Simple ways to reach Southend's beaches and attractions this Easter

Southend-on-Sea is getting ready to welcome families, day trippers and visitors over the Easter holidays.

Western Esplanade seafront view with cars and people on the seafront.

The city's beaches, attractions and outdoor spaces are offering plenty to enjoy throughout the break. From Adventure Island and Southend Pier to the scenic stretches at Thorpe Bay, Chalkwell and Shoebury East Beach, the coastline is expected to be a popular destination.

Southend is also well connected by rail, with frequent c2c and Greater Anglia services providing fast links from London and beyond. Stations at Southend Central, Southend Victoria, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay and Shoeburyness offer direct access to key seafront locations, making train travel a simple and reliable choice during the busy holiday period.

And don't forget - local bus services are also running throughout the Easter break, making it easy to reach the seafront, high street and attractions without needing to drive.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said “Easter is always a busy and exciting time for Southend, with thousands visiting our beaches, attractions and local businesses. Ensuring these businesses feel supported during periods of change is vital, and ongoing engagement with traders and residents helps keep people informed, reassured and connected.

Cllr Kevin Robinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Law and Governance, added: "From clear signage and tailored updates to frequent on‑site visits and proactive communication, work continues to help local businesses thrive while the Queensway improvements progress in the background. Businesses across the city remain open as usual, and I encourage everyone to continue supporting our fantastic local shops and traders throughout the works.”

Travel guidance

To help visitors plan ahead, the following travel guidance sets out straightforward routes to some of Southend's most popular destinations for those choosing to travel by car.

Shoebury East Beach, George Street, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS3 9AD

From Tesco Extra (Prince Ave, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0JP)

  1. Follow Prince Ave/A127.
  2. Straight over the traffic lights at The Bell pub.
  3. Take 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Priory Crescent and follow the road onto Eastern Avenue.
  4. Continue on Eastern Avenue straight over the next two roundabouts onto Royal Artillery Way.
  5. At the roundabout go left onto Bournes Green Chase.
  6. Continue on Bournes Green chase (over mini roundabout).
  7. At the next roundabout (which has Angel pub on it), take the 1st main exit onto Poynters Lane.
  8. Continue on Poynters Lane.
  9. Turn right onto Wakering Road.
  10. Straight over the lights onto High Street.
  11. Turn left onto George Street.

Nearest station - Shoeburyness (C2C)

Nearest car park - Shoebury East Beach

Thorpe Bay Beach and Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3BG

From Tesco Extra (Prince Ave, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 0JP)

  1. Follow Prince Ave/A127.
  2. Straight over the traffic lights at The Bell pub.
  3. Take 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Priory Crescent and follow the road onto Eastern Avenue.
  4. Continue on Eastern Avenue straight over the next two roundabouts onto Royal Artillery Way.
  5. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Thorpe Hall Avenue.
  6. At the sea front (Thorpe Esplanade) turn right for the Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Bay Beach and towards Southend City Beach or turn left for Thorpe Bay Beach and towards Shoebury East Beach.

Nearest station - Thorpe Bay (C2C)

Nearest car parks - Thorpe Esplanade, Southchurch East Park, The Roslin Beach Hotel (for customers of the hotel and restaurant only)

City Beach (Sea Life Centre, King Pins, Adventure Island and The Pier), Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2ER

From Tesco Extra (Prince Ave, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0JP)

  1. Follow Prince Ave/A127.
  2. Straight over the traffic lights at The Bell pub.
  3. Take 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Priory Crescent and follow the road onto Eastern Avenue.
  4. Continue on Eastern Avenue straight over the next roundabout.
  5. At the next traffic lights turn right into Bournemouth Park Road.
  6. Continue on Bournemouth Park Road until reaching Southchurch Road.
  7. At this set of traffic lights go straight over onto Southchurch Avenue.
  8. Continue on Southchurch Avenue to Marine Parade.

At the traffic lights:

  1. Left for Sealife Centre.
  2. Left towards Thorpe Bay Beach, the Roslin Beach Hotel and Shoebury East Beach.
  3. Right for Adventure Island, King Pins, The Pier and the Genting Casino.
  4. Right towards Chalkwell Beach and Leigh on Sea.

Please note, for Shakedown on Monday 6 April, there may be specific routes/diversions that will need to be used.

Nearest station - Southend Central (C2C), Southend Victoria (Greater Anglian)

Nearest Car parks - Eastern Esplanade, Seaway, Chancellor Road, The Royals, Alexandra Street, Clarence Road, Tylers Avenue, York Road

Chalkwell Beach, Chalkwell Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 8JJ

From Progress Rd junction of A127 (Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea)

  1. Follow Southend Arterial Rd/A127 onto Prince Avenue.
  2. Go straight over traffic lights at Kent Elms.
  3. At the next traffic lights turn right and continue until turning right into Westbourne Grove.
  4. Continue on Westbourne Grove to the end.
  5. At the traffic lights at London Road, turn slight left and then straight across onto Chalkwell Avenue.
  6. Continue on Chalkwell Avenue.
  7. Turn right onto Chalkwell Esplanade.

Nearest station - Chalkwell (C2C)

Nearest car park - Chalkwell Esplanade

Leigh-on-Sea Station (for Old Leigh/Leigh Broadway), Belton Way East, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2ET

From Progress Rd junction of A127 (Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea)

  1. From Arterial Road/A127, turn right onto The Fairway.
  2. Continue on the Fairway.
  3. At the traffic lights turn right onto Eastwood Road North.
  4. Continue on Eastwood Road North onto Eastwood Road.
  5. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (Eastwood Road).
  6. At the lights turn right onto London Road.
  7. Turn left onto Salisbury Road.
  8. Turn left onto Hadleigh Road.
  9. Turn right and then immediate left onto Belton Way East (down the hill).
  10. At the roundabout, continue straight to stay on Belton Way East. Leigh on Sea station is on the left.
  11. For Old Leigh, take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto Belton Gardens.
  12. Turn right onto Belton Bridge.

Nearest station - Leigh on Sea (C2C)

Nearest Car Parks - Leigh on Sea station, Belton Gardens North, Belton Bridge, Victoria Wharf

These travel arrangements support ongoing changes linked to the Better Queensway regeneration project, which is creating a safer, greener and more vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Southend The scheme includes upgraded roads, enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes and redesigned public spaces, alongside new housing that will better serve the needs of the local community.

Visitors are encouraged to check the latest travel updates. With thousands of motorcycles expected to arrive early for Ace Cafe Shakedown returning on Bank Holiday Monday 6 April 2026 increased congestion is likely along the seafront, public transport is strongly recommended where possible.

Published: 23rd March 2026

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