Southend-on-Sea

No visitor to Southend should miss taking a ride on this historic funicular railway, opened in 1912. It takes you from Western Esplanade up to Clifton Terrace with spectacular views of the Pier and estuary.

Explore the fascinating story of this Grade I listed building, from tales of the mysterious Cluniac monks who lived there in the 12th century to the history of the Victorian Scratton family. The excellent visitor centre was completed in 2013 with the aid of lottery money.

This great little museum brings to life the absorbing history of the longest pleasure pier in the world. It's a burst of nostalgia for older people who spent their childhood summer holidays in Southend, as well as an enlightening experience for the younger generation.

Just a short walk from the seafront and set in lovely gardens, this elegant Tudor mansion shows you a slice of life in the reign of King Henry VIII. The stunning Great Hall is exactly as it was in the 14th century.

These two popular theatre and concert halls offer a varied programme of events, including drama, musicals, dance, touring West End shows, ballet, live music and comedy.

South Essex's premier exhibition space for contemporary visual art is also home to a programme of events, including performances, film screenings, talks and educational programmes.

Metal was founded in London in 2002 by Jude Kelly OBE, Southend’s Metal venue is a versatile residency space for contemporary artists in all forms, including painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography.

This is a classic eight-screen multiplex showing all the latest blockbusters and family movies, with special screenings for kids, mothers and babies and over 55s.

Located on the Pier, this purpose-built exhibition and performance space is used for concerts, fairs, arts shows and more. It also houses an artists' studio and café.

With seven miles of sands there's plenty of places to chill out by the sea, from the lively City and Jubilee Beaches in the resort centre to the quiet seclusion of Bell Wharf Beach at nearby 'Old Leigh'. For a break from swimming and sunbathing, take a walk along the prom to enjoy an ice cream or cold drink from one of the colourful refreshment kiosks.

Get close to some of the world's most amazing sea creatures at the South East's top aquatic attraction. 40 unique displays feature all kinds of global marine life, from sharks to seahorses. There's also the Three Shells café for drinks and snacks.

Southend-on-Sea's amazing pier is well over a mile long, but you don't have to walk to the end to enjoy the stunning views over the Thames Estuary. There's a narrow gauge railway to carry you in comfort from the shore to the pier head. The Royal Pavilion features events, concerts and exhibitions.

If you fancy learning to sail, windsurf or jetski, this is where all the action is. The centre offers a wide range of watersports courses for both novices and improvers, including kayaking and powerboating.

Whatever your taste, whatever your budget, there's an eatery in Southend-on-Sea for you. There are traditional seaside options serving time-honoured British favourites like fish and chips, pies and mixed grills. You can enjoy a wide range of continental fare, from pizza and pasta to authentic Indian curries. Plus, there's plenty of choice for foodies, with bistros and high-end restaurants on the seafront and in the town centre, including Tomassi's, a family-run Italian restaurant that's been operating in the town since 1934. Some establishments have open-air terraces for al fresco eating and Sands on the Western Esplanade offers fine dining with stunning views over the estuary. Several popular pub chains are also present, including J D Wetherspoons, Slug and Lettuce, and O'Neill's. If it's hot, why not buy something from the Rossi Ice Cream Parlour.

If you prefer to 'grab and go', Southend-on-Sea also has plenty of fast food outlets serving everything from burgers and fried chicken to sandwiches and wraps. The refreshment kiosks on and around the promenade and pier offer all the usual seaside treats, including sticks of rock, doughnuts and hot dogs.