Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Southend-on-Sea

"Located at the pier's entrance, this living museum portrays the history of the pier and life in the resort. Just outside the museum you can take the famous electric train to the end of the Pier, where you will find a Lifeboat Centre, cafe and shop. Opening times: daily from 10:15am - Admission Charges for Museum & TrainLocation: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1HTel: 01702 611214Website:southend.gov.uk/pier"

"The pier is certainly one of Southend’s most iconic landmarks and is known as the longest pleasure pier in the world. At 1.34 miles, most visitors opt to take the pier train to the pier head, where you can find a small museum, a café and the new Royal Pavilion where you can catch the occasional concert or exhibition. Amazing views looking out into miles of water."

"Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, at a length of 1.34 miles. It was first built in the early 1800s and was only 600ft. The pier was extended several times, with the full extension being completed in 1929."

"Southend has the most visited aquarium in the southeast of England, at Sea Life Adventure on the Eastern Esplanade. There are 40 displays to take in, featuring clownfish, rays, sharks, starfish, sea snakes, otters, penguins, dwarf caiman, poison art frogs and giant snails. Kids will have every chance to get involved at the Interactive Education Room, which has two rockpools where they’ll be able to touch a crab and starfish."

"The Aquarium hosts like to talk about all of their family of creatures, they are passionate about the animals in the aquarium and want to share that passion with you!"

"One minute the sea will be there, then at low tide it’s literally completely disappeared. (Hence why the pier needed to be so long back in the day!). The largest beach which is closest to everything is Jubilee Beach."

"In open countryside to the west of Southend, Hadleigh Castle is a former royal residence atop a London clay hill surveying the flat landscape to the south and east. The castle was first constructed at the start of the 13th century in the reign of Henry III. In that time its role was mainly defensive, guarding the estuary. Later, in the Hundred Years’ War Hadleigh Castle was remodelled as both a stronghold against the French and a home for King Edward III who spent a lot of time here during the last years of his reign in the 14th century."

"A much-loved family-run restaurant established in 2005, Latino's specialises in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. 70% of ingredients are sourced from suppliers found within 10 miles of the restaurant, and the owner chefs craft authentic Mediterranean…"

"For pan-European bistro-style dishes in a Parisian fever-dream setting. The first thing you’ll notice at San Fairié Ann is the decoration. Opulent junk-shop-chic might be underselling it."