Heathrow Airport 1 hr 42
Wallasea Island (1 hr 1)
Accessed by a ferry, this peaceful island features farm & wetlands, wildlife, camping & a marina. Chalkwell Beach (46 min)
Pebble & sand beach with a large granite obelisk from the 1800s & a promenade with snack kiosks. Promenade Park (22 min)
Victorian riverfront park with ornamental lake, woodland walk and kids' adventure play areas. Hadleigh Castle (41 min)
Ruined 1200s castle, refortified by Edward III in the Hundred Years War, affording marsh views. RHS Garden Hyde Hall (24 min)
Site run by horticulture charity, including bird hide and Dry Garden with bold architectural plants. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park (20 min)
Working farm with sheep, bunnies and ferrets, plus tractor rides, a bouncy castle and magic shows. Southend Central Museum & Planetarium (43 min)
Exhibitions of local natural history and archaeological treasures including a haul of Saxon gold. Thorpe Bay beach huts (50 min) Old Leigh Studios Gallery (43 min) Osea Island (44 min)
Estuary and beach Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre (44 min)
Community centre for sports tuition with a gym running group classes and on-site swimming pool. Sealife Adventure (47 min)
Sea life aquarium with sharks in walk-through tunnel tank, plus rays, turtles and insect displays. Northey Island (31 min)
Marshy tidal-island nature reserve with trails & migratory birds; permit required for access. The Kursaal (47 min)
Known for its Edwardian architecture, this landmark complex features a bowling alley & casino. West Mersea Beach (54 min) | 
