Let us help you plan your day out in Southend-on-Sea. Just off the east coast of England, in Essex, this is one of our newest cities. Here are all the best things to do in Southend-on-Sea to keep you busy.

With its scenic seaside views and numerous cultural, entertainment, and dining spots, Southend-on-Sea in southeastern Essex is perfect for a day out, or weekend getaway. Also referred to as Southend, this resort town recently earned its city status in 2022 in honour of the late MP Sir David Amess, who spent years campaigning for his beloved town to be recognised as a city.

This change has boosted the number of events and attractions you can enjoy in Southend, whether you’re an adventure-seeker or are simply looking for a peaceful day trip.

With Southend-on-Sea just a train ride away from London, here’s our guide to having the best day out in this beautiful seaside city.

9am: Take a morning walk along the pier

Since we’re talking about a seaside destination, it’s impossible not to include a walk along the coastline in your itinerary. Begin your day in Southend on Sea with a stroll along the famous Southend Pier. Explore the Pier Museum if you fancy learning about history through pictorial displays and exhibits or want to take a look at original train carriages from the 1940s.

Aside from your trusty camera for taking pictures, you can’t forget a pair of sunglasses while soaking in the endless stretch of scenery. As Southend-on-Sea is one of the sunniest seasides in the country, it’s important to wear sunglasses to block harmful ultraviolet rays that may damage your eyes. This also helps reduce glare, allowing you to enjoy your time in the sun, whether you’re fishing or just people-watching. Aside from tints and lens options, you can also choose from various frame styles to better maximise this versatile accessory and add some style to your day out.

1pm: Enjoy seaside staples for lunch

Walking the Southend Pier from end to end can work up an appetite for your day out in Southend-on-Sea. Fortunately, there are tons of restaurants with mouth-watering selections. You can have traditional seaside staples at the Fish and Chips Beach Hut or stop by Offshore Restaurant to treat yourself to picturesque views while enjoying a menu that includes a full English breakfast, chicken curry, and tasty pudding.

Top it all off with the range of teas and gourmet treats offered at Tea with the Tide.

3pm: Hop on rides or shop around

At the north end of Southend Pier is the free-admission seafront theme park, Adventure Island – great fun whether you’re with friends or travelling alone. A £28 wristband grants you unlimited access to rides and attractions, from rollercoasters and Ferris wheels to water slides and vertical drop rides. One of the lesser known theme parks in England, but fun all the same!

If you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, you could instead head to Leigh-on-Sea. Train tickets are just £3-6, or you could take a leisurely walk for about an hour. This neighbouring town is brimming with clothing boutiques, coffee shops, and independent galleries.

Since it can sometimes get windy and rainy wandering around Old Leigh’s cobbled streets, remember to bring an umbrella so your newly bought items stay dry! Once you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped, spend the rest of your afternoon watching fishing boats cruise along the Estuary.

6pm: Finish off with fine dining and drinks

Your evening in Southend won’t be complete without enjoying some classic British food and drinks out. There are plenty of top restaurants in Southend, including:

• The Mews, which offers delicious food and hand-crafted drinks.
• The Bellhouse, also great for a roast dinner on Sunday.
• The family-friendly The Boatyard Restaurant.

If the night’s still young and you’re not ready to head home just yet, hit the dance floor and grab a few drinks at MooMoos clubrooms.

Day out in Southend-on-Sea

If you wish to stay for one more day in this charming seaside city, you can also check out its newest bowling attraction, Kingpin, and sample some seafood at seafront restaurants like The Seafood Shack. Clearly, there’s no shortage of sights to see, meals to eat, and adventures to experience at Southend-on-Sea.