Hotels in Southend On Sea

Still wondering what to do in Southend On Sea? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Southend On Sea and book your hotel today!

Southend-on-Sea, a major coastal town on the Thames Estuary in Essex, is most famous for boasting the longest pleasure pier in the world. Southend Pier stretches over a mile into the estuary and features its own railway, offering unique views of the estuary and the coastline. The town provides a complete, lively seaside experience.

At the heart of the seafront is Adventure Island, a popular free-entry theme park that dominates the skyline with its rides and attractions. You can explore the marine life at the Sealife Adventure aquarium or delve into the area's history at the Hadleigh Castle ruins, which overlook the town. Southend is a great choice for a traditional, fun-packed seaside escape close to London.

In Southend-on-Sea, choosing your hotel location is mainly a choice between the immediate seafront bustle or the quieter, elevated views.

The Seafront and Central Pier Area is the most popular choice for first-time visitors. Staying here places you directly opposite the pier, Adventure Island, and the main stretch of beach. Hotels in this area, including large chains and traditional seafront establishments, offer the most convenient access to the town's key attractions and entertainment.

For a quieter, slightly more upmarket stay with excellent views, consider the area near the Clifftown Parade and Westcliff. This elevated position offers a more peaceful retreat, often with boutique hotels and guesthouses that overlook the estuary, while still being a short walk or quick trip down the cliff lift to the seafront.

If you prioritise transport, the area around Southend Central Train Station is highly convenient, offering quick access to London, although it is slightly further inland from the immediate coastal attractions.

Southend-on-Sea is served by London Southend Airport (SEN) and two main train lines offering fast services to London. The central area and the seafront are highly walkable, with a local bus network connecting to the wider areas.

To secure a competitive hotel rate in Southend-on-Sea, you should aim to book outside of the peak summer months. As a seaside resort easily accessible from London, prices surge during the school holidays, particularly in July and August.

For the most significant savings, plan your visit during the off-peak season. A unique factor to watch out for is the Southend Airshow, a major annual event that historically took place in the area and, should a similar large-scale seafront event be scheduled, will cause accommodation prices to spike dramatically. The most effective way to secure a competitive price is to book your stay well in advance, specifically targeting mid-week dates outside of the summer school holidays.