Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is the major seaside resort on the Thames Estuary. The town was developed in Regency times, when the Prince Regent decided his wife, Caroline, might enjoy life more here, at the site of the nearest beach to London. Either that or he thought he might enjoy life more with forty miles between him and his beloved.

Prittlewell was the name of the beachside hamlet and Caroline stayed at the South End, in what is now ‘Royal Terrace’. The bright & brash lights of the modern seaside resort have now largely overshadowed the Regency splendour.

Southend’s seven-mile stretch of beach is adorned with amusement arcades and fast food joints, as well as a sixty-foot floral clock and Cliff Gardens. There is also a 2-kilometre pier, reputedly the longest in the world, which is flanked by the Peter Pan and Never Never Land amusement parks, or if they don't appeal, why not head to Adventure Island on the Western Esplanade.