THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea

Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea, Essex - Southend-on-Sea Attractions

Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea


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Top Attractions in Southend-on-Sea

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Neighborhoods
Historic coastal town with scenic seafront walks, quaint beach, and rich fishing heritage. Features leisurely dining, boat trips, and charming high street for a relaxed day out.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Woodland retreat with serene trails, nature reserve, and a golf course. Includes a visitor center, family and dog-friendly spaces, and a café with scenic views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Parks
Step back in time with a Victorian era-themed tour, complete with engaging guides in character. The park delights with its maze, play areas, and museum, amid serene open spaces perfect for leisure activities.
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Theaters
Intimate venue with comfortable seating and clear sightlines, hosting a range of performances amidst a historic setting. Enjoy diverse theatrical productions in a cozy ambiance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Sameerah A
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The theme park was great i went with my family and i love rides , its the closest theme park to me and its cheap not like other theme parks such as alton towers like don’t get me wrong i love alton towers but it costs alot and i have to drive 3 - 4 HOURS TO GO like adventure island is just 10 minutes away and my fav rides are rage and axis since there the most thrilling rides there the only thing is i wish there was more roller coasters there since i go every week day because its so clise
    Written April 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barry M
    Thorpe Bay37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for families....prams especially. Free WiFi, food fairly priced and gr8 selection. Best bit? ??? SUPERB STAFF.... !!!
    Written February 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julius M
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything was good, from the railway to the service, but the only thing holding it back was the food, which was OK. Apart from that, everything was great.
    Written April 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tammy R
    Hereford, UK52 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Better than expected ,a nice welcome but then that was it we only saw one member of staff in the butterfly house and then no one to be seen so couldn’t ask questions or get more information other than what was written near table etc
    A wide range of things to see not just fish ,the monkeys looked happy as did the meerkats and the whole place was pretty clean.
    The cafe made me gag with the overwhelming smell of dirty cooking oil it clung to hair and clothes it was truly vile better extraction or a closed kitchen is needed.
    Didn’t enter shop so can’t comment on prices but everything else was good value ,would definitely visit again but bypass cafe
    Written January 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PCzns
    Penang Island, Malaysia78 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I haven't been to Leigh-on-Sea for many years, but grew up near Belfairs Park. Leigh-on-Sea is one of the loveliest places that I know of and I like to keep up with what's happening there and in "The Woods".
    Written December 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bernie
    Great Wakering, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great day out for the kids.
    Lovely clean beach not to packed.
    Take away van for all your needs.
    Dog friendly but not on the beach
    Also toilets
    Written January 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stevebillericay
    essex1,036 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    First visit, early march24 free spaces for 10/15 cars in cul de sac, also payment spaces at cafe, that unfortunately wasn’t open, so no public toilets that we could find.
    Actual ruins are small, couple of the original towers but the views are nice, wet footpath leads towards Leigh on sea, I would estimate a 30 min walk, would get busy in summertime as it’s a good walking area.
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vacationer402551
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a lovely time this afternoon at the VicTOURian - Christmas Cracker at The Priory. Verna (the guide) was absolutely brilliant and made it a real fun time telling us how the Victorians celebrarted Chrismas! Mulled wine (non-alcohlic) and mince pie was included as was a present!! We played a couple of games which was also fun!! The next one is for Valentines in February....looking forward to it already!
    Jackie
    Written December 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patrick H
    Essex, UK6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We found Prittlewell Priory completely by accident,and we are so pleased that we did. Due to a long traffic delay we found ourselves stopped right beside the entrance and rather than sit in a queue of traffic we decided to turn in and explore.
    What a delightful discovery it was - it often said out of context but this place truly is, a hidden gem!
    Finding such a fantastic historic building located in such a peacefully beautiful setting was quite amazing. As were the team in the visitor centre, for whom nothing was too much trouble.They were happy, friendly and wonderful ambassadors for Southend Museum. Sarah gave us a tremendous in depth knowledgeable tour of the Priory which was topped off with a generously gifted victorian easter egg.
    We have passed this park for many years without ever noticing the entrance but now we've discovered it, to coin a phrase 'we will be back'.Definitely!
    Written March 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Neil P
    12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice place to go on a sunny day and has a wildlife site for bird watching and good for walks to Hadleigh castle and around two tree island
    Written April 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • annmickwhitstable
    Kent, UK8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The beach was stony but very clean and very accessible, and was right opposite the premier inn where we stayed.
    Written July 24, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • William W
    Benfleet, UK37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went to see The Mousetrap. Really well performed. The ushers were really friendly and helpful. Very nice little theatre. Recommend it.
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southend-on-Sea




The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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