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.