Southend Pier & Railway
Southend Pier & Railway
4
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:15 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. Extending 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Sir John Betjeman once said that "the Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier". The pier is a Grade II listed building.
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  • Polly G
    21 contributions
    A nice experience for the family
    We enjoyed the visit to the pier and were blessed with a lovely sunny winters day. The kids enjoyed the train and walked back. We were able to get an ice cream at the end of the pier in the cafe. For a family of seven with some concessions it cost less than £25. We also had a person in a wheelchair but was able to access everything.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 February 2023
  • foodlover1987x
    124 contributions
    Fun little train ride along the world's longest pier
    We just missed the train from the shore end so walked down to the other end... took longer than the ticket guy said due to little toddler legs so ended up running to catch the train the other end. If you walked at a normal pace I think you would make it easily in order to catch the train back. Very fresh clear sea air and then the train ride back which was fun, a nice fun thing to do whilst in Southend
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 February 2023
  • julian H
    Wymondham, United Kingdom373 contributions
    worth doing but I suspect just the once. Catering was crapp
    Saved a lot of walking and very efficient but watch for which days they run. Jimmys cafe was small and had very limited food choices if you are allergy intolerant etc and the main restaurant was shut , which was pants, and no explanation . Very breezy even on a warm day I suspect and not at lot to do. The price for concessions was very good value for money at less that £6 for TWO . Some nice views of the estuary
    Visited March 2023
    Written 23 March 2023
  • Alba C
    London, United Kingdom43 contributions
    Very good😁👍🏻
    It is a fairly old architectural pier, made of wood and quite long. If you walk to the end there is a cafeteria where you can have a drink. For the return you can take a train that takes you back to Southend on Sea, it seems short but if you do the entire pier is long enough to walk it
    Visited April 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 25 March 2023
  • Michaela M
    2 contributions
    Sunken Trip to see El Galeon
    Left feeling sunk after a disappointing visit to EL Galeon which I had been so looking forward too.. their website states staff in historical costumes to answer any questions on board..NO staff let alone any in costumes.. and that was one of the things I had been looking forward too... the only staff interaction we saw was someone being shouted at as he dared to stop to take a photo whilst on board..so when it was our turn we filed on like ants and didn't stop walking for fear of being shouted at!! The coat to get to the ship for us was £6.20 each return for the railway..no kne checking tickets on the way back and packed on like sardines with standing room only!!! Nothing to see at the end of the pier..such a waste of an opportunity as they could have independent retailers or pop up boutiques to view... we had so wanted to visit Southend and have not been left with any lasting impression..sadly
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 May 2023
  • Karen B
    Herne Bay, United Kingdom130 contributions
    View Southend from the pier
    The pier is a great place to wile away a few hours. There is a train for anyone not wanting to walk to the end although it is an easy level walk. There are several cafes at the end along with the lifeboat station. Boat trips leave from the end as well and we enjoyed watching the cargo ships go by.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 7 September 2023
  • Tammy R
    Hereford, United Kingdom50 contributions
    A great first time experience but once you’ve seen it once that’s it
    First time visiting we used the train there and back although the walk did look enjoyable but it was a very hot day so glad we took the little train now ,nice views. I think I expected more to do once at the end of pier we grabbed lifeboat shop and grabbed a coffee as that was all there was to do. Don’t quite know what I was expecting but good if your a budding photographer and enjoy good views ,my teenage daughter wasn’t impressed but probably because she expected something more commercialised
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 September 2023
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4.0
2,163 reviews
Excellent
773
Very good
797
Average
369
Poor
130
Terrible
94

Colin L
Crawley, UK95 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I visit Southend a couple of times a year and always make a point of taking a stroll along the Pier...but yesterday i was very disappointed by the attitude of the member of staff in the walkway kiosk who showed no customer skill or interest whatsoever (Staff member 0707). She was very blunt and abrupt in her manner.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Norma B
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We visited Southend Pier with 2 friends early in September, while the weather was still fine and warm. It is a lovely old pier, and being close to home we all decided to go for lunch at the Offshore Restaurant, almost at the end. Being of a certain age we took the train. A bit disappointed that the old ones are still in service, but it did the job. Upon arriving at the end of the pier we were met by a good selection of takeaway huts. In particular the fish and chip shed. We saw some of others' plates and it all looked and smelled delicious. Very tempting. However, we went past the Tea with the Tide Tearoom. An old Victorian building with loads of character. Nicely decorated with tables in and outside. Carrying on to our intended destination, the Offshore Restaurant, is a large building facing the sea with wonderful views, and lots of fresh air. It is divided into a small cafe/bar where you can order coffee and food from the menu, or you can go past R2D2, into the main pirate themed restaurant, with lots of seating both inside and outside. There are 2 massive murals on one wall of pirate ships and sea battles. We understand there are plans to have another one painted on the opposite wall. They are beautifully executed. Tables and chairs are spotlessly clean and comfortable. The menu is not big, but I think most people would find something they could choose. When our meals arrived, they came beautifully presented, and properly cooked. In addition, they were tasty too!! Everywhere is clean and tidy. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend eating here at any time. Prices are reasonable and no more than you would pay on land. On the way back we stopped to take in the views, and then to round our afternoon off, we had tea in the Tea with the Tide Tearoom. Again, spotlessly clean, and well laid out. All the staff we met were friendly, smiley and very helpful. We had a truly great afternoon on the pier.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natasha Georgina Faiers
Southend-on-Sea, UK9 contributions
May 2023 • Family
We explored as a treat for a very special adventure to meet up with a visiting educational Galleon. The pier is several miles the walk is well worth the views. Check the facilities times for food and merchandise before you embark to find out what events may be active. The beautiful weather days it is a wonderful place to feel the breeze, take in the the view as sea meets sky and enjoy the refreshingly beautiful sound of the sea from one of the longest pier's.
If you're legs are a little tired a pier train rides regularly so check before departure and purchase tickets on entry. A wonderful way to reenergise and have some family time. I have wonderful memories and this was a first for many years I was able to walk the full length of the pier. If you have specific requirements please contact the pier team stewards they are all absolutely brilliant!
Thanks very much for additional and very special and lovely Seashore smiles.
There are several areas to sit and rest along the pier. You can seek out food and occasional entertainment at the areas situated along the pier and across the seafront areas. I conducted a Mayday Mile here in May for a walk allocated towards a fundraiser for the RNLi to remember some special loved ones. I stopped in to meet the visiting Andalusia before it went on its summer school adventures across the seas. Keep an eye on the exclusive announcements of these once upon a time experiences. It was extremely great fun. We were able to log out walk for our walk and we were so appreciative of the service desk for helping us so a disabled user too could access the pier. We hope to visit again. Thanks very much to everyone. We are so grateful. 🌊
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BuffyRocks
Sheffield, UK282 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
What a treat to take a train along a pier, grab a cone of chips and watch the sun set while a mile from land.

It is expensive to do the train, but not something I would do again. A one off experience
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tammy R
Hereford, UK50 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
First time visiting we used the train there and back although the walk did look enjoyable but it was a very hot day so glad we took the little train now ,nice views.
I think I expected more to do once at the end of pier we grabbed lifeboat shop and grabbed a coffee as that was all there was to do.
Don’t quite know what I was expecting but good if your a budding photographer and enjoy good views ,my teenage daughter wasn’t impressed but probably because she expected something more commercialised
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Karen B
Herne Bay, UK130 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
The pier is a great place to wile away a few hours. There is a train for anyone not wanting to walk to the end although it is an easy level walk. There are several cafes at the end along with the lifeboat station. Boat trips leave from the end as well and we enjoyed watching the cargo ships go by.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pildyboys
Ossett, UK776 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We took the train to far end who can walk 1.33 miles,
The train itself was reliable and very busy.
Just went in it to say I’d done it.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shahid Imran
Bahrain38 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We booked Luxiety apartment on southend Hi-street which is very close to southend piers and Railway station.
Southend Piers is very nice attraction, staff is very cooperative, Good for all ages, adventure park is nice for kids of all ages. Beach is Nice and clean with amenities available.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SueHazell
Marlow, UK131 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We visited Southend for the day on Sunday, having never been before, with our 5 year old grandson. Really impressed with the train & pier. Great fun, lovely views, very British seaside! It wasn’t busy so enjoyed time in the sandpit at the end. A shame the RNLI wasn’t open.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elle Carth
9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The pier is great you get lovely views back to the beach and the train is cool. I don’t really understand why the pier is SO long but it’s not so bad you can’t walk it. Really enjoyed it and sensible price.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SOUTHEND PIER & RAILWAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Southend Pier & Railway

Southend Pier & Railway is open:
  • Wed - Sun 10:15 - 18:00