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Southend on Sea
The northern bank of the Thames upon which Southend-on-Sea is situated has been peopled from remote times. From about 3,000 BC to 1st Century AD people of the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the early Iron Age inhabited the district. There was afterwards successive occupation by Romans, Saxons and Danes. Evidence of all these Ages is exhibited at the Museum, Prittlewell Priory.



Places To Go



Southend Pier

Streaching 1.33 miles long Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. There is a Walkway or railway service to pier head.

The electric tramway installed by Cromptons opened in 1890 with 1 car of the toast rack type operating on 0.75 miles of single track. By the following year the track had been extended to the full 1.25 miles and two further cars were added. More cars were added until four trains were operated with seven cars in each. A double track working did not start until 1930. In 1949 the rolling stock was replaced with four new trains similar in design to the London Underground stock. In 1978 the electric railway ceased operating due to the deterioration of the track and the high cost of essential repairs. Between 1984 and 1986 the Pier was repaired and a new track laid. Two new trains commenced operation in 1986 on a single track with a passing loop. Each train consists of a diesel-hydraulic locomotive at the southern end, five trailer coaches and at the northern end, a driver control unit with passenger space.

For more information about the history of Southend Pier the Pier Museum offers a closer and more detailed insight. The Museum is located in North Station at the shore end of the Pier.

Circus Circus Amusements

48 - 49 Marine Parade, Southend-On-Sea Essex SS1 2EN, Tel: (01702 463118)
Join in the fun of the circus, situated in the heart of Southend's Golden mile! Slot machines, video games, old and new attractions.
Adventure Island
Sunken Gardens West Western Esplanade
Southend-On-Sea Essex SS1 1EE
Tel: (01702 468023)
Rides for the adventurous. Fun for the young. Rides for the whole family to enjoy. Super saver and tiny tot wristbands available

Sealife Adventure



Eastern Esplanade, Southend-On-Sea Essex SS1 2ER, Tel: (01702 442200)

The Kursaal



Thirty lanes of state-of-the-art ten pin bowling! The Kursaal Bowl is the premier ten pin bowling centre in Essex, and offers a whole host of entertainment including pool, amusements, bars, jackpot machines, function and meeting rooms, and more. Visitors can even find McDonalds and the Rendezvous Casino in the Kursaal building.


Southend Planetarium

Sit back at Southend Planetarium under a perfect night sky and enjoy a forty minute tour of the Universe presented by skilled guide lecturers. Investigate the scale of space, details of the sun and the planets, or take a look at the wonderful myths and legends


The Southend Museums Service



Comprising of four buildings, the Central Museum and Planetarium, Southchurch Hall, Prittlewell Priory and the Beecroft Art Gallery.

Southend Pier Museum

Southend Pier Museum brings to life the fascinating past of the longest pleasure pier in the world. Artifacts, pictorial displays of the pier's entertainment, disasters, staff, boats, illuminations, and railway. Suitable for all ages.

These house diverse collections covering local social and human history, and as well as a fine collection of works of art.

Entry to all the museum branches is free, although there is a small charge for visiting the Southend Planetarium, situated within the Central Museum

The Museum organises many events and exhibitions, details of which can be found within this website, as well as exciting schools activities, family events and life long learning opportunities.

Prittlewell Priory Museum

The remains of a 12th Century Cluniac Priory set in a delightful park. There are displays about the Priory plus a local wildlife gallery and a fine collection of vintage radios. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Admission is FREE.

Parks/Recreation Ground

Southchurch Park
Opposing Southend Manor Football Stadium Southchurch Road, Southend-On-Sea Essex
Beautiful grounds, cricket, a bowling green and childrens playground. Delightful café open all year round.

BATTLESBRIDGE ANTIQUES CENTRE

The Largest Antiques Centre In Essex.

Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RE
24 Hour Information
Tel 01268 734005
Tel 0800 0741219

Tourist Information

High Street
Southend-On-Sea Essex SS1 1DZ
Tel: (01702 215120)
 
British Hotels Guide - Helping you to find your ideal hotel in Britain
British Hotels Guide - Helping you to find your ideal hotel in Britain