LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Adventure Island

Adventure Island is the number one fun park in the Southeast of England. With over 60 rides and attractions, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. With a choice of four exciting roller coasters, there are also sixteen rides for tiny tots. Admission is FREE - "you only pay if you play".

Southend Pier

Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Visitors can walk or catch the train to peir head, where there is a lifeboat station and a gift shop. Southend Pier Museum tells the story of Southend's most famous landmark, from its construction in 1830, through fires, wars and recession to restoration and rebuilding. Free admission for accompanied children under 12 (except school groups).

The Cliff Pavilion

The Cliffs Pavilion is managed and operated by HQ Theatres on behalf of Southend Borough Council. This popular venue attracts touring music acts and stages corporate functions. Whether it be a major play, musical, a pantomim or a classical concert, you can be sure to enjoy it at Cliffs Pavilion.

The Kursaal

The Kursaal was once among Southend-on-Sea's premier attractions. Completed in 1901, it formed a grand entrance to a circus, ballroom, arcade, dining hall and billiard room. Inside, the grand dome can still be admired with its stained glass now fully restored. It houses 30 bowling lanes, a diner, American pool tables and other amusements.

The Royals Shopping Centre

Southend's best indoor shopping centre has 30 big name stores. There's also a good choice of places to eat and drink. The Royals Shopping Centre is open seven days a week.

The Three Shell Beach

Three Shells Beach is one of two central beaches in Southend. The small clean sandy beach is a Blue Flag winner and a favourite with families. The beach is cleaned every day by the local traders association.

The Beecroft Art gallery

Visitors to the Beecroft Gallery can see what Southend looked like before the 20th century. The Thorpe Smith Collection of Old Views includes 18th and 19th Century works. Other highlights include Old Master portraits and landscapes from around Europe and 20th Century works by, among others, Sir Jacob Epstein and John Aldridge. Events are held all year and include themed exhibitions and art classes. Admission is free.

Maxims Casino

This is one of the biggest casinos in the UK and it offers a huge range of gaming facilities. There are also private card rooms and an a la carte restaurant. The Casino sponsors the annual Westcliff Airshow.

Cliff gardens

Southend-on-Sea is famous for its gardens, which date back to the 1700s. Since 2002 an ongoing programme of restoration, paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has been underway, and the gardens are being slowly turned back into their original splendour.