Southend-on-Sea Attractions
Southend-on-Sea (pop. 155,800), on the northern side of the Thames estuary, forms with Leigh-on-Sea, Prittlewell and Westcliff a sizable town which could almost be regarded as a suburb of London. It is a very popular seaside resort, with a famous pier 1.5mi/2.4km long, constructed around the turn of the century; at low tide the sea retreats for almost a mile. Despite stretching for more than 6mi/9.6km, the beach can be very crowded on weekends.
Seafront attractions include Adventure Island theme park, "Sea-Life Centre" aquarium, Southend Carnival each year in August, and the busy farmers market held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Seafront attractions include Adventure Island theme park, "Sea-Life Centre" aquarium, Southend Carnival each year in August, and the busy farmers market held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Beecroft Art Gallery
The Beecroft Art Gallery in Southend-on-Sea is a gallery containing examples of contemporary and traditional artworks. The gallery overlooks the Thames estuary.
Beecroft Art Gallery
Station Road
Westcliff on Sea SS0 7RA
England
Station Road
Westcliff on Sea SS0 7RA
England
Hours
June 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | ||
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | ||
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Parking
Free
Guides
Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
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Central Museum and Planetarium
This fine Edwardian building displays the local history and natural history of the south-east Essex area.
At the Central Museum and Planetarium you will also find a small planetarium that replicates the view of the night sky. Talks and presentations about astronomy are offered daily.
At the Central Museum and Planetarium you will also find a small planetarium that replicates the view of the night sky. Talks and presentations about astronomy are offered daily.
Central Museum and Planetarium
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EW
England
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EW
England
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Permission required to take photographs.
Planetarium shows offered Wednesday to Saturday at: 11 am, 2 p.m. and 4 pm.
Children under 5 are not admitted to the Planetarium
Parking
Pay
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Hadleigh Castle
The ruins of the 13th-14th C castle at Hadleigh, just to the west of Southend-on-Sea, were famously captured by John Constable in a romantic painting which now hangs in the Tate Gallery in London. The castle affords an extensive view over the Thames estuary and marshes.
Hadleigh Castle
England
England
Prittlewell - Priory Museum
In Prittlewell, near Southend-on-Sea, part of a former Cluniac priory survives, dating back to about the 11th century. A museum of local and natural history, including archaeological finds, is housed in buildings added in the 19th century.
Southend Museum Service
Central Museum
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sussex SS2 6EW
England
Central Museum
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sussex SS2 6EW
England
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Taped tours for rent.
Facilities
Gift shop
Rayleigh Mount
Rayleigh Mount is a historic site protected by the National Trust. The Domesday castle was erected here by Sweyn of Essex, but is now in ruins.
Rayleigh Mount
Rayleigh SS6
England
Rayleigh SS6
England
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Rochford, England
(Near Southend-on-Sea)
Rochford has a Tudor Mansion rebuilt by Anne Boleyn's father, as well as a fine brick church tower dating back to 1500. Rochford also has an extensive golf course.
Southchurch Hall
A medieval moated manor house, situated in an attractive park.
Southchurch Hall Museum
Southchurch Hall Close
Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TE
England
Southchurch Hall Close
Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TE
England
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | ||
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | ||
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Parking
None
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
Facilities
Gift shop
