There are many things to do in Southend-on-sea, UK. A visit to the Southend Pier & Railway will provide a fun family day out. You can also check out the Palace Theatre, Belfairs Wood Park and Nature Reserve, and Old Leigh.
Old Leigh
The town has plenty to offer visitors to its historic Old Leigh, including an Art Gallery. This local attraction offers paintings and working pottery by local artists. You can also see the work of local artists, including potter Richard Baxter and artist Sheila Appleton. You can also check out paintings by local artists Julie O’Sullivan and Ian Smith.
Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Focal Point Gallery, which displays local and international artists. This art gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions. Occasionally, the exhibitions focus on a single artist or a group of artists. You can also see live performances at the Focal Point Gallery.
Located where the River Thames meets the sea, Old Leigh has a variety of attractions to offer visitors. This picturesque area is home to a shipyard and a small beach. Many restaurants and pubs serve fresh seafood and fish and chips. Parking in the town can be a challenge, so if you are planning on visiting this popular town, it’s best to find an alternative parking spot. If you don’t have a car, you can use an online vacation planner to plan your trip to Old Leigh.
Southend Pier & Railway
Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, UK. It stretches for 2.16 kilometers into the Thames Estuary and is the world’s longest pleasure pier. It was first constructed in 1829 after a bill to build a pier was granted Royal Assent. The wooden pier was replaced by an iron one in 1889. The Southend Pier Railway opened in the early 1890s and became the first pier railway in the United Kingdom.
The Southend Pier was one of seven landmarks in the UK’s seaside region. It has been the site of Victorian promenades, extravagant concert parties, and a Punch and Judy festival. Over the years, it has seen many changes and accidents. To celebrate the centenary of the Pier, it is hosting a series of events that aim to share the history of the historic pier and to inspire younger generations.
The new trains will arrive this month after a delayed start to installation. Southend Council had planned to take delivery of the new trains on July 19 but the delay has caused the official opening date to be pushed back 10 days. Meanwhile, the old trains will remain at the site. They will be converted to seat visitors and to provide shelter for residents.
Belfairs Wood Park and Nature Reserve
Belfairs Wood Park and Nature Reserve is a great place to go on a family day out. The 1160-acre landscape is home to a wide variety of wildlife and nationally threatened species. The park is also home to a visitor centre, which provides information on the area.
Customers can find a wide range of products and services at Belfairs Wood, Park and Nature Reserve, which is located in Southend-on-Sea, UK. These services are provided by knowledgeable and friendly staff members. This business has a long-standing reputation in the Southend-on-Sea area and is renowned for its amazing offers.
Visitors can plan an outdoor activity by walking, cycling, or taking public transportation to Belfairs Wood. This nature reserve is also close to Bell Wharf Beach and the Palace Theatre. There are many events and programs held at the park throughout the year.
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre is located in the Westcliff-on-Sea area of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK. It is an arts center that offers a variety of performances, from music to drama to local touring companies. The theatre is about one mile from the town centre and is easily accessible via the A13 or A127. While there is no official parking on site, there is limited street parking in nearby residential areas.
The Westcliff Palace Theatre was built in the early twentieth century. It is located on a large plot of land and has a large red brick facade. It was originally built for the Raymond Picture Company and had seating for 1,500 people. It also had an orchestra pit, which could accommodate up to 20 musicians. The Palace Theatre was initially known as Raymond’s New Picture Palace, but later renamed to the New Palace Theatre. In 1927, the theatre was home to the Fol-De-Rols song and laugh revue. In 1971, it was acquired by the Palace Theatre Trust.
The Palace Theatre Trust was set up in 1970 by the Southend Borough Council as a charitable organization to operate the theatre. This theatre was the first repertory theatre in Southend and was opened by Ray Cooney with “Spider’s Web.” The Palace Theatre’s artistic directors were Christopher Dunham, Ray Cooney, and Alexander Bridge. In 1973, the Southend Borough Council made generous donations to the Palace Theatre Trust and the theatre was redecorated.
Priory Park
The Green Space is filled with a variety of fun activities and attractions. There is a fishing lake and a museum as well as a playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts. You can even enjoy an afternoon of fishing and a family picnic. Regardless of your level of physical fitness, you will be able to enjoy this green space.
Priory Park was the site of the first museum in Southend. It featured a portrait of a member of the Priory’s last family, the Scrattons. The portrait was painted by Stephen Pearce in 1867. Inside the house is an exhibit about the life of the Scrattons during the nineteenth century.
Chalkwell Park
Chalkwell Park is a 27 hectare recreational park located in Chalkwell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. It features several flower gardens, two children’s playgrounds, a skateboard/BMX park, tennis courts, football fields, and basketball courts.
Chalkwell Park is a popular place to go for a picnic and a run. There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, and cricket fields. The park offers a BMX and skateboard park, as well as a skateboard/BMX track.
Chalkwell Avenue is the gateway to Chalkwell Beach and the Chalkwell Malecon, a sand beach with marine life. The area also features a large granite obelisk, known as the Crownstone. The obelisk has been a landmark in the area since the 12th century. It is home to several cafes and kiosks.
Adventure Island
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family, a visit to Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sear is an excellent idea. This seaside amusement park has several roller coasters and more than 30 rides and attractions. It also features numerous food and retail outlets.
Visitors can enjoy the rides without paying an entrance fee. The rides are divided into bands according to height. People who are over 1.2 metres can go on the Big Adventure Blue Band Rides, while those with smaller heights can try the Junior Green Band Rides. There is also an arcade on the premises, so visitors can enjoy some games and ice cream.
Visitors can also test their nerves on the Takabisha Coaster, which has a 121-degree angle of abseil. Other rides include the Euro-Fighter and Huracan Belantise Leipzig.
Sea Life Adventure
Visitors can get up close and personal with sharks at the Sea Life Aquarium in Southend-on-Sea, UK. The aquarium also features rays, turtles and insect displays. There’s even a walk-through tunnel tank! There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this family-friendly attraction!
This seaside aquarium is accessible to people with disabilities. If you’re accompanied by a carer, your ticket is half the price of the adult admission. Wheelchair users can take a seat nearby, but they’ll need to bring their own equipment. Wheelchairs are available at the tourist information centre in Southend, or by calling 01702 215120. If you have a service dog, be sure to register it as a medical assistance dog before you visit.
The sealife adventure in Southend-on-Sea is one of the region’s most popular attractions. It features over 40 displays featuring sea creatures from around the world. It also hosts educational talks and demonstrations that are aimed at the whole family. The expert staff members will talk about everything from sharks to poisonous frogs.