Southend Coach Holidays
Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
There's really nowhere quite like Southend-on-Sea and it sure does pack a lot into such a small seaside resort with seven miles of award-winning beaches, the longest pier in the world, over eighty parks and open spaces, forty playgrounds, six nature and fourteen conservation areas – one things for certain if you take a seaside coach holiday here, you won't be bored!
Those looking for a spot of culture will find an abundance of it here in Southend on Sea from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra playing at the Concert In The Park to other classical concerts taking place at the marvellous Cliffs Pavilion. You needn't travel as far as New Orleans to hear some traditional jazz being played, head to the small clubs in Southend's town that will provide an intimate experience for all to enjoy. This popular seaside resort is also a great place to visit on coach tours if you love the Art World so follow the Leigh On Sea Art Trail or experience the local performance art projects in Chalkwell Park. For something a little more genteel, you can visit one of Southend's many libraries where on some occasions they will put on book readings which is something a little novel. And if you happen to be on a coach holiday in Southend on Sea during the summer months, you should visit Priory Park where the Bandstand is the perfect venue for summertime concerts in the open-air.
As the sun goes down, the entertainment doesn't stop there as Southend-on-Sea has one of the most vibrant nightlife in the UK with wonderful amusements upon the Pier to the variety of bars, clubs and restaurants within the main town. See the stars of the music world or enjoy top class musical theatre at the Cliffs Pavilion then laugh till your sides split as your favourite comedian takes to the stage in the Comedy Club. If you prefer not to be holed up indoors than Southend on Sea is for you where you can explore the ancient woodlands of Belfairs Park or take in the beautiful displays of flowers at Belton Hills Reserve, Southchurch Park and Priory Park. One visit just won't be enough and you'll probably find yourself immediately planning your next Southend on Sea coach holiday as soon as you return home!
Tour packages to Southend-on-Sea tend to include: return coach travel, accommodation in a quality hotel (except self-drive), meals and excursions depending on the duration of the tour.
Tourist office
For further information about Southend on Sea, you can visit the Official Tourism Website at visitsouthend.co.uk
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Things to do
So it's tiny but Southend on Sea has a variety of places to visit as well as things to see and do, hopefully this little lot will inspire:
Belfairs Wood, Park & Nature Reserve
Made up of around 209 acres, Belfairs Park has lots of facilities and activities to suit all the family. These include; two bowling greens, a children's play area, a golf course, football pitches and tennis courts. In addition to this, there is pitch and putt, riding stables, woodland gardens, a nature reserve and a restaurant.
Southend Pier
One of the town's most iconic landmarks just happens to be the longest pleasure pier in the world. Southend Pier is a must-see when visiting the area. As the pier is a massive 1.34miles in length, a railway runs the length of pier providing transport for passengers taking them from the shore to the pier head. At the far end of the pier, you will find the Lifeboat Station and a café to sit and watch the world go by.
Adventure Island
Located on Southend seafront, this is the perfect attraction for all the family. Hold on tight through the loops and twists of the rollercoasters, experience the ultimate ghost ride 'Over the Hill' with new high tech graphics. There are even rides for the little ones with 'Jumping Jolly Roger' and 'The Kiddle Coaster'. With free admission to the park, you pay as you play promising a great day out for everyone – even the one who has to look after the bags!
Sea Life Adventure
Throughout this themed aquarium, you will discover many species of marine creatures that you can find locally in the Thames Estuary. Take a look at a selection of rays, crabs and starfish as well as a large selection of other creatures found further afield. The aquarium has lionfish, clown fish and even a Porcupine Puffer fish, visit the nursery area to see the youngest residents.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Southend, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.