Southend Places of Interest

Churches, Galleries and Museums

St Andrew's Church

Church Road, Ashingdon, Southend-on-Sea SS4 2HY

It was consecrated by King Canute in 1020. There are some rare features, which include coat of arms of James II and two medieval scratch dials. Open May to September 14.00 - 16.00.

Southend Pier Museum

Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2YS

Tel: 01702 611214

The museum tells the history of the pier since 1830, its extension in 1846, its entertainments and disasters, includes ex-pier trains. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11.00- 17.00.

Southend Central Museum and Planetarium

Victoria Avenue, Southend SS2 6EW

Tel: 01702 215131

Visit exhibitions of human and natural history of the region. As well as the only planetarium in the south east outside London! Souvenir shop. Museum admission is free. Museum is open Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 17.00 and Planetarium is open Wednesday - Saturday with performances at 11.00, 14.00 and 16.00.

Prittlewell Priory Museum and Park

Victoria Avenue, Southend SS2 6EW

Tel: 01702 342878

Set in 45 acres of historic parkland, with ornamental gardens and a variety of sports facilities. The park building, a 12th Century Cluniac priory, is now a museum with collections of early radios, televisions and gramophones, medieval and religious displays showing its origins as a Cluniac monastery together with a history of the priory and a display of local wildlife in the area. Admission is free. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00.

Southchurch Hall Museum and Gardens

Park Lane, Southend SS1 2TE

Tel: 01702 467671

A Grade 1 listed 13th -14th Century manor house, now a museum, with room settings from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century. It was once surrounded by a water-filled moat, which is now only partly fed from a natural spring, the rest is filled with ornamental gardens and lawns. Admission is free. Guided tours can be arranged by prior agreement. Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00.

Leigh Heritage Centre

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2EN

Tel: 01702 470834

Set in a quaint well-restored town with its narrow cobbled High Street and fishermens' cottages on the cliffs. The Heritage Centre, which has photographic displays of the area's history, is well worth a visit. Later you can relax in the local pubs and have a speciality dish of seafood.

Beecroft Art Gallery

Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7RA

Tel: 01702 347418

Displaying work since 1953 with exhibitions changing regularly. This is home of the Essex Artists' open exhibition. Admission is free. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 9.30 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00

Focal Point Gallery

Southend Central Library, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EX

Tel: 01702 612621

A contemporary photographic and new media gallery. Admission is free. Cafe and toilets are located at the gallery. Open all year Monday - Friday from 09.00 - 19.00 and on Saturdays from 09.00 - 17.00.

Parks and Gardens

Chalkwell Park

London Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Once part of a farm, the Chalkwell Farm Estate is 26 acres of exquisite parkland. Renowned for its ornamental gardens, rose displays, colourful bedding displays and much, much more. Also included is an environmental centre, and sports pitches, playgrounds, cafes, public conveniences and car park.

Southchurch Park

Lifstan Way, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

The lake is the special feature of this 31 acres of parkland. It divides into two, one half for boating, and model boats on the other half. Included also are sports pitches, grass tennis courts, gardens and cafes etc.

Prittlewell Square

Clifftown Parade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex Southend's oldest public park in the Victorian town square with a formal pond and fountain in the centre of flowerbeds and lawns.

Nature and Marine Centres

Sea Life Aquarium

Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2ER

Tel: 01702 601834

Discover the colourful marine life native to the shores of Southend. Talks are given throughout the day, please phone for further details regarding times. Open all year daily from 10.00-17.00.

Family Attractions

Southend Pier

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EE

Tel: 01702 215620

Take a walk down this wonderful pleasure pier, the longest in England. It has stretched out into the Thames Estuary for 100 years. If you are feeling less energetic, then take a trip on the train. The pier supports souvenirs and gift shops, amusements and, of course, fishing for the enthusiast. Open daily during summer 08.00 - 22.00, and winter 08.00 - 16.00.

Mr B's Space Chase Quasar

5-8 Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2EJ

Tel: 01702 603947

A family entertainment centre, with quasar arena and amusement games. Open all year Monday - Friday 12.00 - 23.00 and Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10.00 - 23.00.

Kids Kingdom

Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 4FA

Tel: 01702 462747

Children's indoor play centre, with plenty of activities for the kids. Restaurant and garden play area. Admission is on height or age either under 4'10" or 12 years. Open daily from 10.00 - 18.00.

Never Never Land

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1

Tel: 01702 460618

Two acres of wooded cliffs changed into a fantasy world of childhood legends and nursery stories, which include Snow White, Humpty Dumpty, the Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe. With displays both static and animated. Open daily at 11.00 during Easter - November, and all school holidays and weekends.

Wildlife and Leisure Centres

Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve

Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 4LR

Tel: 01702 554462

Excellent 18 hole pay as you play golf course. There are two clubs. The woodland gardens, with its shady walks and its beautiful trees, make a good place for riding. Part of the nature reserve is the ancient Hadleigh Great Wood, with plenty of flora and fauna. Also included is a childrens playground, cafe, changing rooms, pitch and put, stables and trotting track. Admission is free. Please phone for opening times.

Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre

Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4FA

Tel: 01702 613000

Prestigious multi-sport and tennis centre in 300 acres. Includes indoor tennis courts, a fitness suite and athletics track. Located by the Essex Golf Centre (01702 601701) with an 18-hole course, excellent driving range and golf club. Open all year, daily from 07.00 - 23.00.

Southend Marine Activities Centre

Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2YH

Tel: 01702 612770

BCU and RYA accredited watersports and outdoor centre with changing and shower facilities. Please phone for opening times.

Peter Pan's Adventure Island

Sunken Gardens West, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1DN

Tel: 01702 468023

The theme park has over 40 rides for all age ranges. There is a range of eateries. Admission is free. Open all year round, early - late but from October - March at weekends only.

Entertainment and Arts Centres

Southend Cliffs Pavilion

Station Road, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7RA

Tel: 01702 469405

The pavilion is the largest entertainment centre in Essex situated on the pier with a great programme all year including pantomimes and concerts. The centre has its own cafe and is open daily from 10.00 - 23.00.

Cliffs Bandstand

Clifftown Parade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DN

Tel: 01702 343605

Beautifully restored Victorian bandstand offering tea dances daily, and a programme of concerts throughout the summer. Licenced bar and conservatory restaurant, gift shop, cafe and toilet facilities. Open daily at 10.00 during April - September and Wednesdays and Sundays during October - March.

Palace Theatre

430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9LA

Tel: 01702 342564

A restored Edwardian building with a variety of events throughout the year. Open all year Monday - Saturday from 10.00 - 23.00 and Sundays 19.00 - 22.30.