UK Seaside Town Southend - Favorite of Londoners

Beach Holiday Only Fifty-Five Minute Train Ride from Central London

Aug 2, 2009 Cathy Smith

Railways arrived in the 1850s. The short trip from London to Southend gave Londoners their first opportunity to see the ocean and have a day at the seaside.

The emergence of the railway and the introduction of Bank Holidays allowed people the chance to see an aspect of Britain that most of them had never seen before, the seaside. The train journey from London was only forty miles and people swarmed to the coast to take the air and have a splash in the ocean. Miles of coastline opened up to the masses and day trips to Southend were enthusiastically embraced. And still are.

Southend’s Victorian Pier

The most famous icon in Southend is its splendid Victorian pier, at 1.34 miles long (2158 metres) it is the longest pier in the world. The pier is made of wood and since 1830, when it was built, it has survived fires, boats crashing into it, two world wars (somehow it it managed to miss the bombs), and the wear and tear of rough weather and big waves.

Traditionally, before seaside holidays were even thought of, piers were built to allow ships to unload their cargos. They were essentially landing stages for use on occasions when natural harbours could not be found, or the water level was too shallow.

Things to Do in Southend

The people of east London, sometimes referred to as ‘Cockney’s, continue to flock to Southend, to indulge in candy floss and fish and chips, plus lots to do for all ages and a great place for families. The Pier, of course, is a huge attraction, at almost a mile and a half long it’s a bit of a walk to get to the end, but it’s worth it. Once you get there, there’s nothing but water between you and France. However, there is a small railway that chugs along the pier if you want to do it the easy way.

There are lots of activities for children in Southend: Kids Kingdom is great fun, with activities such as the Monster Jelly Mountain, Demon Drop Slide and Twister Tube. Sealife Adventure has over 30 aquatic displays featuring a wealth of marine marvels from starfish to sharks, piranhas to stingrays. Every day there is a full programme of demonstrations, talks and promotions. Adventure Island has over forty great rides and attractions for all ages

Grown-ups can try their hand at sea fishing from Southend Pier (passes available from the Visitor Information Centre) and there are theatres and music venues in the town as well as amusement arcades right along the seafront.

Visit Southend

Take a day trip from London to see where Londoners flock for a day at the seaside. There probably won’t be many tourists, mostly families from London bringing the kids for a day out. There's a whiff of New York's Coney Island about Southend and it may be a bit garish for some tastes but its worth visiting if only for the wonderful pier where you can 'walk on the ocean' for over a mile. You will also get a fun day out and a glimpse of how many Londoners enjoy a day at the seaside.

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