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Travel to Southend with c2c trains from Fenchurch Street, London. The journey takes under an hour with tickets available from
£11.75 return when you buy online three days in advance. Offers include kids travel for
£2, save 1/3 on group bookings and two-for-one offers at attractions in Southend. See c2c-online.co.uk
WHERE TO STAY: Super king rooms with sea view from
£218 including breakfast. Book at thesevenhotel.co.uk
STANDING in the blazing sun, with a stretch of sandy beach leading out to a glittering blue sea, it’s easy to imagine I’m in an exotic, far-flung part of the world.
But this is somewhere far closer to home – sunny Southend-on-Sea on the Thames Estuary in Essex.
For years, people have been sniffy about this little seaside town, but things are changing. In fact, some are even describing Southend as the new Brighton.
And at just an hour from London on the train and a swiftly-improving hotel, pub and restaurant scene, the comparison might not be that far off.
During the heatwave, Brits have flocked here, with train bookings to the town for July and August up an incredible 210% compared to the same period in 2016.
And with a lengthy beach and plenty of traditional seaside activities to keep kids and adults alike entertained, what’s not to like?
No trip to Southend is complete without a stroll (or train ride) down its 19th Century pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world.
The half-hour walk each way boasts some of the best views you’ll see in Southend – from the mud flats rising out of the waters of the Thames Estuary, to the boats in the distance and the birds swooping down.
Kids will love the free-admission Adventure Island theme park which has plenty of rides and scream-inducing rollercoasters. And further along the front is the SeaLife Adventure Aquarium, featuring creatures from all over the world and family favourites otters, meerkats and penguins. Entry is £14 for adults and £10 for kids, or upgrade your Adventure Island wristbands for £5.
If all the activity on offer leaves you desperate for something to eat (and maybe a stiff drink), check out The Mews gastropub hidden away in Nelson Mews, a 15-minute walk from Southend’s front. Don’t fancy slogging uphill on a hot day to get there? Hop on the funicular Cliff Lift, which transports passengers between the Western Esplanade and Clifton Terrace, just around the corner from the pub.
It’s a great way to travel, but only open 10pm-3pm at the weekend so check the time before you go. It’s 50p to ride each way. At The Mews, try the fantastic Sunday lunch. And for dessert, take a stroll along the front and tuck into a locallymade Rossi ice-cream with a huge variety of flavours. Bar-wise, trendy spots include the wine bar