Pictures of Southend-on-Sea

About Southend-on-Sea

This major Essex resort first became popular at the beginning of the 19th century, in the Victorian period it grew rapidly and ever since it has been a favourite place for Londoner's looking for a relaxing day out, or a holiday.

Southend-on-Sea is mostly known for its long pier and large amusement park - Adventure Island, which has rides to suit all tastes and all ages. It is further known for its colourful sea front where you can buy a dish of whelks, cockles and mussel's, or fish n' chips. Here too, there are amusement arcades, cafe's, pubs and shops with bucket's and spades as well as souvenirs.

At the centre of the town there is a wide "pedestrians only" shopping complex, along here older buildings rub shoulders with new, all displaying a range of tempting merchandise.

Interestingly the town has had many notable visitors, Admiral Lord Nelson is believed to have stayed in Southend's Royal Terrace which now is mostly full of hotels and guest houses, but which obviously was once rather grand.

Keen fishermen can enjoy themselves throwing a rod from the pier, or for something more adventurous why not try a charter boat which takes anglers out into the Thames estuary.

After a day spent in the sea, or wandering the amusement park, there can be nothing nicer than to enjoy a gentle stroll in the town's lovely gardens, or sit beside the shore watching sea traffic and the distant sun setting beyond the waves.

This is a resort town that has something for everyone, it is ideal for children, a real summer place for fun and frivolity.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has the longest pleasure pier in the world. It is an astonishing 1.33 miles long and was first built in 1830.

Southend-on-Sea facts | Essex facts

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