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Southend-on-Sea, commonly referred to simply as Southend, is a town and seaside resort in Essex, England. It is located on the north side of the Thames Estuary, around 40 miles east of central London.
Southend-on-Sea offers a mix of seaside fun and cultural attractions, and its proximity to London makes it a popular destination for tourists from the UK and beyond.
Fun fact: Did you know that Southend's iconic pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world? It stretches over 1.3 miles into the Thames Estuary. It has a range of things to do, including an amusement park, a bowling alley, and several restaurants.
Southend Airport, also known as London Southend Airport (SEN), is a small international airport in Rochford in Essex, England. Budget airlines mainly use this airport for flights to European destinations. The airport has one terminal and serves around 2 million passengers per year. It is known for its short check-in times and fast security procedures, making it a popular choice for passengers who want to avoid the long queues and crowds at larger airports like Heathrow and Gatwick.
Due to its small size, there is just one car rental company at Southend Airport. However, you can still rent a car quickly and at competitive prices.
Europcar rental has desks at Southend Airport in the terminal building. Europcar offers a range of rental vehicles, including small, family, and luxury cars. You can book your rental car online in advance or at the car rental desk upon arrival at the airport. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure availability and to secure the best price.
HolidayCars.com is affiliated with Europcar. Worldwide we work with more than 800 companies at more than 30,000 locations, so we have the lowest prices in real-time. This ensures that when you book your rental car through HolidayCars.com, you have the lowest price and most up-to-date range of cars. This makes renting a car easier and cheaper than ever before!
Driving in Southend is straightforward, as the town is relatively compact and the roads are generally well-maintained. However, as with driving in any unfamiliar location, it's important to be aware of the local traffic laws, driving customs, and any particular challenges or hazards you may encounter.
Southend is a lively town, so you will never be bored. Here are some of our favourite fun things to see and do:
Southend Pier: The longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary.
Adventure Island: An amusement park that offers fun rides for all ages.
Sea Life Adventure: An indoor aquarium with over 40 marine life exhibits, including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins.
Southend Cliff Gardens: A beautifully landscaped park overlooking the sea, with walking paths and flower gardens.
Old Leigh: A quaint fishing village with historic buildings, seafood restaurants, and scenic views.
Southend Beach: A sandy beach with a promenade, perfect for a relaxing day out.
Hadleigh Castle: A medieval castle ruin on a hilltop with stunning countryside and coastline views.
Palace Theatre: A historic theatre that hosts a variety of shows, including plays, musicals, and comedy acts.
Southend-on-Sea Museum: A museum that showcases the history of Southend-on-Sea and its people.
Prittlewell Priory: A medieval monastery with beautiful gardens and historic architecture, open to the public for tours.
Our customers rated Southend airport with an average of 8.0 based on 1 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.