Southend-on-Sea Tourist Attractions
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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.
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.
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.
Clacton-on-Sea, England
Clacton-on-Sea (pop. 36,500), with a gently sloping beach 7mi/11km long, is particularly suitable for families with children. It has everything hoped for in a modern seaside resort - a pier (built in 1873), a splendid promenade, beautiful parks, a golf course and a wide range of annual entertainment.
Harwich, England
Harwich (pop. including Dovercourt: 14,200) is a busy port which handles a large part of the ferry traffic to and from the Continent. The old town, situated at the mouths of the rivers Orwell and Stour, bears the marks of its long seafaring tradition. Nelson was a frequent visitor to the old Three Cups Inn. The town has many fine Georgian houses, including the red-brick Guildhall (1769).
Harwich - Dovercourt
Dovercourt is a neat Victorian suburb of Harwich with charming little houses.
Felixstowe, England
Felixstowe (pop. 19,800), facing Harwich on the north shore of the approximately 10mi/16km-long tidal estuary, is an important container terminal as well as a popular seaside resort with a beautiful promenade, public gardens and entertainment facilities. Built on cliffs the town occupies an almost island-like position between the sea to the southeast, the River Deben to the north, and the wide Orwell estuary to the south. The latter must be crossed by ferry, since there is no bridge.
Folk Festival
Felixstowe is located southeast of Ipswich on the southeast coast of England. Along with nearby Harwich, the town is a ferry port with boats going to Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. Felixstowe's annual weekend festival takes place in mid-May. Organized by the Suffolk District Folk Dance and Song Society, the festival aims to promote folk music, song and dance. Local groups as well as troupes from around the world perform during the festival.
Landguard Fort
Landguard Fort is an 18th century fort with a museum of local history. It was modified in the 19th century with more additions during the 19th/20th-century outside batteries.
Orford Ness, England
Beyond Felixstowe, Hollesley Bay runs north to Orford Ness and the old port of Orford (pop. 650), now a quiet little village on the Ore, which flows parallel to the coast, behind the Ness, for more than 12mi/19km. The moated castle (1165-76) has a polygonal keep. The church has a ruined Norman tower and choir. Orford Ness is a nature reserve where many seabirds nest.Orford Ness is the largest vegetated shingle split in Europe. It contains a variety of habitats and is an important location for breeding, passage birds and shingle flora.
Orford Castle
Orford Castle was built for coastal defense in the 12th century. Both the exterior and interior of the castle survive almost intact. The upper hall of Orford Castle now houses a display by the Orford Museum Trust, including local finds of Roman brooches, medieval seals and coins from recent archaeological work.
Aldeburgh, England
The small town of Aldeburgh (pop. 2,870) on Aldeburgh Bay was a considerable port from the 15th to the 17th century. From this period date the Moot Hall (1520-40) and a number of picturesque old houses. Aldeburgh is now a popular seaside resort, internationally known for its Music Festival held in June and featuring the works of Benjamin Britton, a former resident. The town is also favored by anglers and visitors to the yacht club.
Aldeburgh Festival of Music and Arts
This annual two-week festival takes place in mid-June and includes operas and world premieres in dance and film. Lectures and exhibitions are also included in the program of daily events.The festival is considered one of the most important in Europe because it brings together young, promising musicians and established, familiar performers.The festival was founded in 1948 by Benjamin Britten, and several of his works are showcased every year. The performances take place in a wide variety of venues, including the Jubilee Concert Hall, the Snape Maltings, churches and country homes.
Aldeburgh Britten Festival
This is an annual four-day festival featuring works by Britten and other composers.
Thorpeness
As popular with fishermen as Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, 2mi/3km north, offers sea-angling and freshwater fishing in a large mere.
Southwold, England
With its charming old cottages, Southwold (pop. 2,230), situated on a hill overlooking the sea, surrounded by extensive areas of green, is a typical old-world English town. The church is a fine example of the flint and stone masonry frequently found in Suffolk. The town is a popular holiday resort with a working lighthouse, award-winning pier, cliff-top cannon and busy beach.
Burnham on Crouch, England
Burnham on Crouch (pop. 6,300) is located on the Crouch River. It is noted for boating and oysters. The annual yacht regatta known as 'Burnham Week' takes place from 25 August to 1 September. The event dates back to 1893 and is considered the final event of the year before the yachts are berthed for the winter.
Mangapps Farm Railway Museum
The oddly named hamlet of Burnham on Crouch is the location of the Mangapps Museum. The museum features working steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and wagons, station buildings and indoor railroad displays. Train rides are offered most days.
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.
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.
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.
Rochford, England
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.
