Visit Southend on Sea: Top 11 Things to Do and See - 2025

What is it? Adventure Island is a popular amusement park located in Southend on Sea. It offers thrilling rides, fun games, and delicious food options for visitors of all ages.

Why you should visit? You should visit Adventure Island to experience an exciting day out with family and friends. The park has a variety of attractions to suit everyone's tastes, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to relaxing carnival games.

What can I do? At Adventure Island, you can enjoy riding on thrilling roller coasters, playing fun arcade games, and indulging in tasty treats from the food stalls. There are also live entertainment shows and special events throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.

What is it? Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary in Southend on Sea.

Why you should visit? You should visit Southend Pier for its stunning views, nostalgic charm, and iconic status as a British seaside attraction.

What can I do? At Southend Pier, you can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy seaside activities, visit cafes and shops, or take a train ride along the length of the pier.

What is it? Sealife Adventure in Southend on Sea is an aquarium and marine conservation center, home to a variety of sea creatures including sharks, turtles, and penguins.

Why you should visit? You should visit Sealife Adventure to explore the underwater world, learn about marine conservation, and interact with fascinating sea creatures through interactive exhibits and feeding experiences.

What can I do? At Sealife Adventure, you can marvel at tropical fish, walk through underwater tunnels, attend educational talks, and even touch starfish and crabs. Don't miss the opportunity to see rare species up close!

What is it? Southend Pier and Railway in Southend-on-Sea is one of the longest pleasure piers in the world, stretching over a mile into the Thames Estuary.

Why you should visit? You should visit Southend Pier and Railway for its iconic seaside views, historic train rides, and family-friendly attractions such as cafes and amusement arcades.

What can I do? At Southend Pier and Railway, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pier, take a ride on the pier train, go fishing, and explore the nearby beaches and attractions in Southend-on-Sea.

What is it? Chalkwell Park is a beautiful public park located in Southend on Sea, offering green spaces, playgrounds, and gardens for visitors to enjoy.

Why you should visit? You should visit Chalkwell Park to relax in a peaceful setting, explore the botanical gardens, and have a picnic with friends and family.

What can I do? Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park, play sports on the open fields, enjoy a coffee at the cafe, and attend various events and festivals held throughout the year.

What is it? Southchurch Park is a beautiful park located in Southend on Sea, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Why you should visit? You should visit Southchurch Park for its stunning gardens, tranquil lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day out.

What can I do? In Southchurch Park, you can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics by the lake, birdwatching, and even take part in outdoor yoga classes or events hosted in the park.

What is it? Grays Beach Riverside Park in Southend on Sea is a beautiful waterfront park with stunning views of the River Thames.

Why you should visit? You should visit Grays Beach Riverside Park to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, go for a leisurely stroll along the river, and take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding nature.

What can I do? At Grays Beach Riverside Park, you can relax on the beach, have a picnic, go for a bike ride, or explore the nearby shops and cafes. There are also play areas for children and plenty of space for outdoor activities.

What is it? Hadleigh Park is a recreational park located in Southend on Sea, offering stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

Why you should visit? You should visit Hadleigh Park for its beautiful natural surroundings, walking and cycling trails, and historical significance as the site of the 2012 Olympic mountain biking events.

What can I do? At Hadleigh Park, visitors can explore the extensive network of trails on foot or by bike, have a picnic in the park, or take part in outdoor fitness classes and events.

What is it? Priory Park is a beautiful public park located in Southend on Sea, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Why you should visit? You should visit Priory Park to explore its stunning gardens, historic priory ruins, children's playgrounds, and tranquil walking paths. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.

What can I do? In Priory Park, you can enjoy picnicking on the lush grass, feeding ducks on the pond, playing sports on the open fields, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the serene surroundings.

What is it? Hadleigh Castle is a historic ruin located in Southend on Sea, Essex, England. It was built in the 13th century by King Henry III.

Why you should visit? Visitors should explore Hadleigh Castle for its stunning views of the Essex coastline and its rich history as a defensive structure during medieval times.

What can I do? While at Hadleigh Castle, tourists can enjoy guided tours, explore the ruins, and take scenic walks along the castle's grounds overlooking the Thames Estuary. The site is also popular for picnics and photography.

What is it? Gunners Park is a historic coastal park located in Southend-on-Sea, offering stunning views of the Thames Estuary and a rich military heritage.

Why you should visit? Visitors should come to explore the fascinating World War II defences, enjoy peaceful walks along the beach, and discover diverse wildlife in the park.

What can I do? At Gunners Park, you can hike along scenic trails, birdwatch in the nature reserve, picnic in peaceful surroundings, and learn about the area's history at the museum.