Private Southend's Seaside Delights Day Trip from London

Your personal driver will collect you from your central London hotel at 9:30am in private climate-controled vehicle. It's generally around a 90-minute drive to Southend-on-Sea, through the pretty English countryside around the Thames Estuary.

On arrival, you'll start with lunch by the scenic Southend Cliff Gardens, manicured landscaped gardens with stunning views across the broad sweep of the Thames Estuary and the English Channel. Next, you might wish to explore some highlights of Southend's history, such as medieval Prittlewell Priory or Southchurch Hall, or the Central Museum, which tells the story of the natural and human history of the county of Essex.

No trip to Southend would be complete without a stroll on the sandy beach. Don't miss Southend Pier: at 1.34 miles (2.1 kilometers), it's the longest pleasure pier in the world. Savor classic British seaside snacks like rock candy, fish and chips, and candyfloss as you relax on the sand, watch the children building sandcastles, or visit a traditional seaside arcade.

Should you wish, you might also want to check out some of Southend's more contemporary attractions. Adventure Island offers thrilling rides such as Vortex and Dragon's Claw, as well as classic seaside fare like a big wheel and crazy golf. The Sea Life Adventure aquarium includes exhibits of rays, turtles, and crocodiles.

You'll leave between 4:30pm and 5pm, arriving back at your hotel around 6:30pm.