries. If contemporary visual art is your thing, then be sure to check out Focal Point Gallery, its current exhibition 'Tip of the Iceberg', explores the relationship between art and alternative growing practices, which are increasingly coming together in pursuit of climate action and social justice. Or if you fancy something a bit different, Beecroft Art Gallery has a permanent collection of over 2000 works, ranging from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary works and is currently exhibiting work by Walter & Harold Steggles, members of the East London Group.
A trip to Southend wouldn't be complete without a trip along Southend Pier. Standing at 1.3 miles long, it's the longest pleasure pier in the world! You can walk or get the train to the pier head, the choice is yours, you can even combine the two. Once at the Pier head, you'll be greeted by a variety of refreshment options and can even see where Jamie Oliver films his Friday Night Fest. Try your hand at the minigolf course or just settle down to enjoy the peaceful view before you head home.