Southend on Sea-Calm London neighborhood
I spent a day in Southend on Sea- a small town some 40 miles east of London. This post shares my findings about Southend on Sea and why you might wish to include Southend on Sea in your London Tour Itinerary.
Why Southend on Sea?
Southend on Sea is a calm, serene and scenic town by the ocean, away from the maddening crowds of London. It is a peaceful locality ideal to relax, undertake long walks.
What all to see/do in Southend on Sea?
1. Southendon Sea Pier walk
Southend on Sea Pier is said to be world's longest entertainment pier. You can walk on it or take a train. Walking fee is 1 GBP one way, train is some 5.5 GBP return. It is roughly 3.3 miles long one way. An open, long walking path with wooden bridge, with railway track on the side and few resting places at regular intervals. End of it is a cafe, lifeboat centre and some viewing decks, children games etc. There were more kiosks and some construction going on, so more attractions are being set up.
RNLI lifeboat centre
I walked till the end of Southend on sea pier walk and back. Was a nice experience for 2 Pounds. There is also a free viewing deck near the pier entrance.
2. Casino and Amusement parks
Adjacent to Southend Pier there're a few amusement parks offering joy rides, Casinos, lots of restaurants
3. Parks and viewpoints
4. Long Walking trails
5. Beach Huts
These beach huts are for hire. Around 50-70 Pounds for a day- I couldn't see the inside but most of them have a small kitchen, a rear exit door, few chairs and other essential facilities for families or group of friends to spend a day by the beach. During high tide, water would come all the way under the hut. During low tide you will have to walk a bit to enter water. Check this if you wish to rent.
6. Explore the high street
Right next to the South End Central station is the high street with lots of shops, restaurants and malls.
7. Remains of World War 2 structures
There're a few bunkers, artillery points etc which were in use during world war 2 to protect against any sea or air invasion of Germans. These are almost collapsed now but you can take a closer look along with your walk if interested.
War Memorials
8. Watersports
Yatches, jetskis, boats etc are available for rental, but advance booking may be needed.
9. Belfairs wood park and nature reserve: trees, gardens and open spaces
10 Palace theater: a performance centre
Reaching Southend on Sea
There's an airport - London Southend, (Code: SEN) some 3 miles from city centre, connected by bus n rail. You can fly in direct to Southend airport from few international destinations as well- like Copenhagen. If you're already in London, train is your best bet to reach Southend on Sea. More on London Southend Airport
Train from London to Southend central costs about 11 GBP on C2C service
Drive down or take a coach as well
Places to eat in Southend on Sea
Most shops and restaurants are concentrated around the central station/high street area. There're two Indian restaurants 100 meters from Southend central station. I visited Keralam for my lunch.
More restaurants and shops are along the beach front, around the pier.
Stay: Lots of AirBNBs, hotels and hostels are available around city centre, with most attractions/places of distance being within 1 or 2 mile walking distance away. Expect to spend 20 Pounds onwards per night for stay. If you can spend a lot more, you can rent a room with view of the ocean in one of the luxury/heritage properties.
I stayed in an AirBNB for INR 1600.
Met this friendly cat on my last day at Southend on Sea.
End of Post!
Why Southend on Sea?
Southend on Sea is a calm, serene and scenic town by the ocean, away from the maddening crowds of London. It is a peaceful locality ideal to relax, undertake long walks.
What all to see/do in Southend on Sea?
1. Southendon Sea Pier walk
Southend on Sea Pier is said to be world's longest entertainment pier. You can walk on it or take a train. Walking fee is 1 GBP one way, train is some 5.5 GBP return. It is roughly 3.3 miles long one way. An open, long walking path with wooden bridge, with railway track on the side and few resting places at regular intervals. End of it is a cafe, lifeboat centre and some viewing decks, children games etc. There were more kiosks and some construction going on, so more attractions are being set up.
Adjacent to Southend Pier there're a few amusement parks offering joy rides, Casinos, lots of restaurants
3. Parks and viewpoints
4. Long Walking trails
5. Beach Huts
These beach huts are for hire. Around 50-70 Pounds for a day- I couldn't see the inside but most of them have a small kitchen, a rear exit door, few chairs and other essential facilities for families or group of friends to spend a day by the beach. During high tide, water would come all the way under the hut. During low tide you will have to walk a bit to enter water. Check this if you wish to rent.
6. Explore the high street
Right next to the South End Central station is the high street with lots of shops, restaurants and malls.
7. Remains of World War 2 structures
There're a few bunkers, artillery points etc which were in use during world war 2 to protect against any sea or air invasion of Germans. These are almost collapsed now but you can take a closer look along with your walk if interested.
War Memorials
8. Watersports
Yatches, jetskis, boats etc are available for rental, but advance booking may be needed.
10 Palace theater: a performance centre
Reaching Southend on Sea
There's an airport - London Southend, (Code: SEN) some 3 miles from city centre, connected by bus n rail. You can fly in direct to Southend airport from few international destinations as well- like Copenhagen. If you're already in London, train is your best bet to reach Southend on Sea. More on London Southend Airport
Train from London to Southend central costs about 11 GBP on C2C service
Drive down or take a coach as well
Places to eat in Southend on Sea
Most shops and restaurants are concentrated around the central station/high street area. There're two Indian restaurants 100 meters from Southend central station. I visited Keralam for my lunch.
More restaurants and shops are along the beach front, around the pier.
Stay: Lots of AirBNBs, hotels and hostels are available around city centre, with most attractions/places of distance being within 1 or 2 mile walking distance away. Expect to spend 20 Pounds onwards per night for stay. If you can spend a lot more, you can rent a room with view of the ocean in one of the luxury/heritage properties.
Met this friendly cat on my last day at Southend on Sea.
End of Post!
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