Southend Pier and Railway
Experience the charm of the world's longest pleasure pier, stretching 1.3 miles into the Thames Estuary, complete with a historic railway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Southend Pier and Railway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the charm of the world's longest pleasure pier, stretching 1.3 miles into the Thames Estuary, complete with a historic railway.
"The longest pier in the world. It was so beautiful walking in the pier overlooking the sea."
🚶 Walk or Ride the Train
Choose to walk the full 1.3 miles or take the charming pier train for a unique experience. :train2:
💰 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Cafes at the pier's end can be expensive. Bring your own to save money. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The World's Longest Pleasure Pier
Entire length of the pier
Stroll or ride the train along 1.3 miles of iconic structure, offering stunning sea views.
Southend Pier Railway
Shore end to pier head
Experience a charming journey on this historic train, a unique way to reach the pier's end.
Adventure Island Amusement Park
Adjacent to the pier
Thrill rides and family fun await at this lively amusement park right by the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Pier
Pier Train Tickets & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk or Ride the Train
Choose to walk the full 1.3 miles or take the charming pier train for a unique experience. :train2:
💰 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Cafes at the pier's end can be expensive. Bring your own to save money. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Views
The pier offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset. :camera:
🚆 Easy Train Access
Southend is just an hour from London by train, making it a perfect day trip. :bullettrain_side:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk or Ride the Train
Choose to walk the full 1.3 miles or take the charming pier train for a unique experience. :train2:
💰 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Cafes at the pier's end can be expensive. Bring your own to save money. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Views
The pier offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset. :camera:
🚆 Easy Train Access
Southend is just an hour from London by train, making it a perfect day trip. :bullettrain_side:
🍦 Fish & Chips Delight
Enjoy classic seaside fish and chips near the pier. :fishandchips:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Southend Pier to be a unique and enjoyable experience, particularly appreciating its status as the world's longest pleasure pier and the charming pier railway. The views are consistently praised, though some find the on-pier amenities to be expensive. The contrast between the pier's calm and the lively seafront is noted as an interesting aspect.
"Very nice pier. It's over a mile long(!) We walked up and got the train back and it was £20 for a family of four. There are shops and cafes at the end but are very expensive. Great views from the pier itself."
John Worrall-McBride
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Southend Pier was a good experience overall not amazing, but still enjoyable. The walk along the pier was peaceful and offered some lovely views. I took the train back, which felt like stepping into the past it has a charming 1940s-style look that gives it a unique character.
What stood out most was the contrast in atmosphere. The pier has a calm, laid-back vibe, but once you head back toward the Adventure Island side, it suddenly feels like a completely different world ,busier, louder, and more energetic. It’s an interesting mix of tranquillity and fun.
Worth a visit if you’re in the area!"
Gulam Mosthafa
"The longest pier in the world. Currently running trips across to ports on the Kent side of the Thames estuary. We had breakfast in The Last Post, a brisk walk to the pier entrance. Then, hopped on the pier train to the end of the structure. Leisurely pint outside the cafe in the glorious sunshine before boarding the boat for the hour-long journey to Queenborough port for an explore and lunch. A scorcher of a day. Make sure you book the ferry crossing early"
Andrew Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southend Pier and Railway is easily accessible from London. Take a train from London Liverpool Street or Fenchurch Street stations via c2c rail. The journey typically takes about an hour. 
Yes, there are several car parks available near Southend Pier and the seafront. However, parking can be busy during peak times, so consider public transport if possible.
Absolutely! Southend Pier and Railway is well-connected by train, with Southend Victoria and Southend Central stations nearby.
The most convenient way to visit Southend for a day trip from London is by train, as it's a direct and relatively short journey.
Yes, you can easily visit Southend Pier without a car. The train service from London makes it a very accessible destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Walking on Southend Pier is free for all visitors.
Ticket prices for the Southend Pier Railway can vary, but a round trip for a family of four was around £20 according to one review. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
It's generally advisable to check the official Southend Pier website for information on booking tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours for Southend Pier and its attractions can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Southend Pier website for the most up-to-date information.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, family tickets for the pier train can offer savings. Keep an eye on the official website for any special offers.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
At the end of Southend Pier, you can find cafes, shops, and enjoy panoramic views of the Thames Estuary. There's also a museum at the shore end.
Yes, you can walk the entire 1.3-mile length of Southend Pier. It's a peaceful experience with resting areas along the way.
The Southend Pier Railway is a charming, historic train that transports passengers from the shore to the pier head. It offers a unique and scenic journey.
Southend Pier is great for families. Kids will enjoy the pier train, and the adjacent Adventure Island amusement park offers plenty of fun.
The views from Southend Pier are spectacular, overlooking the Thames Estuary. You can see across to the Kent coast on a clear day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and a restaurant at the end of Southend Pier, offering refreshments and meals with a view.
You can find classic seaside fare like fish and chips, as well as ice cream and other casual dining options in the vicinity of Southend Pier.
Some visitors have noted that the cafes and shops at the pier's end can be quite expensive. Bringing your own snacks is a good way to save money.
Yes, there is a restaurant located at the pier head, offering dining with scenic views of the estuary.
Many visitors recommend trying the fish and chips in Southend-on-Sea, with numerous establishments along the seafront and near the pier.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire length of the pier offers great photo opportunities. Capture the pier train, the sea views, and the iconic structure itself.
Southend Pier is known for its beautiful sunsets, making it a fantastic location for photographers looking to capture stunning evening skies over the Thames Estuary.
Yes, you can take photos during your journey on the Southend Pier Railway, enjoying the scenic ride and capturing the coastal landscape.
Landscape photography, architectural shots of the pier, and capturing the maritime atmosphere are popular at Southend Pier.
Generally, photography is allowed on Southend Pier for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific rules or regulations on-site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The adjacent Adventure Island amusement park provides a full day of thrills with rides suitable for various ages. Consider bringing snacks and drinks as food on the pier can be pricey.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Getting to Southend by train from London is also relatively affordable, especially if booked in advance.
couples
Consider a ride on the Southend Pier Railway for a nostalgic and scenic journey together. The pier head offers a chance to relax at a cafe, perhaps with a drink, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Visiting during the late afternoon or sunset can provide a particularly romantic backdrop, with beautiful golden hour light casting a warm glow over the estuary.
Afterwards, explore the lively seafront or enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Southend's many restaurants for a perfect seaside date. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Southend Pier
+1Over the years, the pier has undergone various renovations and improvements to maintain its status as a premier attraction. The Southend Pier Railway was introduced to provide a more comfortable and efficient way for visitors to reach the pier head, adding to its charm and appeal. The pier's enduring popularity is a testament to its unique character and its role in the local community and tourism.
+1Despite its historical significance, the pier has also faced challenges, including fires and storms. However, its resilience and ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance it ensure that it remains a beloved landmark. The pier's distinct atmosphere, a blend of nostalgic charm and seaside vibrancy, continues to draw visitors seeking a quintessential British coastal experience.
Experiencing the Southend Pier Railway
+1Many visitors describe the railway journey as stepping back in time, with its vintage-style carriages and the gentle rhythm of the train. The ride provides excellent vantage points for sea views and photo opportunities, making it an integral part of the Southend Pier experience. It's particularly popular with families and those looking for a relaxed way to explore the pier.
+1While walking the pier is free, the pier train requires a ticket. The cost is generally considered reasonable for the experience and the distance covered. It's a highly recommended activity for anyone visiting Southend Pier, adding a memorable element to their seaside outing.
Southend-on-Sea: More Than Just the Pier
+1Beyond the immediate pier area, visitors can explore Southend Beach, enjoy coastal walks, or even take a Cliff Lift, a historic funicular railway that offers charming views. The town also has a cultural side, with various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. For those interested in maritime history, the museum at the shore end of the pier provides insights into the area's past.
Southend-on-Sea is easily reachable from London, making it a popular day trip destination. The combination of the iconic pier, the bustling seafront, and the accessible location makes it a well-rounded option for a British seaside escape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit