SOUTHEND ON SEA, ESSEX
Anywhere that has an iconic Victorian pleasure pier is in the business of proper seaside fun. ‘Saaaaafend’, as they say, has held resort status since the 19th century and city status since 2021. This is place that embraces it all, much to the delight of the generations of day-trippers that come here for the arcades, candy floss and the posh restaurants.
WHAT TO DO: The pier. At 1.3 miles, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It even has its own electric train line. Jetstream Tours offer boat trips from the pier to see the Maunsell Forts - armed towers built in the estuary during World War Two.
The kids (including big kids) will go mad for Adventure Island, the free-to-enter seafront theme park.
Southend Cliff Lift is a volunteer-run funicular railway between Clifton Terrace and Western Esplanade.
The open top bus from Southend to Old Leigh is a great way to see everything.
Ye Olde Chippy (Marine Parade)
