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Situated on the north bank of the Thames estuary and a tourist destination since Georgian times, partly due to its close proximity to the capital city London, Southend on Sea remains a popular seaside resort to this day.

The Pier at Southend is the longest Pleasure Pier in the world and due to various upgrades since its completion; it now measures 2,158 metres (1.341 miles) long and is a grade II listed building. The Pier was designed by the civil engineer James Brunlees and work was completed in 1889.



The modern day Pier has been largely redeveloped; it has a new RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeboat station, museum and gift shop and also has two new Pier Locomotives named after English poet and writer Sir John Betjeman and Sir William Heygate, the Lord Mayor of London from 1822 to 1823 and famous resident of Southend.



Southend on Sea can be reached from London easily by either two main A route roads, the A127 or A13 running from the capital, both via the M25 and is about 40 miles East of the City. Southend Victoria Train Station is serviced by trains running from London, Liverpool Street and should take just under one hour, so it’s well worth leaving the car at home and easy to see why it has become Londoners favourite seaside resort.

The town’s seafront is famous for its many attractions, not least the Adventure Island Amusement Park located right on the seafront. Straddling the entrance to the Pier, the park contains over 40 rides including 4 roller coasters and 2 water rides.

Admission to the park is free, however if you wish to ride you would have to purchase one of the various wrist bands available which entitle the wearer to different levels of rides depending on price paid and of coarse, age and height stipulations.



Also situated along the seafront is Sea-Life Adventure, an aquarium which is both an entertaining and educational place to visit. With a walk through underwater tunnel, you have an amazing view of the Sharks and fish that you know the kids will just love. The Aquarium is open from 10am and closes between 5pm to 7pm depending on the time of year. Sea-Life Adventure also holds an Enjoy England.com quality assured visitor attraction badge.



If shopping is more your scene, you will find Southend on Sea has a selection of shops to rival most towns. Within a stones throw from the seafront you will find The Royals Shopping Centre; with shops, places to eat and drink and events being held throughout the year, be sure to pay it a visit.

With plenty to entertain children and adults, views of the Thames estuary, miles of promenade to walk and enough shops to satisfy even the most ardent shopper, why not visit Southend and make up your own mind. I’m sure you’ll return.

EssexTouristGuide.com

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Related Links

Visit our Events in Essex page for details of forthcoming Southend on Sea Farmers' Markets.

Southend on Sea Borough Council - Southend-on-Sea has been selected as the main tourist destination to feature in this summer's Let's Go Guide, which is produced by East of England Tourism Board.

Walt Disney World Vacations - Heavy discount on Walt Disney World Vacations Tickets to enjoy Disney World Theme park at Florida.