Why Hertz

  • Best price guarantee - in the unlikely event you find a lower Hertz price, we'll refund the difference
  • No cancellation or amendment feesWhen the booking is cancelled within two days of being made.
  • No hidden extras to pay - theft and damage cover included
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Hertz car hire in Southend-on-Sea

Hire a car in Southend-on-Sea and discover the charm of the English seaside. This coastal town is perched at the mouth of the River Thames, downstream from London – though it feels a million miles away. From the wooden pier to traditional fairground rides, fish and chips to ice cream cones, Southend-on-Sea promises a quintessential seaside escape.

We have hire cars to suit all journeys, including roomy seven-seaters, perfect for family holidays, and smart black saloons which are ideal if you’re heading into the capital for business meetings. We also have a growing selection of electric and hybrid hire cars, offering a more eco-friendly option.

Find the most convenient pick-up location for you. If you’re flying into the UK, London City Airport is just an hour’s drive away. When you arrive, our helpful team will ask for your reservation details, driving licence and a few other items listed in your confirmation email, before showing you to your car. 

Driving in and around Southend-on-Sea

Hiring a car in Southend-on-Sea takes your seaside escape to the next level. You can enjoy days on the pebbled shores and then explore the surrounding areas, from idyllic country hills to some of the UK’s biggest and most exciting cities.

The main route leading in and out of Southend-on-Sea is the A127. Follow this for 25 minutes to join the M25 orbital ring road which circles Greater London – from here, you can reach almost any corner of the country.

The M1 leads north, while the M4 cuts west. The M20 takes you deep into the bucolic landscapes of Kent, also known as the Garden of England.

Standard speed limits in the UK are 30mph (48km/h) in towns, villages and cities, dropping to 20mph (32km/h) around schools. On single-lane A roads and rural roads, the limit is 60mph (96km/h) and on dual carriageways and motorways the maximum speed is 70mph (112km/h).

In the town centre of Southend-on-Sea, you’ll find high street shops, cinemas and popular restaurants lining the pedestrianised streets. There are plenty of car parks dotted around, so you have lots of choice when it comes to leaving your hire car.

Parking charges start from around £2 for two hours in the centre, but if you don’t mind walking you can find free spaces on the outskirts. In many car parks you can pay using your phone, so you’re never caught short without change. For more details, visit the council website.

A quick guide to Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is a treasured coastal escape where Londoners come to refresh. Hire a car to lap up all the vintage charm of the town and explore the castles, cities and windmills which lie inland too.   

Fun and games

Taking the crown as the longest pleasure pier in the world, the wooden boards of Southend Pier are a central part of the local identity. Walk along the two kilometre-long stretch, feeling the sea breeze on your face, or hop on the pint-sized train which trundles up and down the scenic track.

Back on land, the fun continues. Get your thrills at Adventure Island with its rides and rollercoasters. Then head for the neon lights of the Golden Mile, where vintage arcades ring with the sound of slot machines, penny pushers and claw cranes.

Beach days

There are plenty of relaxing beach spots too, perfect for whiling away the hours with a good book. Thorpe Bay is a photographer’s dream, home to wooden beach huts painted with brightly coloured stripes. In the summer, the pebbled shore and lapping ocean waves are inviting for a dip – although the locals brave it all year round.

At Shoebury Beach, you’ll see crowds of windsurfers, as well as the Anti-Submarine Boom – a historic Cold War defence system built in the 1950s. The concrete columns stand out far into the water, poised to prevent enemy submarines from sailing into the capital.

Windmills and castles

With its white sails and leafy surroundings, Rayleigh Windmill looks like it belongs in toy town. This little taste of Holland is around 20 minutes’ drive west out of Southend-on-Sea, in the neighbouring town of Rayleigh.

Just around the corner is The Dutch Cottage, a thatched house so idyllic it’s become part of the tourist trail. What really stands out about this fairy tale abode is the octagonal shape, complete with white-washed walls and an ivy green door.  

The hilltop ruins of Hadleigh Castle are also west of Southend-on-Sea, about 20 minutes away in the car. Crumbling towers are all that remain of this once royal fortress, built in the 13th century. Sprawling out around the castle, Hadleigh Park promises a fun-filled afternoon where you can walk, mountain bike, kayak and more.

Follow the Thames

Follow the curve of the River Thames inland to London. The iconic home of red buses, Beefeater Guards and the royals, this mega metropolis is around an hour-and-a-half away.

Delve into the luxury of London’s department stores, including Harrods, Liberty London and – the kids’ favourite – Hamleys. If the sun is shining, walk along the banks of the Thames, ticking off all the waterfront sites as you go. West End shows, Michelin-star restaurants, world-famous museums and rolling green parks, there’s so much to go at, you might need to stay overnight.

Hire a car in Southend-on-Sea to make the most of this seaside town, from the buzz of London to the peace and quiet of the pebbled coves. Reserve your car online now.