Southend-on-Sea England, UK




Southend-on-Sea, often referred to simply as Southend, is a coastal town in Essex, England, situated on the north side of the Thames Estuary. It has a rich history, a vibrant tourism industry, and several notable attractions.


I arrived at the station from London and followed the signs into a large open shopping area.



The path to the seaside is straight ahead.

Video short of the city centre.




I passed on a lot of eateries and selected a chippy. I chose take away so I could enjoy the seaside.









After lunch, I took some photos from the tower, which has a lift to the pier and promenade levels. 







Since the longest pleasure pier in the world was in front of me, I decided to walk the 1 and 1/3 miles to the end.




There are markers along the way and a train in case you want a ride one-way or round trip.

Video clip of the pier train passing me by






At the end there is an intriguing distance sign so you know your whereabouts.





There’s a cafe and lots of places to have a picnic or enjoy the sea air.


Here’s a video short overview of Southend on Sea



 

Southend-on-Sea began as a small fishing village over a thousand years ago. Its transformation into a popular seaside resort started in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway, which made it a convenient getaway for Londoners. During World War I, Southend played a strategic role, with its long pier serving as a landing point for seaplanes. The town suffered bombing raids during World War II but underwent significant redevelopment in the post-war years.

 

Southend is home to several historical and cultural sites. Some of the key attractions include: 

Southend Pier – The longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary.

 Adventure Island – A popular amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages. 

 Prittlewell Priory – A historic site dating back to the 12th century. 

 Hadleigh Castle – A medieval ruin offering stunning views over the estuary. 

Southend Central Museum – Home to exhibits on local history, including the Prittlewell Prince burial site. 

 Beecroft Art Gallery – Showcasing local and international artwork. 

Shoebury Garrison Conservation Area – A scenic spot with historical significance. 

 

https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guide/history-spots/


Post Author

Geoffrey W. Sutton has a PhD in psychology and writes about psychology and culture.

Website: https://www.suttong.com/

Amazon Author: https://author.amazon.com/home

ResearchGate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Geoffrey-Sutton-2

Academia Page: https://evangel.academia.edu/GeoffSutton

-----

 





Sponsor

Mind the Gap books - British - American Language and Culture

Available on AMAZON







Comments