Walking and cycling are proven to boost your mood and health, and Southend-on-Sea is the ideal place to leave your car at home and explore the city through its vast walking and cycling network.
From coastal routes to green spaces and heritage trails, there are plenty of ways for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to get active, enjoy the outdoors and explore more of our beautiful city with greener and healthier activities.
Here are 7 great ways to get started:
Plan your walking route using Visit Southend
The Council's Visit Southend website offers a dedicated guide to local walks and trails, bringing together a range of routes in one place. From short local walks to longer trails, it helps residents and visitors plan where to go before heading out.
Cycle the iconic seafront route
Southend's dedicated seafront cycle route runs for around 6 miles from Chalkwell Beach to Shoebury East Beach. Set along the promenade, it is separated from road traffic for almost its entire length, making it accessible for families, beginners and leisure cyclists. With views across the Thames Estuary and places to stop along the way, it offers an easy way to travel along the coastline.
Visit Forward Motion for more information on active travel in the city.
We also offer four very low-cost, secure cycle parking facilities at locations along the seafront, powered by the Bikeep smart bike station app.
Walk the world-famous Southend Pier
Stretching 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier offers a unique walking experience with uninterrupted sea views.
Explore Green Flag award-winning parks
Southend's Green Flag parks, including Priory Park, Belfairs Park and Chalkwell Park, provide well-maintained spaces for walking and wheeling. These parks offer circular routes, open green areas and clearly marked paths suitable for a range of abilities.
Discover Southend's heritage trails
A series of heritage trails offer a way to explore Southend's history and landmarks. Routes include the Southend City Heritage Trail, Golden Heritage Trail, Prittlewell and Shoeburyness trails, each highlighting different aspects of the city's past. These can be accessed via the Go Jauntly app.
Walk or cycle the Prittle Brook Greenway
The Prittle Brook Greenway is an off-road route linking Priory Park and Belfairs Park, following the brook through tree-lined paths and green spaces. Secure cycle parking is available at Priory Park and Belfairs Sports ground, so cycles can be left securely if riders want to explore these areas on foot.
Join local walks or try inclusive cycling
The Southend Health Walk Scheme offers free, volunteer-led group walks in locations including Shoeburyness, Chalkwell and Priory Park.
Just Ride Southend provides inclusive sessions for people of all ages and abilities, including access to adapted bikes in a safe, traffic-free environment.
Work is ongoing across Southend
Across Southend, work is ongoing to improve routes for walking, wheeling and cycling. This includes upgrades to existing paths as well as planned new links, such as an off-road cycle route in the Shoeburyness area, alongside longer-term proposals being developed through the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
Together, these measures are intended to improve connections across the city and support more local journeys being made on foot or by bike.