Things to do in Southend-on-Sea

Top Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea, Essex - Southend-on-Sea Attractions

Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea


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Top Attractions in Southend-on-Sea

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Becky D
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I would like to say a huge thank you to the two people working on Axis on the 20th Feb, I was in the queue with my autistic brother and some kids decided to climb the fence to get into the front of the queue, I got the attention of the two people working there and they dealt with it really well, and made me feel heard. One of them was called Charlie and the other I can't remember the name of but she had pink hair! They made the day just that bit better!
    Written 21 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barry M
    Thorpe Bay37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for families....prams especially. Free WiFi, food fairly priced and gr8 selection. Best bit? ??? SUPERB STAFF.... !!!
    Written 2 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tammy R
    Hereford, UK52 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Better than expected ,a nice welcome but then that was it we only saw one member of staff in the butterfly house and then no one to be seen so couldn’t ask questions or get more information other than what was written near table etc
    A wide range of things to see not just fish ,the monkeys looked happy as did the meerkats and the whole place was pretty clean.
    The cafe made me gag with the overwhelming smell of dirty cooking oil it clung to hair and clothes it was truly vile better extraction or a closed kitchen is needed.
    Didn’t enter shop so can’t comment on prices but everything else was good value ,would definitely visit again but bypass cafe
    Written 5 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tammy R
    Hereford, UK52 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
  • PCzns
    Penang Island, Malaysia78 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I haven't been to Leigh-on-Sea for many years, but grew up near Belfairs Park. Leigh-on-Sea is one of the loveliest places that I know of and I like to keep up with what's happening there and in "The Woods".
    Written 24 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bernie
    Great Wakering, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great day out for the kids.
    Lovely clean beach not to packed.
    Take away van for all your needs.
    Dog friendly but not on the beach
    Also toilets
    Written 17 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stevebillericay
    essex1,035 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    First visit, early march24 free spaces for 10/15 cars in cul de sac, also payment spaces at cafe, that unfortunately wasn’t open, so no public toilets that we could find.
    Actual ruins are small, couple of the original towers but the views are nice, wet footpath leads towards Leigh on sea, I would estimate a 30 min walk, would get busy in summertime as it’s a good walking area.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vacationer402551
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a lovely time this afternoon at the VicTOURian - Christmas Cracker at The Priory. Verna (the guide) was absolutely brilliant and made it a real fun time telling us how the Victorians celebrarted Chrismas! Mulled wine (non-alcohlic) and mince pie was included as was a present!! We played a couple of games which was also fun!! The next one is for Valentines in February....looking forward to it already!
    Jackie
    Written 14 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Neil P
    12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice place to go on a sunny day and has a wildlife site for bird watching and good for walks to Hadleigh castle and around two tree island
    Written 15 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew D
    Liverpool, UK5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A real treasure set in a beautiful parkland. A cold and slightly wet February might not be the the best time for anything to shine but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and stories that this historic building had to tell. The guide (Graham I think) was so knowledgeable and very good at charting the different stages of ownership and uses of the Priory. Nice coffee in the shop opposite with very friendly staff. The sort of place you need to visit periodically to remind yourself that everyone and everywhere has a history.
    Written 12 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • annmickwhitstable
    Kent, UK8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The beach was stony but very clean and very accessible, and was right opposite the premier inn where we stayed.
    Written 24 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • girliegirl123
    Gravesend, UK574 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    First time visit for me, so impressed friendly helpful staff, brilliant atmosphere, good drinks section. DJ Playing. My purse must of fell out of my bag, one of the staff members handed into the cash desk and came and informed me, I had no idea I didn't have it, thank you to whoever that staff member is I'm very grateful. My partner wanted crisps and they had run out of Salt and Vinegar the bar team member went to get some thank you. My first time in a casino and I had no idea what I was doing when I went to table the croupier was excellent so helpful. I will be back.
    Written 12 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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