Southend-on-Sea Holidays

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Your Southend-on-Sea Holiday

Say bye-bye to the stress of planning and hello to a Southend-on-Sea holiday package. With your travel details organised before you take off, you can focus on discovering every inch of this city, starting with Westcliff-on-Sea, which is good for views, walking and watersports. Make your trip to Southend-on-Sea even more exciting by including some sightseeing. Southend Pier, Adventure Island and Thorpe Bay Beach are some of the big attractions worth exploring. A few quick clicks is all it takes to craft the ultimate Southend-on-Sea holiday on Expedia.

Things to do in and around Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is perfect for a family getaway, offering a delightful mix of outdoor activities and entertainment. You can enjoy thrilling rides at Adventure Island, explore the vibrant shopping centres, or indulge in a shopping spree at the local malls. For relaxation, consider visiting the sea caravan parks or the fun spots around the area, ensuring a memorable vacation for all.

Shopping

For unique finds, visit Battlesbridge Antiques and Craft Centre, located 14.5km away. If you're up for a drive, the Eastgate Shopping Centre, 17.7km away, offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Nucleus Arts Rochester, 22.5km away, is perfect for art lovers seeking something special.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant culture and entertainment at Cliffs Pavilion, where you can enjoy a captivating show with family and friends. For outdoor fun, head to Lost City Adventure Golf for an exciting round of mini-golf amidst a tropical setting, or relax at The Strand Leisure Park's inviting pool area.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Monkey Bizness, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone located 8.0km from Southend-on-Sea, perfect for family fun and adventure. For water sports enthusiasts, head to Festival Wakeboard Park, 17.7km away, offering entertainment and adventure for the whole family.

Nightlife

Southend-on-Sea offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like the trendy Shoebury Common for cocktails and the lively Cliffs Pavilion for live shows. For a more casual vibe, visit the historic Spread Eagle pub, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is perfect for a family-friendly holiday, offering a variety of outdoor and entertainment options. Key attractions include the stunning beach, local nature reserves, and urban parks, ideal for those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Don't miss a stroll along Southend Pier, which enhances your visit with its picturesque views and leisure activities. Enjoy everything this charming seaside town has to offer.

  • Adventure Island: This vibrant theme park in Southend-on-Sea offers thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. With a family-friendly atmosphere, you can enjoy everything from roller coasters to arcade games, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled day out with loved ones.
  • Southend Pier: As one of the longest piers in the world, Southend Pier provides a unique blend of stunning views and a friendly atmosphere. You can stroll along the pier, enjoy the sea breeze, and perhaps take a boat ride, all while soaking in the adventurous spirit of the area.
  • Thorpe Bay Beach: This picturesque beach offers a relaxing seaside retreat with golden sands and gentle waves. Perfect for sunbathing, beach games, or a leisurely walk, Thorpe Bay Beach captures the essence of a quintessential British seaside experience.

Best time to go to Southend-on-Sea

The best time to visit Southend-on-Sea is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.6°F (7.0°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Southend-on-Sea

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Southend-on-Sea.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Southend-on-Sea.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Southend-on-Sea Beach Holiday

There's nothing more enjoyable than a Southend-on-Sea holiday. Whether you're treating yourself to delicious cocktails at a local bar or reading your favourite novel along the water's edge, your trip to Southend-on-Sea is the perfect time to live out your beachy dreams. Many visitors will suggest you stay near Shoebury East Beach, situated just 4 miles from downtown. However, you'll also discover a terrific range of Southend-on-Sea packages close to Thorpe Bay Beach and Three Shells Beach, two other popular nearby options.

Things You Should Know About Southend-on-Sea

  • Choosing a hotel close to the water means gorgeous views and lazy walks along the beach at twilight. Take a peek at our Southend-on-Sea beach hotels and see what's available.
  • Apartments, such as Meridian Apartments - Southend and Zen Apartment, are also popular types of properties here. Compare prices and amenities and take your pick!
  • Not a fan of repeatedly pulling your wallet out while on holiday? We hear you. With almost everything taken care of, our All-Inclusive hotels in Southend-on-Sea are the perfect solution.
  • Want to know what Southend-on-Sea has to offer? You can't beat local knowledge. After you arrive, get chatting to a few of the 295,300 people who call this place home. Check out our Southend-on-Sea things to do page, too.
  • Southend Pier is one major sight you can't miss here. For plenty of other great ideas to add to your itinerary, browse our Southend-on-Sea holiday deals.

Southend-on-Sea Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
British pounds sterling
Closest Airport
Southend Airport (SEN)
Population
295,300
Max Temp Winter
7ºC
Max Temp Summer
21ºC
Top Sights
Adventure Island, Shoebury East Beach and Thorpe Bay Beach

Top hotels in Southend-on-Sea

Holiday Inn Southend by IHG

Holiday Inn Southend by IHG

4 out of 5
77 Eastwoodbury Crescent Southend-on-Sea England
Fully refundable
The price is £83 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
£83
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Really good from check in to check out. All staff was very helpful and the room was lovely to stay in"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2026

Holiday Inn Southend by IHG
Seven Hotel

Seven Hotel

4 out of 5
5-7 Clifton Terrace Southend-on-Sea England
The price is £119 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£119
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Good location, just a short walk to the front/pier. Staff were helpful with easy check in. The hotel takes a £50 payment from a credit/debit card for any services used but anything not used is returned to you. Room was a good with a comfortable bed and a tv with usual free channels and roku stick ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2026

Seven Hotel
The Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel

3 out of 5
Church Road Southend-on-Sea England
The price is £108 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
£108
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious roo.s, beautiful well-maintained building, close to the beach, staff very helpfull and always available, the Air Conditioner was not funcioning but we had a fan in the room. The best choice to spend the time on holiday or sray near the sea, definetly will recommend it and ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2026

The Palace Hotel
See all 2,372 properties in Southend-on-Sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Advantages of Southend-on-Sea Weekend Breaks

Discover a different side of the British Isles with a weekend break in Southend-on-Sea. Take short breaks away from home and enjoy some quality time in a beautiful place. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and inspired. You can have an action-packed Southend-on-Sea weekend break or get some peace with a relaxing holiday. Whatever experience you’re looking for, find it with our deals on hotels in Southend-on-Sea.

Cheap Weekend Breaks to Southend-on-Sea

There are lots of ways to take cheap weekend breaks to Southend-on-Sea. Expedia offers deals on car hires and hotel rooms and covers trips for all kinds of travellers. The best way to save is with our holiday packages in Southend-on-Sea. First, choose your car hire and hotel reservation. Then we’ll bundle them together into one discounted price. Solo explorers, couples, families, and groups of friends can discover budget solutions for their weekend breaks. Once you arrive, enjoy some of the fun things to do, many of which are free or cheap to experience  

Southend-on-Sea Romantic Weekend Breaks

Couples love taking romantic weekend breaks in Southend-on-Sea. Whisking your lover away for a romantic Southend-on-Sea weekend break is the perfect opportunity to make new memories together. Expedia offers all kinds of hotel options, so you can find romantic hotels in Southend-on-Sea and choose the best place for you. Check out our deals on beautiful properties, and you’ll save even more when you choose to package your hotel reservation with a car hire.

Family Weekend Breaks in Southend-on-Sea

Set some time aside to experience family weekend breaks in Southend-on-Sea. There are plenty of excellent family-friendly hotels in Southend-on-Sea within our selection of hotels. You can also find a place to call home in one of the holiday rentals in Southend-on-Sea. With accommodation, activities, and adventure all waiting, there’s never been a better time to plan Southend-on-Sea family weekend breaks.

All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays

Stay near popular Southend-on-Sea attractions

A colorful amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a boat ride, and various rides and attractions.

Adventure Island

8.4/10 (126 reviews)
Adventure Island offers over 40 thrilling rides including Rage, a roller coaster with a dramatic 97-degree drop. Explore the grounds for free and only pay for the attractions you choose to experience.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my Southend-on-Sea holiday with Expedia?
Choose Expedia to organise your next escape with ease, all in one place. Our top tip for getting a terrific deal on a Southend-on-Sea getaway? Bundle your hotel, flights and/or car hire into a package holiday. Then throw in some awesome tours and activities. Most bookings also include flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to worry if you have to switch up your itinerary. Round-the-clock help with cancelling and changing your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Southend-on-Sea?
Southend-on-Sea is a popular place in April, July and October. If you're not a fan of crowds and prefer a quieter pace, book your getaway for January, May and December. With average daytime temperatures of 5ºC, January is the coolest month in Southend-on-Sea. The warmest month is July, when you can expect average temperatures of 17ºC throughout the day. Whatever the temperature, you'll find loads to keep you entertained here.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Southend-on-Sea?
Holiday Inn Southend, an IHG Hotel will be the perfect base for your Southend-on-Sea adventures. Situated in Thorpe Bay, it's one of this area's best hotels.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Southend-on-Sea?
If you love getting an amazing deal, bundle your bookings into a Southend-on-Sea holiday. Whether you need hotels, flights, activities or hire cars, you can book them all in one place. You'll have loads of choice at your fingertips too. Expedia has over 400 air carriers and 321,000 properties worldwide to choose from. Fly with who you want, stay where you like and save precious pounds — now that's the perfect holiday! Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you bundle your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my Southend-on-Sea holiday?
Make sure your holiday in Southend-on-Sea is one to remember by checking out its best attractions. Southend Pier, Adventure Island, Shoebury East Beach and Thorpe Bay Beach are just some of the things you should see while you're in this city.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Southend-on-Sea?
If you plan to check out Southend Pier, maximise your time sightseeing and book a stay close by. It's one of the most popular attractions in Southend-on-Sea.
Do I need a visa for my Southend-on-Sea holiday?
Check the most up-to-date information on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're visiting for study, business or leisure will determine if you'll require a visa for Southend-on-Sea. Make yourself familiar with the application process, including the required documentation, turnaround times and fees. Start your application well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing. Some visas can take several weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country and time of year.
What should I wear on my Southend-on-Sea holiday?
First, consider the types of things you'll be doing during your trip to Southend-on-Sea and take versatile pieces that you can mix and match. For fashion inspiration or even information on dress codes, look up style blogs or social media accounts. Be sure to look at the weather forecast so you can pack appropriately. The warmest time of year in Southend-on-Sea is July, with average daily temperatures of 17ºC. If you're visiting in the coolest month of January, the mercury hovers around 5ºC during the day.
What does an Expedia Southend-on-Sea holiday include?
Flights, car hires and hotels, or any combination of them — it's your pick! Whether you're visiting Southend-on-Sea on a family road trip or adventuring solo, there's a bundle to match every style and budget. Once you've made your booking, why not add on a few tours and experiences? Explore a large range of property types and choose one that matches your travel needs. The most sought-after holiday rentals here are apartments and private holiday homes. With Expedia, it's easy to tailor your Southend-on-Sea escape just the way you like.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Southend-on-Sea holidays?
Your bank balance shouldn't stop you from taking a holiday, so Expedia has come up with a solution to help. Thanks to our partnership with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book a fabulous getaway without using up all your savings. Klarna offers flexible payment options at checkout that take the stress out of budgeting for your trip. Check out these flexible payment options:

  • Pay monthly holidays: If paying small amounts each month sounds best for you, Klarna offers just that! Paying in several transactions will make your holiday dreams possible.
  • No-deposit holidays: When you see an unbeatable deal but your budget doesn't quite go that far, Klarna's no-deposit holiday plan will allow you to Book Now, Pay Later to lock it in.

Can I choose my airline with a Southend-on-Sea Expedia holiday?
Yes — that's the beauty of an Expedia package. You get to decide. We have access to more than 400 airline partners globally, so you have options galore when organising your Southend-on-Sea escape.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.