The city end of the line. Two museums sit almost beside the station, the High Street runs straight down to the pier, and the whole seafront is within a twenty-minute stroll.
Southend's local history museum on Victoria Avenue, a few steps from the station. Its highlight is the treasure from the Prittlewell Prince, an Anglo-Saxon royal burial found in 2003 just up the road.
| Wed–Sun | 11:00–17:00 |
Closed on bank holidays.
Entry: Free. Planetarium shows are ticketed.
Southend's main street runs downhill from Victoria Circus all the way to Pier Hill, so it doubles as the walk to the sea. Plenty of cafés for a stop on the way.
Open at all times.
The city's art gallery, also on Victoria Avenue, with changing exhibitions alongside the permanent collection. This autumn: Between Us until 29 November and the 62nd Essex Open Art Exhibition until 20 December 2026.
| Wed–Sun | 11:00–17:00 |
Closed on bank holidays.
Entry: Free.
Contemporary art in The Forum on Elmer Square. Exhibitions change through the year, and the gallery closes for a few days while each new show goes in.
| Wed–Sat | 11:00–17:00 |
Entry: Free.
A Georgian terrace on the cliff top above the pier, with one of the best views over the Thames Estuary. Below it the little 1912 Cliff Lift runs down to the Western Esplanade.
Terrace open at all times. The Cliff Lift is run by volunteers, usually 10:30 to 15:00 when operators are available.
Entry: Terrace and gardens free. The lift has a small fare.
The longest pleasure pier in the world, reaching 1.34 miles into the estuary. Walk it, about 30 minutes each way, or ride the pier train out and stroll back.
| Wed–Sun | 10:15–18:00 |
Times vary. Check the official site.
Last entry one hour before closing. Weather dependent.
Entry: Small charge to walk or ride. Check current fares.
A volunteer-run museum of the pier's history, with old pier trains, signals and photographs, at the shore end of the pier.
| Sat & Sun | 11:00–17:00 |
Weekends and bank holidays. Closed in winter, reopens at Easter.
Entry: Free, donations welcome.
A wide promenade runs both ways from the pier. Head east past Adventure Island to the sandy beach at Three Shells Lagoon, or west beneath the cliff gardens towards Westcliff.
Open at all times.
Southend's first parish church, designed by Thomas Hopper and consecrated in 1842. It stands just off Pier Hill, and Thomas Dowsett, the town's first mayor, is buried in the churchyard.
Open for services and events. Check with the parish before visiting inside.
The seafront amusement park beside the pier. It is free to wander in and you pay per ride. The City Wheel gives a sweeping view over the city and the estuary.
Times vary day by day. The outdoor park usually winds down from mid-November apart from Christmas events. Check the daily calendar.
Entry: Free to enter. Rides are paid.