All the newer amenities that have been built at the shore and on the pier are pretty nice but the natural area of the waterway just looks like mudflats and is kinda like putting lipstick on a pig. It'd look and feel much better if it was an ocean shoreline with cleaner...fresher water. That is basically like swimming in a drain...it's even downstream of water treatment plants...industrial areas and Londons stormwater.
Such a nostalgic video - I moved to Sarfend in 1977 until 1995 - The seafront is looking so much better but step back to Westcliff and Southend and what used to be a very pleasant residential area was totally ruined by the council giving permission for hundreds and hundreds of houses being converted in to 2 flats or even 4 flats creating horrendous parking problems, infrastructure overload and the inevitable strain on the school's, Doctors, hospitals and the dreadful traffic caused by overdevelopment. From Fairfax drive up to the London road is a nightmare to park and get around. On the positive side, the boulevards and public gardens are stunning and Victoria Circus is at least under cover. Thanks for posting this very interesting video and let's hope improvements continue.😊
We often visit Southend as we live fairly close. The seafront has had significant investment over the last 5 years. The promenade is lovely to walk along, and Adventure Island is fantastic for the kids and great value for money. I have visited many seaside towns, and in my opinion, Southend is one of the best.
Thanks for not deriding my hometown 😂😂 glad you like it here. If you want beach huts by the way, go towards Shoeburyness. They start just after the Roslin Hotel 😎 We would love to welcome you back any time!
I’m a East Londoner and Southend was always that little Sunday/bank holiday escape & treat. I learnt to swim as kid in that black mud/sludge beach back in the early 80s. It’s nice to see that the black sludge is no longer. For me and many many others of my generation Southend will always have a special place in our hearts no matter what the so called rating is. 🙌🏼💪
We moved here 3.5 yrs ago from London, best decision we ever made. Love the place, proper sea side town with arcades, pubs, amusements. Great promenade where you can run for miles with no traffic. Great new attractions recently with caddies, pong and indirock all up the far side of high street. Great video
I got dragged here from Scotland kicking and screaming in protest. It was July 1988. I was 13. I'm 47 now. Yes it's changed. Some good, some bad. It doesn't matter to me. I love the place. 👌🇬🇧🏴
Thanks for the video Tim. I grew up in Southend and still take every opportunity to go back home whenever I can. The golden mile along the seafront was always tacky but fun (especially as a teenager cruising up and down on my Honda 250 Superdream!). Most locals avoid the tourist areas and although there are no beach huts in that part there are lots at the Thorpe Bay and Westcliff ends of the seafront. Very unfair to rate Southend as anywhere near the bottom three seaside destination, I can think of many far more deserving to be near the bottom. It's true the beaches aren't sandy and the tide goes out a long way (hence the long pier) leaving a huge expanse of mud but it's part of its charm and I love it. Away from the tourist area there are some great parks, restaurants, theatres and the Cliffs Pavilion a bit further along the cliffs from the top of the 50p cliff railway. All in all Southend is magic, init!
As someone (26 years old), who has grown up in Southend, and with the exception three years at university up north, always lived here, I'll say this about the town. Southend central/high street is in dire need of fixing. It's full of dodgy people and there is always trouble at night. Two of the most significant buildings (the Railway Hotel and the Kursaal), are completely dilapidated, abandoned and depressing, and I completely avoid the high street these days. However; Westcliff, Chalkwell and Leigh are wonderful places, and having decided to stick to those three (I grew up and live in Westcliff) I have grown to really love the town, where once I couldn't wait to leave.
I agree mate. I've lived here 34 years. Westcliff resident. Hamlet Ct Rd, The Broadway in Leigh, even up Southchurch Rd....they're all a nicer place to stroll, shop, eat, drink etc. The high street is like that Michael Jackson thriller video
@@andywands5661 Hamlet Court is mixed. I grew up right by the Palace Theatre so went there a lot, it goes up and down. Was nice when I was a kid, a ghost town in the 2010s, and now has turned itself around again. I mainly stick to the seafront, from the Cliffs Pavilion through to Old Leigh.
@@alfiecollier2484 absolutely, county lines gangs destroying the fabric of the town. It really is a sight to see when a 10 yr old deals drugs to a 40 yr old drug addict. Sadly I've seen this more than once. Social decline probably being seen across towns in this country.
I live about an hour away from here and alot of folks at my work see it as a complete hell hole and I can't understand why. I'm a relocated northerner and Southend feels so much safer than the likes of Blackpool and Great Yarmouth if you're exploring beyond the seafront. It's also a lot cleaner!. Anyhow, great video as always :D
My partner lives about 10 minutes away from there, I went there for my first time a few months ago and absaloutly loved it walking down the seaside etc. Wouldn't say its the worst in England as it is beautiful. Would recommend anyone to go there, date nights sitting by the sea drinking a nice cold drink and having a meal is amazing
You have literally reviewed the central golden mile. Southend has some brilliant coastline ranging from Leigh on sea to shoeburyness. It’s like walking round Piccadilly Circus & doing whole review of London 😂
It's a harsh label to give Southend, but the council there need to hang their heads in shame. There has been a gradual reduction of parking options available, with a gradual hike in how much it costs. To top and tail an experience with a nightmare parking situation will never leave people with a favourable impression. I've spent years working along the seafront and the intent to make the seafront a place to come is genuinely, because it's in their business interests. However, those efforts are continually stifled by the governance of the city and the deliberately counter-productive actions they take. Southend should be the place to visit for anyone in the South East, but the infrastructure hasn't kept up with the credible attractions on offer. I'm hoping this comment is pinned, as it will hopefully add a little pressure on the council.
Too many car's around! When my Son was at Primary schoo,l I have seen mother's who live literally 3mins walking distance from the school, get in thier car and drive there. I can't fathom why, surely it's got to be laziness, and she wasn't the only one that's for certain
@@nickyjones2709 because they've got to be at work immediately after dropping kids off, 2 kids different schools no time, going shopping on the round trip, disabled parent. There's so so many reasons for even a short Druce, sure if it's just school & back that's ridiculous I agree but "we" don't know what these people are going on to do afterwards or their reasons for doing so
Spent 10 days in the recent beautiful weather in Southend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the beach, long Pier, nearby places such as Leigh, Old Leigh and Shoeburyness which has large beach huts, more like beach garages on stilts. Shoeburyness is extremely affluent looking with huge properties with fantastic sea views. There are 2 train stations so great access to London and we enjoyed the journey to Stratford, Olympic Park, Westfield we had to do it again it was so good. In Summary great place to explore and tremendous if the sun is shining. Special mention to Ocean Beach, great food in great atmosphere with superb sea views at fantastic prices. Definitely worth a visit 🏖🌞⛵️
I moved to France about 4 years ago from a village near southend called hullbridge. I have memories of walking down the sea side, hitting the arcades and riding rides at adventure island at a young age. Last week I got to visit my friends and family around the southend area (my grandad lives in Westcliff near Hamlet Court road), I visited the high street, the beach, adventure island, ect. It may be the worst rated beach, but it's my home and to me it's special.
Tim, your videos are Ace, I really enjoy them, thank you very much for the time you put into them. Benidorm, Blackpool, Southend my favourites. I visited Southend for the day in 1987 aged 18 with my now wife of 33 years. We are visiting again soon. Thank you.
The sea front in Southend ranges from Shoeburyness East Beach all the way up to Leigh on Sea - you concentrated on the central Southend section with its mixture of arcades some better than others ice cream and fish and chip shops. There are B&B’s in Thorpe Bay & Southchurch and 3 Premier inns and a travelodge in the town centre plus a few more upmarket places to say in Royal Terrace area. Adventure island has had massive investment in the past 20/25 years and the new pier trains are so quiet and smooth, although admittedly they are having some teething problems but again the council has spend money and time renovating the pier and pier trains. There is so much to see in the area including Southchurch Hall, Priory Park, old Leigh amongst others. Whilst Southend is not really a week away holiday resort it does attract lots of weekend breakers and day trippers and on a sunny summer weekend or during the summer holidays it is very busy. As a local I understand that Southend is a marmite location but I have lived here on and off for many years and have seen the investment that has gone into the seafront area making it a much nicer place to visit.
I went to Souffend in May 2022. My accomodation was room only. However on a morning stroll I discovered the Beach Hut Cafe. I had a breakfast which was all freshly made. The cafe itself is very clean and staff make you feel welcome. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT. I am sorry to see that Tim's Vlog stopped shortly before reaching the cafe.
I’ve been stationed here for work for a week and it’s my first time visiting. I walked the pier and looked round all the same places in the video but by far the best thing I’ve found while exploring Southend this week is Prittlewell Priory.
Some of my best childhood memories was a summer trip on the train from Ilford to Southend with a big bag of picnic food with my mum, sister and brother. We always had a drink (my sister and I had lemonade and a bag of crisps) in The Hole in the Wall pub. The Kursaal was such an amazing place for kids, such a shame it's closed ☹️
Moved From Poland to Southend in 2007 and even though It was only 15 years ago the city changed massively. Apart from the nice and revitalised seafront the city is dying, independent shops dying, More and more Homeless in high street, more knife crime than before, chicken shops, banks and bookies everywhere.
"Homeless in the high street" I'm sure they're so sorry that they've upset you by having nothing!. Most of them can't get a council place due to the influx of foreigners!.
@@macman975 don’t be like that. We need more houses more many reasons. And some issues around homelessness are more complicated than just ‘build them a home’. Some need mental health stays etc. Polish people are our friends and we actually need more of them to fill nhs staff issues etc. I’m pro european immigration. Less so from outside Europe.
@@krob2327 thank you for this comment. My mother is 60 and working in a care home, my sister works for local council, I am doing some floor fitting. We are all paying taxes and working hard to earn a living. We never ever thought about applying for a council flat. Also I would like to point out that Polish people nowadays are actually leaving the UK rather than coming in. I am also for European immigration. Happy to see English, French people living in Warsaw, Cracov. We all learn from each other.
@@DejanRDWAJ exactly. We can all blend together whilst keeping our traditions and learning new ones. Yes it’s worrying to see the numbers of Eu citizens leaving the country. I’m thinking of moving to Norfolk or somewhere as I really like the countryside. What annoys me about the uk government is young people aren’t encouraged to learn a European language from a young age. So only the wealthy who can afford tutoring can do this. Hope you enjoy the rest of the summer 😀
Back in the day Southend was THE place to go! My mother who lived in Essex met my father on VE Day at the Kursaal. Apparently, she and some friends cycled from Dagenham to Southend to take part in the celebrations.(that was a hell of a way to cycle!) Mum was around 24 or 25 then. Dad must have been on leave from the army and stationed up there somewhere because he lived in South London and wouldn't have been there otherwise. It was the place that Londoners went for their days out in those days. It was probably buzzing then and at the height of it's popularity 😍
Great video of the hometown! 😎 Wimpy I believe is opening again. They had a really bad fire that caused huge amount of damage, but I heard they’re revamping it. You should visit at the top of the steps where the cliff lift is, there’s lovely gardens with a monument of Queen Victoria. The Prittlewell Gardens off of Alexander Road is really nice! And Petit Pétanque for a spot of lunch if you’re ever back 😎
I have lived here all my life, unfortunately there is a lot less on the pier now. Years ago, you had a pub,theatre and fish and chips shop at the end of the pier and the bowling alley at the shore end until it burnt down. New to Southend is kingpins, which is located in Lucy Road in the old TOTS building, which now houses the ten pin bowling alley,amongst other things,plus a bar and food. It can also be accessed through Electric Avenue amusement arcade I believe.
I live in Southend (ok near it) and even tho I will admit it has it's problems, I just don't understand why it would be called one of the 'worst' seaside resorts, from what I've seen, it only has problems when it's really packed out and trouble will always happen, even in the best seaside resorts! thank you for giving it a fair chance and hopefully others will as-well!
Mum and dad use to take us to Southend on bank holidays and I remember the Peter Pan play ground and the golden hind ship and also the trouble with the mods and rockers
Was there two weeks ago, we were staying in London, and took a day trip down. Aside from some extremely obnoxious people in the train, we had a great time, and the weather was amazing to boot.
This brought back a lot of memories, and a lot has changed since I was last there. A real shame to see so many closed shops. I'm sure the pier was free to walk when I lived there. Maybe at certain times of the year? The seafront and pier have been tidied up a lot since I was there.
I'm from Southend, thank you for a 'tactful' video. You should have a look further along, past the Kursaal and onwards to Thorpe Bay and Shoebury. Plenty of beach huts at that end, nicer beach too. The sand at Southend is fake, it's done to protect us from flooding. The Three Shells kiosk belongs to Adventure Island boss Philip Miller. Pretty sure that a bit further along, (before the casino) the beach kiosk Oliver's is the one that Jamie is involved with. And I'd recommend a visit to Old Leigh which is gorgeous!
@@WalkWithMeTim LOL, us locals tend to call the whole thing Southend, it sort of all merges into a big long seafront, more commonly known as 'down the beach!' Showing my chav ignorance now lol! (And my age) 😉
@@WalkWithMeTim Tim, when you show Southend, you're showing the worst of it haha. Southend-on-Sea spans for miles. Leigh-on-Sea to Shoeburryness is Southend-on-Sea. It's not even about the locals calling it all Southend, it actually is.
@@WaterisbetterH20 beg to differ. Thorpe bay lovely, Southend not so lovely, Westcliff okay, chalkwell really nice, Leigh on sea lovely. It’s not all Southend try telling that to a home owner outside of Southend on sea selling their property.
I just moved to Westcliff 3 weeks ago and am still getting to know the area. I don't mind a visit to Southend but wouldn't want to live there. Westcliff is nice, especially Chalkwell beach. The houses tend to be late Victorian and Edwardian and are usually well maintained and attractive. The part of London Road nearest to me is interesting if you like antique and vintage shops. You get the feeling that a hundred or so years ago Westcliff was an Edwardian middle class area but with many of the houses now converted into flats the people are a mixed bunch. I've thought of a name for it, Shabburbia. Slightly shabby, a bit boho, surprising and friendly. I'm glad I moved here. I think I'll be happy.
Your right Westcliff was largely a Jewish area, plenty of money back then. I'm glad you like your new home, welcome. Shabburbia haha that's pretty good.
Walked along that pier and promenade many a time whilst visiting my son and his family, they’ve now moved out of Southend but have very fond memories of our visits.
Southend was always my favourite place as a kid, but that was a long time ago and it has changed a lot. The last time I was there you only paid for the train ride out, coming back was free. Thank you, I enjoyed watching this.
Depends when you come, unfortunately now, on the hot evenings during the summer the central beach becomes flooded by Londoners smoking weed and inhaling balloons, they bring their gang rivalries with them too. There's certain stretches that are really intimidating to walk through, you often see violent incidents, and sadly the occasional stabbing too. They need a bigger police presence and metal detectors at the train stations to get it under control. If they could control this, it's still a nice location to visit.
Another great video thanks Tim. My home is 10 mins away but we hardly ever go there. The place is great but it's some of the people, especially in the High St area that give it a bad name. The beach huts are further along in Thorpe Bay and Shoebury btw!
Former resident of Southend. The rating of "Worst seaside town" may be a little harsh, but there is so much for visitors to see, even if much of the old feel of the town has been paved over or filled in with concrete. I've always avoided the seafront, because I and many others see it as a tourist trap with expensive seafood and crap amusements that have far been outshone elsewhere. The High Street is a shadow of what it once was, and outside the perimeter it feels like you've gone back in time 20 years. There are some hidden gems, like Prittlewell Priory, Priory Park, Adventure Island, the newly built Library (thank fuck that god-awful eyesore called Farringdon Car Park is now gone to make way for it), the Planetarium... and I would say the Victoria Shopping Centre, except that soaring rents and poor footfall have turned the place into a husk of what it used to be. The Royals Shopping Center isn't much better; if you want shopping, you want to head to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon, or the Lakeside Shopping Centre if you drive or can get a train to Chafford Hundred. As the years go by, I find myself missing it less and less.
To be fair to the shopping centres in town. The Victoria Plaza is seeing some good investments. They have Indirock the rock climbing / bouldering for people that want to be adventurous! Boom battle bar (they have one in lakeside and other big cities) is meant to be taking over Tangs Buffet. It’s an adventure bar that has smart dart games, shuffleboard, ace throwing etc! Really good fun when I went to the one in Lakeside. The royals has just been sold to the group that owns the Roslin. Whether that’s a good thing or not is yet to be seen. But I feel any investment is better than empty shops 🤷🏻♂️
I remember visiting Southend when I was about 8 or 9 and I remember they use to be a log ride in the funfair I think it use to be were that upside down roller coaster use to be. Dreamland in Margate is another funfair you can walk around. I been on that pier before and can get a lovely view at the bottom of the end of Kent. It always much better on a nice sunny day at Southend with Mr Blue Sky. I really enjoy watching your vlogs Tim. 🙂
I live in Southend and like anything, tourists will see the little leg of beach as the attraction however there are so many hidden gems here.. as a local, i could put a video out that would show the beautiful side to Southend, not just a beach overrun by outsiders
I really like Southend. We've stayed at the Holiday Inn next to the airport so great views of the planes. Love the Palace theatre and eating at one of The Arches restaurants.
American here who has visited the UK many times but mainly London and surrounding area. The seaside resorts fascinate me and also they really don’t seem to promote them for international visitors.
Like your video's especially of the seaside resorts, plus miss my home the UK since leaving the country for the last five years these videos get rid of the home sick, also my kids have never seen the UK so been showing them the videos of the seaside towns , love it.
The UK has the coolest beaches and Boardwalks. I would love to visit. It almost reminds me of the Boardwalks where I live in the US. I live on the Jersey Shore and I enjoy places like this.
I was there about a week ago. Walked up and down the pier with my sister. Was a somewhat of a flying visit (a couple of hours) but thought it was a pretty nice place. Would like to go back and spend more time there. The pier is pretty cool, good views along the Thames and north Kent.
Hello Tim how are you and gabbie and Casper love all your videos I have never been to Southend I have been to London and Brighton t. Take care stay safe from Lynn xx
If Southend on Sea is the worst, that doesn't say a lot for the resorts in the northeast of England. They have very little to offer. Having said that I'm not crowded with people when I visit the beach. I can always get parked. The lack of amusements doesn't bother me, I can do without the bright lights and the crowded pubs. I think I will stay here.
12:51 One time me and my mum was walking down the pier back towards main land and it was light raining but really strong windy. I struggled to keep both my feet on the ground and grabbing on the railings for dear life 😂
I lived in southend for 18 years before moving to Somerset and had the best childhood! SO many things to do and see. Old Leigh was always my fave! Although its not quite what its used to be, think its way to harsh to rate is the worst seaside x
There was a fire at the wimpy a while ago which I believe is why it is closed. There are classic car displays regularly that use the wooden platform area .
I think Southend looks fairly smart now, but I love the retro look of the amusements too! I used to go there a lot in the early 80s to stay with my boyfriend (now hub) when he was at college. Back then it seemed pretty rough and ready,. But a visit for a walk/train ride on the pier is worth it alone (I remember when you could go ten-pin bowling on it!) As always Tim, thanks for your balanced review.
Hi Tim. Great video of the City on the sea, Southend. The place isn't all that bad and it has definitely improved over the last few years. You could do a lot worse for seasides on this island !!. The amusement park and arcades are great for the kids. The Pier with its trains is fab and a must do every time, its pretty cheap too 😀😀 There are various eateries along the seafront and we do have our favourite venue just across from the pier entrance. We travel down from Derbyshire for a long day out at the seaside and it's always fun, we are never disappointed.
Being a local I actually think the biggest problem is a lack of variety. Arcades are cool but do they have to be every seafront thing? It’s fish and chips, arcades, or pub and it’s just depressing!!
I live in Southend, I was born there, and lived here for 9 years now! I am 14 in September, thanks for rating us! And adventure island, arcade, walk too westcliff or shoeburyness, very fun! My mum lives in shoebury with my sisters and her side of the family, me and my dads side in Southend, sea life adventure is also fun as Well!
I will be making several trips to Southend this year when the weather is better and always have a good time topped off with a meal of fish and chips. I prefer to walk the pier (and back) instead of getting the train as it is good exercise as you can get an ice cream with the money you save for the train fare.👍
We enjoyed it recently going there for the day. It’s changed a lot from years ago. We use to go as a family when young. Our parents use to drop us off they did their thing & we went & enjoyed the rides & candy floss until out money ran our which wasn’t much. We always enjoyed our shared fish n chips by the sea then home we went falling asleep in the back of the car. Great times & memories. Always a great place to visit. Thx Tim great walk 👍
Wimpy had a huge fire a few months ago, very sad! I am Southend born and bred and have such amazing memories of walking down the pier as a child. Toast and a hot chocolate at the other end. I take advantage I guess of what's on my doorstep but it does need some improvement. The kursaal shutting is very sad. Hopefully being City status might inject some money into improvements! I do try and avoid the seafront whenever it's hot as a lot of chip munchers come down and cause chaos with their behaviour and leaving their rubbish behind! Great video ☺
Thats harsh to say that its one of the worst the wimpy is only shut down because there was a fire the beach huts are further up adventure island is my childhood and is has expanded massively The sea life centre has expanded as well and is really good
Southend, Shoebury and Leigh bring back childhood memories for me days out from London with family. Cockle sheds, Tubby Isaacs jellied eels, mum used to love them. Pleased to hear you say Leigh is still ok❤️
I moved here 3 months ago after a break up from my partner of 9 years. I lived in Tonbridge Kent beforehand. Southend has a lot to offer, beach, sea, entertainment , bars and restaurants shops etc. The one thing that let’s it down is the litter! No wheelie bins! Homeless and the feeling of generally not feeling too safe alone at night. Take that out of the equation and it’s really quite nice. I guess you can’t take some people out of Southend .
I've lived here all my life and yes your correct in what you say, can feel a bit uneasy if your out late, homeless come from all over country to beg here. I hope ur settled in. Leigh is best.
Really good vlog Tim looks a nice place. Shame lots of the shops are closed,sign of the times eh. Wouldn't want my grand children in that pool,yuk. Thanks look forward to your next one 😀
I was born in Southend, but moved away many years ago. I still go back and visit. It's not great, but it's not terrible either. It does get an unfair bad reputation. I've been to far worse seaside towns. A few years ago I finally went to Blackpool for the first time ever in my mid 40s. Couldn't believe how overrated it was! I prefer Southend to that!
Live and work in Southend, great place the seafront for fun fun for all, oh the beach huts are all at Thorpe bay end, keep the vids coming always a great watch many thanks.
You CANNOT visit Southend and not visit Rossi's ice cream parlour, it's like going to the West End and not seeing a show. There are actually LOTS of beach huts just not on the worst part which you walked. None of the locals use the section you walked, it's actually only for tourists to come dump their rubbish. Southend is actually a lovely place, I've lived here for years and the Pier is unspoiled and understated which suits me fine unlike the chaos of Brighton. Southend people are warm and easygoing and not chavs in the slightest. If you come visit make it out of season and try to explore beyond this tourist part to see its real charm. The Leigh, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay and East Beach stretches are the place to be.
As a resident of the town yes Southend does have some issues but a plus point as a place to live if you work or of course live in London it is the nearest seaside resort so as the train lines states it is now truly C2C. I like yourself Tim am familiar to other resorts and most are in need of some investment and of course all have lost retail stores because of online shopping and the pandemic in the last few years and Southend is no different. Maybe you can line up a future video that goes west of Southend to the beaches and cliffs of Westcliff and then onto possibly the Old Town of Leigh on Sea places often not known by visitors but great family areas. In the meantime keep these videos coming they are a good insight.
As a trucker from southend been to loads of seaside resorts and southend should be up the top but for east London migrants moving here and bringing there trouble with them we aren't
Great memories of Southend! Always loved it no matter what age, great times when petrol heads congregated for ‘cruise night’ once a month. Showing off between the two mini roundabouts on the front! Must return soon, fab place ❤️👍
Seeing Zoltar on this vid brought back some memories of times gone by! Back in the 70s I had the most extraordinary reading from an old fashioned fortune teller at the Kursaal ( a real person...not a machine!).... Everything she said was going to happen in the next few years came true (not all of it good either!) but she changed my life. Strange. Fond memories of many days out at Southend over the years, which is just a short hop for me, but the traffic always so awful so we don't do it too often with the Dartford Bridge in between! :-) x J x
This place looks absolutely stunning!!! ...I love the retro theme of the place!!! I can't believe I have been to London 10 times and never heard of this place...(yeah I know what you are thinking; a Danish person in the UK!? ....Apocalypse confirmed!!!!) .....not even my british friends has ever mentioned this place
Wimpy had a fire but didn't realise it was closed for good. I love living in Shoeburyness unfortunately it is attracting people from London and its pretty much being destroyed due to visitors especially as there is nothing at the East Beach.
I've lived in Southend for 9 years now and it has a bad reputation - yes there is crime and yes there are shady people - but show me a town in the UK that doesn't have that problem - it's what comes of over population. But on the whole it really does have some beautiful spots - you visited the main tourist parts which are pretty much stock seaside stuff - but go further up to the end of the esplanade to Shoebury and the beach at Thorpe is lovely and hardly ever as packed as city beach - and its lined with beach huts. Then at the other end there's old Leigh with its beautiful cobbled streets and working fish sheds - The Osbourne Bros. is the perfect place for some fresh shell fish. then further, behind Leigh train stations there's two tree island nature reserve which has some absolutely stunning views back over the estuary. There's the row of Victorian town houses that over look the pier up on the cliffs, the Queen victoria monument and gardens, several churches that date back to Saxon times, a priory where an order of Monks used to live in prittelwell... There's so much more to see here. The problem with the town is the amount of people that get on the C2C from Thurrock, Basildon & London to southend looking for trouble - but you get that in every seaside town in the UK.
When I was a kid in the 50's and 60's coming to Southend was a real treat, especially for the Illuminations. It was packed and when I was quite small I lost my parents near the Golden Hind and had to be comforted by some strangers until they found me again! The new trains seem to have the colours of the old ones that I remember clunking along the pier. I also remember visiting by chance the day after a huge fire at the end of the pier - everything was still smoking. Quite a sight!
Hi, I was also a kid in the 50's and went on the Golden Hind a couple of times. A few years ago I took my grandson to see it and it was gone, he wasn't very pleased with me.
@@Pierlover . Yes I remember the Crooked House but not sure about the Guiness clock. I do recall the enjoyment of going to Southend on a steam train from the East End and seeing the pier trains in a green and cream colour. Another memory was a lot of older looking men sitting on the beach with jackets and their trousers rolled up ( no shorts in those days ) and also knotted handkerchief on their heads.
Hello Tim Good video, I live in Leigh on Sea just outside Soithend and also feel the tital worst seaside town is way off the mark. It has its faults but when there are not too many crowds around its better. Just a couple of points, The Wimpy caught fire a few month back which is why its closed. The small kiosk with connections to Jamie Oliver is futher along the sea front just before the casio, its actually in Westcliff. The new Pier trains have been a bit of a disaster, only one of them has been delivered so far and since it arrived has broken down constantly. They are battery driven and when working are very nice a airy as you said. I belive the fault is with the doors not opening when they should. Its criminal that they are likely to miss the whole summer season. One feature you did miss on the day of your visit, is the opentop seafront bus service which has been running for a few years and gets better every year.
People dont realise Southend is actually the Thames Estuary and they bring the sand in. As for the CITY (haha what a joke) well it is a place where people commute to London as for people living here. The homelessness and drugs situation is horrendous here. It is a place where the train lines stop and you go no further. Also Foulness island is where there is a quite large military installation and obviously has restricted access and as much land as the populated city has , They use the military installation is one of the only places in Europe where they can test ordinance such as large cannons , Tank guns and bombs and small missiles. I say that as they do a lot of cannon testing you used to hear it and feel it all the time. I worked on the pier in the bowling alley there and worked the last shift there before it burned down and it was one of the busiest in the world actually in the record books itself also. Now the house prices in London are so high and rent also a lot of people over the last 20 years have been sent here by councils in London. The local council have really big heads now were a city but things like housing and social services are terrible. I love Southend but it is going downhill more than ever right now. People at the council need to get there heads where its at because people who live here suffer quite badly.
The problem Southend has always had is cost of housing is fifth most expensive and London has become too expensive for people on average slaries. There'salways been a section of working age popluation that work in financial markets in London that earn way more moeny than the ones who work locally which has pushed the cost of housing up .
Was brought up in Southend in Leigh-on-Sea and family was spread out from Shoebury in the East to Westcliff, Chalkwell then us in Leigh. It's a large city but the beaches we preferred were at Chalkwell and Thorpe Bay where we had a beach hut in many years until a storm took it. The centre of town had good clubs and shops but we always preferred the pubs in Old Leigh which to this day is where we get a good drink or good meal. We avoided the centre beaches and pubs as too rowdy and full of day trippers with a bit to much drink. Southend is one far from a dying and decaying old seaside town, seen many up the East Coast, its a thriving and growing and buzzing. It does not deserve the title of worst by a long shot but it's beaches are far for the best in Britain with the legendary mud at tide out.
That’s a harsh rating! I love Southend! You can also go to the nisa shop right at the end where you started and buy half price wristbands for the theme park. Absolute bargain.
I live in Blackpool and would love to visit Southend on Sea. At least the amusement park (Adventure Island) is open decent hours compared to the Pleasure Beach here. Also I would like to ask is there still the 1p version of the 2p machines still in Fantasia Amusements?
I stayed in Southend for a few days back in August 2018. My first impressions on leaving the train station & walking through the town centre to the B&B were not good,...what with all the closed shops with rough sleepers in the doorways 😕 On the + side, the B&B wasn't too busy & upgraded my room for free. Enjoyed walking the pier although Jamie's restaurant was closed at the time. Nearby Leigh on sea was a delight to explore & I took some really great sunset pics 👍
Confession...I prefer beaches like this with pebbles rather than sand! Hate it when sand gets everywhere. Visited Portsmouth on my last UK trip and I loved walking along on the pebbles. My shoes stayed clean, no grit in them. Also the pebbles are interesting to look at 😁
Dear Tim, Thanks a million for your films. Please advise what is the average temperature on June July August on the south beaches of UK ? As I understand 27 degrees this is average ? If yes so perfect weather indeed
I think a lot of these comments about places being rubbish are made by businesses from rival resorts to try and keep people away but it clearly don't work. It's a case of each to there own everyone has different experiences a resort don't have to be brilliant to have a good time. I have stayed in plenty of rubbish Hotels but I have still had a good holiday just make the most of what you have got not what you haven't got
What are your thoughts of Southend? Comment below 👇
I live here so I must like it lol, but I’m not a chav 😂😂xx
Love it
@@clairewood9607 you wouldnt notice yourself in your natural enviroment, you need David Attenborough to do a documentary on southend on sea
All the newer amenities that have been built at the shore and on the pier are pretty nice but the natural area of the waterway just looks like mudflats and is kinda like putting lipstick on a pig.
It'd look and feel much better if it was an ocean shoreline with cleaner...fresher water. That is basically like swimming in a drain...it's even downstream of water treatment plants...industrial areas and Londons stormwater.
Massive pier.
Such a nostalgic video - I moved to Sarfend in 1977 until 1995 - The seafront is looking so much better but step back to Westcliff and Southend and what used to be a very pleasant residential area was totally ruined by the council giving permission for hundreds and hundreds of houses being converted in to 2 flats or even 4 flats creating horrendous parking problems, infrastructure overload and the inevitable strain on the school's, Doctors, hospitals and the dreadful traffic caused by overdevelopment.
From Fairfax drive up to the London road is a nightmare to park and get around.
On the positive side, the boulevards and public gardens are stunning and Victoria Circus is at least under cover.
Thanks for posting this very interesting video and let's hope improvements continue.😊
We often visit Southend as we live fairly close. The seafront has had significant investment over the last 5 years. The promenade is lovely to walk along, and Adventure Island is fantastic for the kids and great value for money. I have visited many seaside towns, and in my opinion, Southend is one of the best.
i live there and you can get 3 hours of free parking every day for 10 gbp per month
@auditalbion not as good as yours but the deal we have is still pretty good comparable to other cities and towns
@auditalbion It's all about the money to these people.
Thanks for not deriding my hometown 😂😂 glad you like it here. If you want beach huts by the way, go towards Shoeburyness. They start just after the Roslin Hotel 😎 We would love to welcome you back any time!
yes I love Shoeburyness.
I’m a East Londoner and Southend was always that little Sunday/bank holiday escape & treat. I learnt to swim as kid in that black mud/sludge beach back in the early 80s. It’s nice to see that the black sludge is no longer. For me and many many others of my generation Southend will always have a special place in our hearts no matter what the so called rating is. 🙌🏼💪
We moved here 3.5 yrs ago from London, best decision we ever made. Love the place, proper sea side town with arcades, pubs, amusements. Great promenade where you can run for miles with no traffic. Great new attractions recently with caddies, pong and indirock all up the far side of high street. Great video
thanks Gordon
I got dragged here from Scotland kicking and screaming in protest. It was July 1988. I was 13. I'm 47 now.
Yes it's changed. Some good, some bad. It doesn't matter to me. I love the place.
👌🇬🇧🏴
Thanks for the video Tim. I grew up in Southend and still take every opportunity to go back home whenever I can.
The golden mile along the seafront was always tacky but fun (especially as a teenager cruising up and down on my Honda 250 Superdream!).
Most locals avoid the tourist areas and although there are no beach huts in that part there are lots at the Thorpe Bay and Westcliff ends of the seafront.
Very unfair to rate Southend as anywhere near the bottom three seaside destination, I can think of many far more deserving to be near the bottom.
It's true the beaches aren't sandy and the tide goes out a long way (hence the long pier) leaving a huge expanse of mud but it's part of its charm and I love it.
Away from the tourist area there are some great parks, restaurants, theatres and the Cliffs Pavilion a bit further along the cliffs from the top of the 50p cliff railway.
All in all Southend is magic, init!
could not have said it better myself
Yes, I grew up there too and I agree; there are much nicer parts than that tourist bit.
Yes man 💪
As someone (26 years old), who has grown up in Southend, and with the exception three years at university up north, always lived here, I'll say this about the town. Southend central/high street is in dire need of fixing. It's full of dodgy people and there is always trouble at night. Two of the most significant buildings (the Railway Hotel and the Kursaal), are completely dilapidated, abandoned and depressing, and I completely avoid the high street these days. However; Westcliff, Chalkwell and Leigh are wonderful places, and having decided to stick to those three (I grew up and live in Westcliff) I have grown to really love the town, where once I couldn't wait to leave.
I agree mate. I've lived here 34 years. Westcliff resident.
Hamlet Ct Rd, The Broadway in Leigh, even up Southchurch Rd....they're all a nicer place to stroll, shop, eat, drink etc.
The high street is like that Michael Jackson thriller video
@@andywands5661 Hamlet Court is mixed. I grew up right by the Palace Theatre so went there a lot, it goes up and down. Was nice when I was a kid, a ghost town in the 2010s, and now has turned itself around again. I mainly stick to the seafront, from the Cliffs Pavilion through to Old Leigh.
Which was what partially annoyed me about this video, he stopped at the high street, should have gone further down the beach.
I live near Southend Chelmsford
The high street is an experience! Part of the charm the junkies 🥴😂😂 although westcliff has its fair share of trouble 😅
Lived here for 5 years and I love it. The only thing that ruins it are the tourists that drop litter everywhere and mess the place up.
yes they should take it home, some people dont care
And then the stabbing’s, the robbery’s, the burglary’s, the drug problem and the growing gang issue. Used to be a lovely place. Now not so great
@@alfiecollier2484 absolutely, county lines gangs destroying the fabric of the town. It really is a sight to see when a 10 yr old deals drugs to a 40 yr old drug addict. Sadly I've seen this more than once. Social decline probably being seen across towns in this country.
@@alfiecollier2484 slight exegration...
There are lovely restaurants here,the Kursal end is very touristy ,I live near Shoeburyness, lived here 5 years ,I love living here
I live about an hour away from here and alot of folks at my work see it as a complete hell hole and I can't understand why. I'm a relocated northerner and Southend feels so much safer than the likes of Blackpool and Great Yarmouth if you're exploring beyond the seafront. It's also a lot cleaner!. Anyhow, great video as always :D
My partner lives about 10 minutes away from there, I went there for my first time a few months ago and absaloutly loved it walking down the seaside etc. Wouldn't say its the worst in England as it is beautiful. Would recommend anyone to go there, date nights sitting by the sea drinking a nice cold drink and having a meal is amazing
I love Southend this place deserves more credit. Great vlog baby xxx
A agree our gaby
we have had some great nights out here :-)
I think Tim and Gaby should ride rage. (The big yellow rollercoaster)
You have literally reviewed the central golden mile. Southend has some brilliant coastline ranging from Leigh on sea to shoeburyness. It’s like walking round Piccadilly Circus & doing whole review of London 😂
It's a harsh label to give Southend, but the council there need to hang their heads in shame. There has been a gradual reduction of parking options available, with a gradual hike in how much it costs. To top and tail an experience with a nightmare parking situation will never leave people with a favourable impression.
I've spent years working along the seafront and the intent to make the seafront a place to come is genuinely, because it's in their business interests. However, those efforts are continually stifled by the governance of the city and the deliberately counter-productive actions they take. Southend should be the place to visit for anyone in the South East, but the infrastructure hasn't kept up with the credible attractions on offer.
I'm hoping this comment is pinned, as it will hopefully add a little pressure on the council.
Too many car's around! When my Son was at Primary schoo,l I have seen mother's who live literally 3mins walking distance from the school, get in thier car and drive there. I can't fathom why, surely it's got to be laziness, and she wasn't the only one that's for certain
@@nickyjones2709 because they've got to be at work immediately after dropping kids off, 2 kids different schools no time, going shopping on the round trip, disabled parent. There's so so many reasons for even a short Druce, sure if it's just school & back that's ridiculous I agree but "we" don't know what these people are going on to do afterwards or their reasons for doing so
Spent 10 days in the recent beautiful weather in Southend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the beach, long Pier, nearby places such as Leigh, Old Leigh and Shoeburyness which has large beach huts, more like beach garages on stilts. Shoeburyness is extremely affluent looking with huge properties with fantastic sea views. There are 2 train stations so great access to London and we enjoyed the journey to Stratford, Olympic Park, Westfield we had to do it again it was so good. In Summary great place to explore and tremendous if the sun is shining. Special mention to Ocean Beach, great food in great atmosphere with superb sea views at fantastic prices. Definitely worth a visit 🏖🌞⛵️
I moved to France about 4 years ago from a village near southend called hullbridge. I have memories of walking down the sea side, hitting the arcades and riding rides at adventure island at a young age. Last week I got to visit my friends and family around the southend area (my grandad lives in Westcliff near Hamlet Court road), I visited the high street, the beach, adventure island, ect. It may be the worst rated beach, but it's my home and to me it's special.
And how has Hamlet Court Road decayed over the last 15 years.
Shameful
Mostly junkies... some nice asian restaurants tho@@monk3yboy69
Tim, your videos are Ace, I really enjoy them, thank you very much for the time you put into them. Benidorm, Blackpool, Southend my favourites. I visited Southend for the day in 1987 aged 18 with my now wife of 33 years. We are visiting again soon. Thank you.
The sea front in Southend ranges from Shoeburyness East Beach all the way up to Leigh on Sea - you concentrated on the central Southend section with its mixture of arcades some better than others ice cream and fish and chip shops. There are B&B’s in Thorpe Bay & Southchurch and 3 Premier inns and a travelodge in the town centre plus a few more upmarket places to say in Royal Terrace area.
Adventure island has had massive investment in the past 20/25 years and the new pier trains are so quiet and smooth, although admittedly they are having some teething problems but again the council has spend money and time renovating the pier and pier trains.
There is so much to see in the area including Southchurch Hall, Priory Park, old Leigh amongst others.
Whilst Southend is not really a week away holiday resort it does attract lots of weekend breakers and day trippers and on a sunny summer weekend or during the summer holidays it is very busy.
As a local I understand that Southend is a marmite location but I have lived here on and off for many years and have seen the investment that has gone into the seafront area making it a much nicer place to visit.
good points Cat
Yep, it’s why he missed all the beach huts. Tim, there are loads in Shoebury to Thorpe Bay seafront. ☺️
I went to Souffend in May 2022. My accomodation was room only. However on a morning stroll I discovered the Beach Hut Cafe. I had a breakfast which was all freshly made. The cafe itself is very clean and staff make you feel welcome. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT. I am sorry to see that Tim's Vlog stopped shortly before reaching the cafe.
I’ve been stationed here for work for a week and it’s my first time visiting. I walked the pier and looked round all the same places in the video but by far the best thing I’ve found while exploring Southend this week is Prittlewell Priory.
ive got a video coming up from a very interesting area
I would recommend Old Leigh if you are posted to Southend again
Some of my best childhood memories was a summer trip on the train from Ilford to Southend with a big bag of picnic food with my mum, sister and brother. We always had a drink (my sister and I had lemonade and a bag of crisps) in The Hole in the Wall pub. The Kursaal was such an amazing place for kids, such a shame it's closed ☹️
:-(
I walked from Shoeburyness to Thorpe Bay today. Is a lovely area and a lot quieter than central Southend.
agree
Moved
From Poland to Southend in 2007 and even though
It was only 15 years ago the city changed massively. Apart from the nice and revitalised seafront the city is dying, independent shops dying,
More and more
Homeless in high street, more knife crime than before, chicken shops, banks and bookies everywhere.
Totally agree. There’s so much crime now it’s actually very worrying.
"Homeless in the high street"
I'm sure they're so sorry that they've upset you by having nothing!. Most of them can't get a council place due to the influx of foreigners!.
@@macman975 don’t be like that. We need more houses more many reasons. And some issues around homelessness are more complicated than just ‘build them a home’. Some need mental health stays etc. Polish people are our friends and we actually need more of them to fill nhs staff issues etc. I’m pro european immigration. Less so from outside Europe.
@@krob2327 thank you for this comment. My mother is 60 and working in a care home, my sister works for local council, I am doing some floor fitting. We are all paying taxes and working hard to earn a living. We never ever thought about applying for a council flat. Also I would like to point out that Polish people nowadays are actually leaving the UK rather than coming in. I am also for European immigration. Happy to see English, French people living in Warsaw, Cracov. We all learn from each other.
@@DejanRDWAJ exactly. We can all blend together whilst keeping our traditions and learning new ones. Yes it’s worrying to see the numbers of Eu citizens leaving the country. I’m thinking of moving to Norfolk or somewhere as I really like the countryside. What annoys me about the uk government is young people aren’t encouraged to learn a European language from a young age. So only the wealthy who can afford tutoring can do this. Hope you enjoy the rest of the summer 😀
Back in the day Southend was THE place to go! My mother who lived in Essex met my father on VE Day at the Kursaal. Apparently, she and some friends cycled from Dagenham to Southend to take part in the celebrations.(that was a hell of a way to cycle!) Mum was around 24 or 25 then. Dad must have been on leave from the army and stationed up there somewhere because he lived in South London and wouldn't have been there otherwise. It was the place that Londoners went for their days out in those days. It was probably buzzing then and at the height of it's popularity 😍
60s and 70s perhaps?
Thanks Tim for vlog. Planning a Souhhend-on-sea visit this coming Monday, it looks alright better than I thought!
Have fun!
My childhood was spent with days out to here and I still love it
:-)
Great video of the hometown! 😎 Wimpy I believe is opening again. They had a really bad fire that caused huge amount of damage, but I heard they’re revamping it. You should visit at the top of the steps where the cliff lift is, there’s lovely gardens with a monument of Queen Victoria. The Prittlewell Gardens off of Alexander Road is really nice! And Petit Pétanque for a spot of lunch if you’re ever back 😎
I live in Southend and although I've never considered it as a great seaside I think being among the worst in the country is way too harsh.
agree
It’s ok. But it’s very close to London which means it’s going to change demographics
@@krob2327 Is that supposed to bother me? lol.
@@happymolecule8894 lol. It bothers the people leaving the town fed up of being abused for being white. Or maybe that doesn’t bother you..
I have lived here all my life, unfortunately there is a lot less on the pier now. Years ago, you had a pub,theatre and fish and chips shop at the end of the pier and the bowling alley at the shore end until it burnt down. New to Southend is kingpins, which is located in Lucy Road in the old TOTS building, which now houses the ten pin bowling alley,amongst other things,plus a bar and food. It can also be accessed through Electric Avenue amusement arcade I believe.
Lived here practically all my Life y do people give it such a bad name,? Yes there is trouble at night I agree but where u live is what u make it.....
I live in Southend (ok near it) and even tho I will admit it has it's problems, I just don't understand why it would be called one of the 'worst' seaside resorts, from what I've seen, it only has problems when it's really packed out and trouble will always happen, even in the best seaside resorts! thank you for giving it a fair chance and hopefully others will as-well!
Mum and dad use to take us to Southend on bank holidays and I remember the Peter Pan play ground and the golden hind ship and also the trouble with the mods and rockers
Was there two weeks ago, we were staying in London, and took a day trip down. Aside from some extremely obnoxious people in the train, we had a great time, and the weather was amazing to boot.
Moved to Southend from London a few months ago and have zero regrets. My partner and I love it here. We live right by the beach 🏖
I am live in London I want move to southend I am looking buy flat or house. I can do work from southend to london it's not far that is my plan
This brought back a lot of memories, and a lot has changed since I was last there. A real shame to see so many closed shops. I'm sure the pier was free to walk when I lived there. Maybe at certain times of the year? The seafront and pier have been tidied up a lot since I was there.
I'm from Southend, thank you for a 'tactful' video. You should have a look further along, past the Kursaal and onwards to Thorpe Bay and Shoebury. Plenty of beach huts at that end, nicer beach too. The sand at Southend is fake, it's done to protect us from flooding. The Three Shells kiosk belongs to Adventure Island boss Philip Miller. Pretty sure that a bit further along, (before the casino) the beach kiosk Oliver's is the one that Jamie is involved with. And I'd recommend a visit to Old Leigh which is gorgeous!
yes I knew about the beach huts because its not Southend lol
@@WalkWithMeTim LOL, us locals tend to call the whole thing Southend, it sort of all merges into a big long seafront, more commonly known as 'down the beach!' Showing my chav ignorance now lol! (And my age) 😉
@@WalkWithMeTim Tim, when you show Southend, you're showing the worst of it haha. Southend-on-Sea spans for miles. Leigh-on-Sea to Shoeburryness is Southend-on-Sea. It's not even about the locals calling it all Southend, it actually is.
@@WaterisbetterH20 beg to differ. Thorpe bay lovely, Southend not so lovely, Westcliff okay, chalkwell really nice, Leigh on sea lovely. It’s not all Southend try telling that to a home owner outside of Southend on sea selling their property.
@@WalkWithMeTim it is
I just moved to Westcliff 3 weeks ago and am still getting to know the area. I don't mind a visit to Southend but wouldn't want to live there. Westcliff is nice, especially Chalkwell beach. The houses tend to be late Victorian and Edwardian and are usually well maintained and attractive. The part of London Road nearest to me is interesting if you like antique and vintage shops. You get the feeling that a hundred or so years ago Westcliff was an Edwardian middle class area but with many of the houses now converted into flats the people are a mixed bunch. I've thought of a name for it, Shabburbia. Slightly shabby, a bit boho, surprising and friendly. I'm glad I moved here. I think I'll be happy.
Your right Westcliff was largely a Jewish area, plenty of money back then. I'm glad you like your new home, welcome. Shabburbia haha that's pretty good.
Walked along that pier and promenade many a time whilst visiting my son and his family, they’ve now moved out of Southend but have very fond memories of our visits.
You really are living the dream Tim visiting all these lovely seasides in this glorious weather, please keep these great videos coming 👍
More to come!
Southend was always my favourite place as a kid, but that was a long time ago and it has changed a lot. The last time I was there you only paid for the train ride out, coming back was free. Thank you, I enjoyed watching this.
Depends when you come, unfortunately now, on the hot evenings during the summer the central beach becomes flooded by Londoners smoking weed and inhaling balloons, they bring their gang rivalries with them too. There's certain stretches that are really intimidating to walk through, you often see violent incidents, and sadly the occasional stabbing too. They need a bigger police presence and metal detectors at the train stations to get it under control. If they could control this, it's still a nice location to visit.
Yep black gangs but no one dare say because there be called racist
Another great video thanks Tim. My home is 10 mins away but we hardly ever go there. The place is great but it's some of the people, especially in the High St area that give it a bad name. The beach huts are further along in Thorpe Bay and Shoebury btw!
Former resident of Southend. The rating of "Worst seaside town" may be a little harsh, but there is so much for visitors to see, even if much of the old feel of the town has been paved over or filled in with concrete. I've always avoided the seafront, because I and many others see it as a tourist trap with expensive seafood and crap amusements that have far been outshone elsewhere. The High Street is a shadow of what it once was, and outside the perimeter it feels like you've gone back in time 20 years.
There are some hidden gems, like Prittlewell Priory, Priory Park, Adventure Island, the newly built Library (thank fuck that god-awful eyesore called Farringdon Car Park is now gone to make way for it), the Planetarium... and I would say the Victoria Shopping Centre, except that soaring rents and poor footfall have turned the place into a husk of what it used to be. The Royals Shopping Center isn't much better; if you want shopping, you want to head to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon, or the Lakeside Shopping Centre if you drive or can get a train to Chafford Hundred.
As the years go by, I find myself missing it less and less.
I moved away about 3 years ago now. I've been happier since.
Hmm where have the arcades been outshone??
To be fair to the shopping centres in town. The Victoria Plaza is seeing some good investments. They have Indirock the rock climbing / bouldering for people that want to be adventurous! Boom battle bar (they have one in lakeside and other big cities) is meant to be taking over Tangs Buffet. It’s an adventure bar that has smart dart games, shuffleboard, ace throwing etc! Really good fun when I went to the one in Lakeside. The royals has just been sold to the group that owns the Roslin. Whether that’s a good thing or not is yet to be seen. But I feel any investment is better than empty shops 🤷🏻♂️
You do not want to come to east gate shopping centre it’s just the same as Southend
I remember visiting Southend when I was about 8 or 9 and I remember they use to be a log ride in the funfair I think it use to be were that upside down roller coaster use to be. Dreamland in Margate is another funfair you can walk around. I been on that pier before and can get a lovely view at the bottom of the end of Kent. It always much better on a nice sunny day at Southend with Mr Blue Sky. I really enjoy watching your vlogs Tim. 🙂
I live in Southend and like anything, tourists will see the little leg of beach as the attraction however there are so many hidden gems here.. as a local, i could put a video out that would show the beautiful side to Southend, not just a beach overrun by outsiders
I really like Southend. We've stayed at the Holiday Inn next to the airport so great views of the planes. Love the Palace theatre and eating at one of The Arches restaurants.
American here who has visited the UK many times but mainly London and surrounding area. The seaside resorts fascinate me and also they really don’t seem to promote them for international visitors.
no they don't people who visit the ul maybe never does
Like your video's especially of the seaside resorts, plus miss my home the UK since leaving the country for the last five years these videos get rid of the home sick, also my kids have never seen the UK so been showing them the videos of the seaside towns , love it.
Glad you like them!
This is my home town! I am in Southend on Sea watching this LOL Thank you for your great review. It's really not that bad here
same
Awesome! Thank you! hope u subscribe too :-)
@@WalkWithMeTim Already subscribed 😀
Love the Video, if you go a little bit further down Southend beach, either way you get to the nice less busy part, goes from a 3 to a 6/7 :)
The UK has the coolest beaches and Boardwalks. I would love to visit. It almost reminds me of the Boardwalks where I live in the US. I live on the Jersey Shore and I enjoy places like this.
I was there about a week ago. Walked up and down the pier with my sister. Was a somewhat of a flying visit (a couple of hours) but thought it was a pretty nice place. Would like to go back and spend more time there. The pier is pretty cool, good views along the Thames and north Kent.
If Southend city council read this, we need Neverland and seafront lights back also the airshow.
I doubt they will but agree
I thought the air show will be back this year
And all the record shops + Keddie's
Hello Tim how are you and gabbie and Casper love all your videos I have never been to Southend I have been to London and Brighton t. Take care stay safe from Lynn xx
hello Lynn
If Southend on Sea is the worst, that doesn't say a lot for the resorts in the northeast of England. They have very little to offer. Having said that I'm not crowded with people when I visit the beach. I can always get parked. The lack of amusements doesn't bother me, I can do without the bright lights and the crowded pubs. I think I will stay here.
:-)
12:51 One time me and my mum was walking down the pier back towards main land and it was light raining but really strong windy. I struggled to keep both my feet on the ground and grabbing on the railings for dear life 😂
I lived in southend for 18 years before moving to Somerset and had the best childhood! SO many things to do and see. Old Leigh was always my fave! Although its not quite what its used to be, think its way to harsh to rate is the worst seaside x
There was a fire at the wimpy a while ago which I believe is why it is closed. There are classic car displays regularly that use the wooden platform area .
I think Southend looks fairly smart now, but I love the retro look of the amusements too! I used to go there a lot in the early 80s to stay with my boyfriend (now hub) when he was at college. Back then it seemed pretty rough and ready,. But a visit for a walk/train ride on the pier is worth it alone (I remember when you could go ten-pin bowling on it!) As always Tim, thanks for your balanced review.
you are welcome people will always moan about same places they visit etc
wonderful video, looks lovely. the train on the pier is so special
It really is!
Can't wait to see you live in sunny Southend!!
There are quite a significant amount of beach huts, but they're in thorpebay bordering shoebury, so slightly further east
yes but not classed as Southend
Hi Tim. Great video of the City on the sea, Southend. The place isn't all that bad and it has definitely improved over the last few years. You could do a lot worse for seasides on this island !!. The amusement park and arcades are great for the kids. The Pier with its trains is fab and a must do every time, its pretty cheap too 😀😀 There are various eateries along the seafront and we do have our favourite venue just across from the pier entrance. We travel down from Derbyshire for a long day out at the seaside and it's always fun, we are never disappointed.
agree!
16:04 I saw the jet skis from my kitchen window as I'm in a tower block
Being a local I actually think the biggest problem is a lack of variety. Arcades are cool but do they have to be every seafront thing? It’s fish and chips, arcades, or pub and it’s just depressing!!
I live in Southend, I was born there, and lived here for 9 years now! I am 14 in September, thanks for rating us! And adventure island, arcade, walk too westcliff or shoeburyness, very fun! My mum lives in shoebury with my sisters and her side of the family, me and my dads side in Southend, sea life adventure is also fun as Well!
We are in Southend-on-Sea 👍👍it's not a bad place really. Like everywhere there is always bad spots.
I will be making several trips to Southend this year when the weather is better and always have a good time topped off with a meal of fish and chips. I prefer to walk the pier (and back) instead of getting the train as it is good exercise as you can get an ice cream with the money you save for the train fare.👍
We enjoyed it recently going there for the day. It’s changed a lot from years ago. We use to go as a family when young. Our parents use to drop us off they did their thing & we went & enjoyed the rides & candy floss until out money ran our which wasn’t much.
We always enjoyed our shared fish n chips by the sea then home we went falling asleep in the back of the car. Great times & memories. Always a great place to visit. Thx Tim great walk 👍
thanks Gilly
Wimpy had a huge fire a few months ago, very sad! I am Southend born and bred and have such amazing memories of walking down the pier as a child. Toast and a hot chocolate at the other end. I take advantage I guess of what's on my doorstep but it does need some improvement. The kursaal shutting is very sad. Hopefully being City status might inject some money into improvements!
I do try and avoid the seafront whenever it's hot as a lot of chip munchers come down and cause chaos with their behaviour and leaving their rubbish behind!
Great video ☺
Thats harsh to say that its one of the worst the wimpy is only shut down because there was a fire the beach huts are further up adventure island is my childhood and is has expanded massively
The sea life centre has expanded as well and is really good
Southend, Shoebury and Leigh bring back childhood memories for me days out from London with family. Cockle sheds, Tubby Isaacs jellied eels, mum used to love them. Pleased to hear you say Leigh is still ok❤️
I moved here 3 months ago after a break up from my partner of 9 years. I lived in Tonbridge Kent beforehand. Southend has a lot to offer, beach, sea, entertainment , bars and restaurants shops etc. The one thing that let’s it down is the litter! No wheelie bins! Homeless and the feeling of generally not feeling too safe alone at night. Take that out of the equation and it’s really quite nice. I guess you can’t take some people out of Southend .
I've lived here all my life and yes your correct in what you say, can feel a bit uneasy if your out late, homeless come from all over country to beg here. I hope ur settled in. Leigh is best.
@@jj5106 thanks. I’m living with a friend. Plenty going on but no one to do it with. 🥴
Thanks Tim, another great video.
Last time i saw a fortune teller machine like that was on inspector 'frost' and look what happened shortly after
Southend has loads of Beach Huts 🛖 mainly down the Thorpe Bay end.
Really good vlog Tim looks a nice place. Shame lots of the shops are closed,sign of the times eh. Wouldn't want my grand children in that pool,yuk. Thanks look forward to your next one 😀
I was born in Southend, but moved away many years ago. I still go back and visit. It's not great, but it's not terrible either. It does get an unfair bad reputation. I've been to far worse seaside towns. A few years ago I finally went to Blackpool for the first time ever in my mid 40s. Couldn't believe how overrated it was! I prefer Southend to that!
Live and work in Southend, great place the seafront for fun fun for all, oh the beach huts are all at Thorpe bay end, keep the vids coming always a great watch many thanks.
You CANNOT visit Southend and not visit Rossi's ice cream parlour, it's like going to the West End and not seeing a show. There are actually LOTS of beach huts just not on the worst part which you walked. None of the locals use the section you walked, it's actually only for tourists to come dump their rubbish. Southend is actually a lovely place, I've lived here for years and the Pier is unspoiled and understated which suits me fine unlike the chaos of Brighton. Southend people are warm and easygoing and not chavs in the slightest. If you come visit make it out of season and try to explore beyond this tourist part to see its real charm. The Leigh, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay and East Beach stretches are the place to be.
As a resident of the town yes Southend does have some issues but a plus point as a place to live if you work or of course live in London it is the nearest seaside resort so as the train lines states it is now truly C2C. I like yourself Tim am familiar to other resorts and most are in need of some investment and of course all
have lost retail stores because of online shopping and the pandemic in the last few years and Southend is no different. Maybe you can line up a future video that goes west of Southend to the beaches and cliffs of Westcliff and then onto possibly the Old Town of Leigh on Sea places often not known by visitors but great family areas. In the meantime keep these videos coming they are a good insight.
As a trucker from southend been to loads of seaside resorts and southend should be up the top but for east London migrants moving here and bringing there trouble with them we aren't
There ARE beach huts in Southend, but you didn’t go far enough east - they run along from Southend East, through Thorpe Bay and on to Shoeburyness.
Agreed! As a local myself I find Shoebury common and Chalkwell esplanade far nicer than central Southend.
thats not Southend then is it ;-)
agree
@@WalkWithMeTim It is - Southend East, Thorpe Bay, and Shoeburyness are all part of Southend-on-sea.
It's a bit like standing next to St Paul's Cathedral and saying there are no castles in London... ;)
Great memories of Southend!
Always loved it no matter what age, great times when petrol heads congregated for ‘cruise night’ once a month. Showing off between the two mini roundabouts on the front! Must return soon, fab place ❤️👍
Couldn't agree more!
Yes, miss those car nights
Seeing Zoltar on this vid brought back some memories of times gone by! Back in the 70s I had the most extraordinary reading from an old fashioned fortune teller at the Kursaal ( a real person...not a machine!).... Everything she said was going to happen in the next few years came true (not all of it good either!) but she changed my life. Strange. Fond memories of many days out at Southend over the years, which is just a short hop for me, but the traffic always so awful so we don't do it too often with the Dartford Bridge in between! :-) x J x
This place looks absolutely stunning!!! ...I love the retro theme of the place!!!
I can't believe I have been to London 10 times and never heard of this place...(yeah I know what you are thinking; a Danish person in the UK!? ....Apocalypse confirmed!!!!) .....not even my british friends has ever mentioned this place
u are missing out and not to far from London too
Wimpy had a fire but didn't realise it was closed for good. I love living in Shoeburyness unfortunately it is attracting people from London and its pretty much being destroyed due to visitors especially as there is nothing at the East Beach.
I've lived in Southend for 9 years now and it has a bad reputation - yes there is crime and yes there are shady people - but show me a town in the UK that doesn't have that problem - it's what comes of over population. But on the whole it really does have some beautiful spots - you visited the main tourist parts which are pretty much stock seaside stuff - but go further up to the end of the esplanade to Shoebury and the beach at Thorpe is lovely and hardly ever as packed as city beach - and its lined with beach huts. Then at the other end there's old Leigh with its beautiful cobbled streets and working fish sheds - The Osbourne Bros. is the perfect place for some fresh shell fish. then further, behind Leigh train stations there's two tree island nature reserve which has some absolutely stunning views back over the estuary. There's the row of Victorian town houses that over look the pier up on the cliffs, the Queen victoria monument and gardens, several churches that date back to Saxon times, a priory where an order of Monks used to live in prittelwell... There's so much more to see here. The problem with the town is the amount of people that get on the C2C from Thurrock, Basildon & London to southend looking for trouble - but you get that in every seaside town in the UK.
Thanks Tim great video very interesting and enjoyable look forward to the next Yvonne 😊
Glad you enjoyed it
When I was a kid in the 50's and 60's coming to Southend was a real treat, especially for the Illuminations. It was packed and when I was quite small I lost my parents near the Golden Hind and had to be comforted by some strangers until they found me again! The new trains seem to have the colours of the old ones that I remember clunking along the pier. I also remember visiting by chance the day after a huge fire at the end of the pier - everything was still smoking. Quite a sight!
wow!
Hi, I was also a kid in the 50's and went on the Golden Hind a couple of times. A few years ago I took my grandson to see it and it was gone, he wasn't very pleased with me.
@@bissonboy7130 Do you remember the Guiness clock? And the Crooked House in Peter Pan's Playground?
@@Pierlover . Yes I remember the Crooked House but not sure about the Guiness clock. I do recall the enjoyment of going to Southend on a steam train from the East End and seeing the pier trains in a green and cream colour. Another memory was a lot of older looking men sitting on the beach with jackets and their trousers rolled up ( no shorts in those days ) and also knotted handkerchief on their heads.
Hello Tim Good video, I live in Leigh on Sea just outside Soithend and also feel the tital worst seaside town is way off the mark. It has its faults but when there are not too many crowds around its better. Just a couple of points, The Wimpy caught fire a few month back which is why its closed. The small kiosk with connections to Jamie Oliver is futher along the sea front just before the casio, its actually in Westcliff. The new Pier trains have been a bit of a disaster, only one of them has been delivered so far and since it arrived has broken down constantly. They are battery driven and when working are very nice a airy as you said. I belive the fault is with the doors not opening when they should. Its criminal that they are likely to miss the whole summer season. One feature you did miss on the day of your visit, is the opentop seafront bus service which has been running for a few years and gets better every year.
thanks for the info John
People dont realise Southend is actually the Thames Estuary and they bring the sand in. As for the CITY (haha what a joke) well it is a place where people commute to London as for people living here. The homelessness and drugs situation is horrendous here. It is a place where the train lines stop and you go no further. Also Foulness island is where there is a quite large military installation and obviously has restricted access and as much land as the populated city has , They use the military installation is one of the only places in Europe where they can test ordinance such as large cannons , Tank guns and bombs and small missiles. I say that as they do a lot of cannon testing you used to hear it and feel it all the time. I worked on the pier in the bowling alley there and worked the last shift there before it burned down and it was one of the busiest in the world actually in the record books itself also. Now the house prices in London are so high and rent also a lot of people over the last 20 years have been sent here by councils in London. The local council have really big heads now were a city but things like housing and social services are terrible. I love Southend but it is going downhill more than ever right now. People at the council need to get there heads where its at because people who live here suffer quite badly.
The problem Southend has always had is cost of housing is fifth most expensive and London has become too expensive for people on average slaries. There'salways been a section of working age popluation that work in financial markets in London that earn way more moeny than the ones who work locally which has pushed the cost of housing up .
it doesn't look tacky like Blackpooli love what I see of southend. Don't think I would have wanted my son to swim in there when he was young
Was brought up in Southend in Leigh-on-Sea and family was spread out from Shoebury in the East to Westcliff, Chalkwell then us in Leigh. It's a large city but the beaches we preferred were at Chalkwell and Thorpe Bay where we had a beach hut in many years until a storm took it. The centre of town had good clubs and shops but we always preferred the pubs in Old Leigh which to this day is where we get a good drink or good meal. We avoided the centre beaches and pubs as too rowdy and full of day trippers with a bit to much drink. Southend is one far from a dying and decaying old seaside town, seen many up the East Coast, its a thriving and growing and buzzing. It does not deserve the title of worst by a long shot but it's beaches are far for the best in Britain with the legendary mud at tide out.
That’s a harsh rating! I love Southend! You can also go to the nisa shop right at the end where you started and buy half price wristbands for the theme park. Absolute bargain.
I live in Blackpool and would love to visit Southend on Sea. At least the amusement park (Adventure Island) is open decent hours compared to the Pleasure Beach here. Also I would like to ask is there still the 1p version of the 2p machines still in Fantasia Amusements?
Lived in Southend for years and it's a dive 😒... glad I'm away, it's a bloody nightmare to get around when it gets manic
yikes
I stayed in Southend for a few days back in August 2018.
My first impressions on leaving the train station & walking through the town centre to the B&B were not good,...what with all the closed shops with rough sleepers in the doorways 😕
On the + side, the B&B wasn't too busy & upgraded my room for free.
Enjoyed walking the pier although Jamie's restaurant was closed at the time.
Nearby Leigh on sea was a delight to explore & I took some really great sunset pics 👍
Confession...I prefer beaches like this with pebbles rather than sand! Hate it when sand gets everywhere. Visited Portsmouth on my last UK trip and I loved walking along on the pebbles. My shoes stayed clean, no grit in them. Also the pebbles are interesting to look at 😁
But there's all that uk people poo between the pebbles!
There's only one Pebble beach where I live on the Fylde Coast and that's Cleveleys beach.
Dear Tim, Thanks a million for your films. Please advise what is the average temperature on June July August on the south beaches of UK ? As I understand 27 degrees this is average ? If yes so perfect weather indeed
I think a lot of these comments about places being rubbish are made by businesses from rival resorts to try and keep people away but it clearly don't work. It's a case of each to there own everyone has different experiences a resort don't have to be brilliant to have a good time. I have stayed in plenty of rubbish Hotels but I have still had a good holiday just make the most of what you have got not what you haven't got
good points
I have lived there for over 3 years now and I am pleased to say that I have never got bored of it.