Southend-on-Sea campsites

Start your holiday at Southend by visiting any of the beaches on the town’s doorstep. Head to Westcliff beach for an afternoon paddle or stroll to Chalkwell beach to watch the sunset and explore the rockpools at low tide with the kids.

Afterwards, head to the longest pleasure pier in the world, Southend Pier! You can choose to walk along the pier at your own pace to take in the stunning scenery or hop on board the electric train.

You can also treat the kids with a visit to Adventure Island. Brave the heights of Sky Drop and don’t be afraid to get a little wet on Tidal Wave. With so many rides to pick from, see how much you can pack in before stopping for a bite to eat at one of the nearby cafés.

To sightsee in a way that’s fun for the whole family, take the Southend on Sea Treasure Hunt Trail. Search buildings, signs and plaques scattered around the town for clues that’ll help you solve the mystery.

When you’ve solved the final clue, visit the aquatic creatures in Sealife Adventure. See the penguins, head to Turtle Bay and find Nemo in the Clownfish tank. The centre is also home to sharks at the Deepwater World.

After admiring the marine life, get competitive with the kids at Arnold Palmer Mini Golf. The crazy golf course has 18 holes to perfect your putting skills and is also good for beginners trying to get their first hole in one.

If the sun isn’t shining, take the little ones to Kids Kingdom. The indoor soft play area boasts a 14 foot slide and the youngsters can also run wild in its obstacle course.

For budding astronauts, head to the Planetarium at Southend Central Museum. Find out more about the universe and prepare your questions to ask at the end of the live presentation. When it’s over, admire the archaeological displays as well as the other natural history exhibits on offer at the museum.

Spend the afternoon enjoying a picnic on the lush greenery at Southchurch Park. Enjoy your packed lunch by the lake and spot the wildlife or whet your appetite at the café. Alternatively, stroll along Priory Park whilst the kids mess around in the playground.  

When you’ve finished exploring the town, walk up the ruins of Hadleigh Castle for breathtaking views of the Essex marshes or treat yourselves to a bit of retail therapy in Chelmsford.