A short stay in a coastal town over the summer with the family is a great way to break up the school holidays and explore somewhere new! Southend-on-Sea is one of the most popular UK coastal locations, home to the world’s longest pier, beautiful beaches, fantastic hotels, and exciting attractions that people of all ages can enjoy.

Stay

Park Inn by Radisson Palace

Boasting beautiful views of the Essex coast, Park Inn by Radisson Palace is one of the best places to stay in Southend for families. Built back in 1889, the hotel has some amazing facilities including the Pier View restaurant, a hotel gym, and great event spaces. The Park Inn is also dog friendly, so if you’re looking to bring your four-legged friend along on your coastal adventure, you can!

Roslin Beach Hotel

This stunning four-star boutique hotel welcomes families with children of any age to stay in their bespoke rooms and enjoy their refined cuisine and breathtaking sea views. As well as being in walking distance of the Southend seafront and top attractions, the Roslin Beach Hotel has some wonderful onsite facilities that will take your stay from good to great. Relax in their wonderful spa, play a round of golf, or indulge in some seafood cuisine Al Fresco style on the terrace of their restaurant.

Camelia Hotel

Another dog-friendly hotel in Essex, the Camelia Hotel offers a friendly atmosphere for your family staycation in Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy panoramic coastal views from your cosy and comfortable rooms which are complete with modern facilities including WiFi, a flat screen TV to keep the kids entertained whilst you get ready, and more. During your visit, be sure to arrange an afternoon tea in their restaurant – you won’t regret it!

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Do

Adventure Island

The most thrilling attraction in Essex, Adventure Island is a popular theme park located on the Southend seafront. Visitors of all different ages are guaranteed a memorable day of fun and excitement with heart-racing rides such as the Rage rollercoaster or the spinning Axis, to calmer experiences like The City Wheel which provides a breathtaking view of the coastal town. Take part in some classic games and try bag yourself a prize, indulge in sweet treats from venders in the park, and, most importantly, create memories that will last a lifetime.

Sealife Adventure

Animal lovers will be in their element at Sealife Adventure! Come face to face with countless species of fish and other aquatic creatures including sharks and jellyfish. It’s not just inhabitants of the ocean that you will come across at the UK’s first zooquarium – Sealife Adventure houses many land animals from mischievous monkeys and meerkats to beautiful butterflies. During your visit, grab a bite to eat at the Three Shells Café, and maybe a gift from the shop for the little ones!

Palace Theatre

Southend-on-Sea is never short on great entertainment thanks to its fantastic theatres, including the Palace Theatre. With many amazing live shows suitable for families to enjoy together, a trip to the theatre makes for a great night out during your stay. Enjoy fun musicals, catch a screening of a classic film, or watch your favourite story book come to life on stage – there’s always something for everyone to enjoy at the Palace Theatre.

Southend Central Museum & Planetarium

If history and astrology are two things that pique your interest, then you’ll love the Southend Central Museum & Planetarium. This museum houses an outstanding collection of archaeology from across the globe, with intriguing exhibitions taking place throughout the year. The Planetarium often hosts a range of fascinating talks on the night sky – these shows are very popular, so we recommend booking in advance.

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Eat

Rossi Ice Cream Parlour

You can’t come to Southend-on-Sea and not treat yourself to a cone of Rossi Ice Cream! This infamous parlour have been serving up sweet treats and smiles since 1932. Stop by for a cone of ice cream to cool down, a slush, sweets, pastries or coffee.

Feelgoods Diner

For tasty food at great prices for the whole family, Feelgoods Diner is one of the best places to eat in Southend. Enjoy classic, delicious food such as hotdogs, pizza, burgers and more that even the fussiest of eaters will wolf down. You can even create your very own unique milkshake concoction – just wait until after you’ve been on the rides at Adventure Island to enjoy it…

1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

With views like no other, the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. Sit and enjoy a delicious meal with the family whilst watching planes land and depart from London Southend Airport! This is the only rooftop restaurant and bar in Essex, situated atop the five-storey Holiday Inn Southend.

Sands by the Sea

What’s the best part about a coastal UK getaway? Enjoy a classic fish and chips right by the sea! Sands by the Sea serves up the nation’s favourite dish at their wonderful family friendly restaurant, with amazing views and welcoming staff. Whether you’re up for a large cod and chips or simply want to sit back, relax with a coffee in hand, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Southend Seafront, this is must-add stop to your itinerary.

Now that your itinerary is sorted, it’s time to book your stay and pack your bags for a family weekend away in Southend-on-Sea! For more inspiration on family friend holidays and short breaks in Essex, click here.