Southend-on-Sea, a coastal city in Essex, is a 40-minute drive or 50-minute train journey from Romford.
Its main landmark is the 1.3-mile long pier – the world’s longest pleasure pier – which has been named the most iconic attraction in the county by Visit Essex.
The pier is so long that it has its own railway to take you from one end to the other.
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Lifestyle blogger Muddy Stilettos recommends “enjoying a tea a mile out to sea” at the Tea with the Tide cafe, or trying your luck at one of the many arcade games.
Also on Visit Essex’s “top icons” list is Adventure Island, the famous fun park right next to the pier.
This is the top-rated attraction in Southend on TripAdvisor, bagging a Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024.
The amusement park has more than 40 rides and attractions for all ages.
Other seaside activities include crabbing in Old Leigh, a trip to the Sea Life Adventure Aquarium or, for some culture, a visit to the Southend Pier museum.
If you need to refuel after this, fish and chips is the most obvious choice for a seaside trip: Muddy Stilettos suggests Osborne’s at the entrance to Old Leigh.
For pizza, head to Ugo’s Pizza Bar on Broadway West – called a “family-run gem” by the lifestyle blog – or try Rossi’s ice cream for “excellent gelato”.
There are no shortage of events planned in the city, from a VE Day Trail in May to international street art festival, Southend City Jam, in August.
Southend even has its own music festival, Lazydays, at Priory Park – which this year features Example and headliner Soul II Soul.
