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.