Southend Pier
Walk the world's longest pleasure pier, stretching over a mile into the Thames Estuary, offering unique views and a historical journey.
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Must-see attractions
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Best views and pleasant stroll
Southend Pier
Best Time
Best views and pleasant stroll
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk the world's longest pleasure pier, stretching over a mile into the Thames Estuary, offering unique views and a historical journey.
"It is the longest pier in the world, and the fact that it's on the Thames and not the sea, makes it even more unique."
🚶 Walk at least one way
Experience the pier's full length and unique views. Benches are available if you need a rest.
🚆 Check Pier Train Schedule
Frequency can be low. Plan your journey to avoid long waits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The World's Longest Pier
Entire length of the pier
Experience the thrill of walking or taking the train along the world's longest pleasure pier, a truly unique maritime marvel.
Panoramic Thames Estuary Views
End of the pier
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Thames Estuary, with changing scenery depending on the tide. A photographer's dream!
Pier Train Ride
Pier entrance to the end
A charming ride on the pier train offers a relaxing way to reach the end, especially if you prefer not to walk the full mile.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lengthy Stroll
Tides and Train Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Southend Pier-opinions
🚶 Walk at least one way
Experience the pier's full length and unique views. Benches are available if you need a rest.
🚆 Check Pier Train Schedule
Frequency can be low. Plan your journey to avoid long waits.
The Southend Pier Railway is a 3 ft narrow gauge railway in the English city of Southend-on-Sea, Essex. It runs for 1.25 miles along the 1.34 miles length of Southend Pier (the world's longest pleasure pier), providing public passenger transport from the shore to the pier head.
Southend-on-Sea, super close to London, is mega perfect for a day trip!
☕ Grab a drink at the end
There's a restaurant and bar at the pier's end for refreshments.
📸 Capture the unique views
The Thames Estuary offers stunning scenery, especially at different tide levels.
Southend pier railway
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk at least one way
Experience the pier's full length and unique views. Benches are available if you need a rest.
🚆 Check Pier Train Schedule
Frequency can be low. Plan your journey to avoid long waits.
☕ Grab a drink at the end
There's a restaurant and bar at the pier's end for refreshments.
📸 Capture the unique views
The Thames Estuary offers stunning scenery, especially at different tide levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Southend Pier for its status as the world's longest pleasure pier and the unique Thames Estuary views. The pier train ride and the historical museum are popular attractions. Some reviewers noted issues with the pier train's frequency and occasional disorganization or unfriendliness from staff.
"I love piers, and Southend Pier was a fun experience to walk. It is the longest pier in the world, and the fact that it's on the Thames and not the sea, makes it even more unique. I wanted to return with the pier train, but due to its low frequency, I decided to walk the return as well. The view, whether with high or low tide is amazing, and all in all, a great day out from London in less than a hour away."
Guy Avni
"Worth the money!
It was lovely to experience the train up to the end of the pier. Lovely views from there. Plenty of seats to sit down, a restaurant that serves food and drink. There was a DJ playing by the bar area, which sounded good. The only thing negative is that it wasn't very well organised when waiting for the train and the staff were abit grumpy. Coming back our door wouldn't open but no one was there waiting for the train to arrive back so a few of the passengers had to false it open."
T R
"Worlds longest pier, I would definitely recommend walking down at least one way. Just a great view, and plenty of stopping points with benches if needed. Options to get the train also, one way or both. Runs every half hour. A must do for a visit to Southend on Sea."
Emi Le
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southend Pier is easily accessible from London, typically a journey of less than an hour by train. Direct train services run from London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central station. From the station, it's a short walk to the pier entrance.
Yes, there are several car parks available near the pier entrance in Southend-on-Sea. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance, especially during peak season.
Cycling is generally not permitted on Southend Pier to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Please check the official Southend Pier website for the most current regulations.
Southend Pier is largely accessible for wheelchairs. The pier train is also accessible, making it easier to reach the end of the pier.
Opening hours for Southend Pier can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Southend Pier website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to walk on Southend Pier, and an additional charge for the pier train. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Southend Pier website for current ticket costs.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it can be a good idea, especially during busy periods, to secure your entry and pier train tickets. Check the official website for booking options.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as children, seniors, or families. It's worth checking the Southend Pier website or inquiring at the ticket office for any applicable concessions.
The pier admission fee typically grants you access to walk the length of the pier. Access to specific attractions or the pier train usually incurs an additional charge.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets for the pier train separately, or as part of a combined ticket for pier entry and the train ride.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the end of Southend Pier, you can find a restaurant and bar, enjoy the panoramic views, and sometimes there's a DJ playing music. There's also a museum with historical train cars and costumes.
Yes, there is a restaurant and bar at the end of Southend Pier that serves food and drinks. You can also find refreshments at various points along the pier.
The museum on Southend Pier features 19th and early 20th-century train cars, slot machines, and costumes, offering a glimpse into the pier's history.
Walking the entire length of Southend Pier (over a mile) can take around 20-30 minutes each way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available on Southend Pier, typically located at intervals along its length and at the end.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire length of the pier offers great photo opportunities. The end of the pier provides panoramic views of the Thames Estuary, while the entrance offers a classic perspective of the pier stretching out.
Yes, Southend Pier can be a fantastic location for sunset photos, with the sun setting over the water and casting a beautiful glow on the estuary.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the pier and the estuary. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the horizon or distant ships.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and near attractions. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near Southend Pier.
Look for the historic pier train, the distinctive architecture of the buildings at the end, and the ever-changing patterns of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, though there are facilities available. The walk itself can be managed with younger children by taking the train one way, or by utilizing the benches along the pier for breaks. It's a safe and engaging environment for kids to experience a bit of history and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Opting to walk both ways instead of taking the pier train will also save money. The town of Southend-on-Sea itself offers various attractions and eateries that can cater to different budgets, making it possible to have a fulfilling day without overspending.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The changing light throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates stunning opportunities. The dynamic nature of the tides also offers varied perspectives, from vast expanses of water to exposed sandbanks. Don't miss the chance to photograph the pier from the shore for a grand overview.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Southend Pier's History
The pier has also served practical purposes, including as a landing stage for ferries and even as a military observation post during wartime. Its resilience is notable, having survived storms and the passage of time. Today, it stands as a Grade II listed structure, recognized for its historical and architectural significance, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern entertainment.
Visitors often marvel at the sheer scale of the pier and its historical context. The museum at the end provides a deeper dive into its past, showcasing artifacts and stories that bring its long history to life. It's a place where you can literally walk through history while enjoying stunning coastal views.
Experiencing the Pier Train
While the train offers convenience, some visitors have noted that its frequency can be low, and the boarding process might not always be perfectly organized. It's advisable to check the train schedule upon arrival or in advance to plan your trip effectively. Despite these minor points, the train ride itself is often described as a delightful experience, adding a touch of nostalgia to the visit.
For many, the train ride is a highlight, offering a different perspective of the pier and the surrounding waters. It's a chance to sit back, enjoy the breeze, and appreciate the engineering marvel that is Southend Pier from a unique vantage point.
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