Roaming with Red

Despite being deep into Spring in the UK, the nicer days still seem few and far between. So, when the rare sunny days do appear, you just have to take advantage of them! And what better way to take advantage of the sun than a day trip to the seaside. While destinations like Brighton are often the chosen place for a seaside journey, travel a little further North and you’ll find similar seaside locations, complete with stunning scenery and charming towns. Southend-on-Sea may be slightly more rough around the edges than the prim and proper Brighton, but the town and its surrounding attractions are just as enjoyable. Less than an hour’s train from London, it’s an easy second choice if you’re craving the sea air!

Take a walk down the world’s longest pier

So, you’ve decided to visit Southend for the day. The sun’s shining, there’s some warmth in the air and there’s a general festive atmosphere that often accompanies the warmer weather. While there’s much to be said for taking a wander down the main street, if you’ve made your way to Southend for the day then you simply can’t leave until you’ve walked the world’s longest pleasure pier. At 1.33 miles long, this pier takes you out into the Thames Estuary and is a genuinely lovely walk. From the old, creaky timber floorboards to the beach huts at the pier’s end, everything has been clearly restored to maintain the old world feel of this historic monument. From humble beginnings in the early 1800s to now, it’s no wonder the pier is such an attraction here. From the views out to sea to the people fishing off the pier, there is something just simply fun about visiting this place.

Opening times change with the seasons so would recommend you check depending on when you are visiting. You can only buy tickets at the pier, and it does get busy, so would recommend going early if you can (or bringing cash and beelining straight for the cash only register at the pier’s entrance). There is also a small train that takes you to the end of the pier if the walk just isn’t for you.

Bask in the sun while enjoying fish and chips

Fish and chips and the seaside go hand in hand. And it’s no different at Southend. The main road is filled with fish and chip shops selling all kinds of seafood and yummy treats to eat. There is something that simply hits differently about fish and chips at the beach. Whether it’s the proximity to the ocean, the assumed freshness of the produce or the atmosphere, no day trip to the seaside is complete without consuming at least some seafood (unless you don’t eat seafood of course!). Whether you’re looking for the satisfying takeaway fish and chip shop or something more fancy, there really is something available for everyone up and down the main strip. Take a walk, decide on a place to eat and enjoy the simple pleasure of sitting in the sun while eating a delicious, if slightly unhealthy, meal.

Embrace your inner child at the carnival

Southend has clearly embraced its role as a seaside holiday destination. Nothing epitomises summer holidays more than a carnival and the permanent adventure park on the Southend foreshore is a testament to this town’s history as a popular holiday destination. Filled with rides galore, spending some time at the carnival is a great way to embrace your inner child and forget about the stresses of the world for a bit. However, the main carnival is not the only place to be a big kid. The foreshore and main street is filled with arcade halls, mini golf courses and other fun things so take a wander and decide on which activity appeals to you the most!

Take an open top bus ride and enjoy the scenery

What’s more novel than taking an open top bus to a new destination? It may feel touristy, but if the sun is shining and you want to see more of this coast line, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the stunning countryside without having to spend hours walking or going to the effort of hiring a car. Catch the 68 bus from Southend to Leigh-on-Sea and you’ll get to drive past some incredibly beautiful scenery. From towering cliffs to imposing mansions, this is genuinely a very good, and very cheap, way to experience the changing beauty of this part of the country. As mentioned, the bus is open top so, if the weather’s nice enough, make sure you grab a seat up top to enjoy the full experience.

Relax in the backstreets of Leigh-on-Sea

Leigh-on-sea was potentially my favourite part of this whole day trip and, if you’re going to visit Southend, you have to make time for Leigh-on Sea. A small, one lane street, Leigh-on-Sea is filled with character. The pubs are inviting, the restaurants sell all kinds of yummy food and the ice-cream stores are just screaming for you to buy something. While Southend feels like a Carnival, Leigh-on-Sea feels like a secluded seaside village (if you removed all the people who go to enjoy the exact same atmosphere I’m explaining). This town gives that old world feel that transports you to another era – I could easily imagine an old fisherman, smoking his pipe, sitting on the sea walls watching the world go by. From the stone buildings, to the small boats moored near the seashore, everything about Leigh-on-Sea has character and charm. You don’t need to spend much time here but I would highly recommend you carve out an hour or two to simply soak in the atmosphere of this place and forget about the outside world for a little bit.