Southend On Sea

Southend on Sea has loads for all the family, "Blue Flag" sandy beaches, fun outdoor and indoor attractions; from theme parks to crazy golf, from award winning gardens and museums, to exciting theatre featuring traditional musical performances, plus there's fabulous choice of places to eat and drink. See who can scream the loudest on rollercoaster RAGE at Adventure Island, one of the UK's favourite theme parks. Plunge to earth on SkyDrop, brave the Pharaoh's Fury or take your little pirates on the Jumping Jolly Rogers.

But it's not all "kiss me quick hats" and candyfloss, there's a bustling town centre with a huge range of modern shops within easy walking distance. The many attractions include Bell Wharf in Leigh-on-Sea, where you can sample fresh seafood from the Cockle Sheds and then wander through Old Leigh's cobbled streets.

If sun, sand and the thrills of the fair aren't for you, Southend on Sea is also famed for the longest pier in the country - ride the railway to the end of the famous pier then check out its eventful history at Pier Museum. And treat the kids to a trip beneath the waves to come face to face with a shark or a stingray at Sea Life Adventure centre.