UK seaside city with huge 1.3-mile pier ranked the best in the entire country
Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant waterfront destination on the Essex coast boasting a world-famous pier that was recently voted the best in Britain in a study carried out by the Telegraph.
Located in the gaping mouth of the Thames Estuary, Southend isn't technically a seaside destination, but undoubtedly offers the full British seafront experience and atmosphere, complete with a bustling promenade, Blue Flag Award -winning beach — guaranteeing clean, safe and beautiful surroundings — and a lively city centre.
Its easy access from London makes it a popular getaway for families, couples and day-trippers alike. Beyond the beach, Southend boasts a variety of attractions, from amusement arcades and adventure parks to historic hotels and cultural venues.
But above all, it is the pier that defines Southend's identity and draws visitors from around the globe. Opened in 1830 and rebuilt in iron in 1889, Southend Pier is not just the longest pier in the UK, it's the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching an astonishing 1.33 miles (2.14 km) into the Thames Estuary.
As poet Sir John Betjeman famously put it: 'The Pier is Southend; Southend is the Pier.'
The pier is so long that it has its own railway — the first built on a pier in the UK — offering a charming and practical way to reach its head. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it holds the world record for the longest railway on a public pier.
At the pier's end, the striking Royal Pavilion hosts live performances, exhibitions and community events. Visitors can enjoy refreshments in quirky beach huts or at the café, all the while taking in panoramic estuary views. For those interested in history, the Pier Museum offers fascinating exhibits on its construction, railway and role in local life.
There's a fairground featuring a ferris wheel, wacky walk of mirrors and crazy golf course, meaning there's a wide range of entertainment for people of all ages. Anglers will find the pier a hotspot for fishing, with flounder, bass and mackerel among the common catches.
Southend Pier has twice been named Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society, first in 2007 and then in 2023. Recent investments include new eco-friendly trains, upgraded facilities and creative use of historic train carriages as seating, all contributing to record visitor numbers and glowing reviews.
In short, Southend Pier offers an experience you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world, never mind the country.
Whether you're walking further out into the water than you can anyplace else on the planet, riding on the iconic train, enjoying a show at the Royal Pavilion, or just soaking up the sea air, Southend Pier is without doubt the definitive British pier.
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