| there's also a terrace with plants and covered seating. in an area surrounded by shops and eateries, this lively pub with rooms in an edwardian-style building is 2 minutes on foot from southend central railway station, and 6 minutes' walk from southend pier. some quarters offer bathrooms with tubs. the buzzing pub features old-world decor and flat-screen tvs, and has a restaurant. check-in time: 2:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. warmly decorated rooms blend traditional and contemporary decor. all provide free wi-fi, flat-screen tvs, desks, and tea and coffeemaking facilities
Heathrow Airport 1 hr 36
Old Leigh Studios Gallery (11 min) Prittlewell Priory (10 min) RHS Garden Hyde Hall (32 min)
Site run by horticulture charity, including bird hide and Dry Garden with bold architectural plants. Chalkwell Beach (8 min)
Pebble & sand beach with a large granite obelisk from the 1800s & a promenade with snack kiosks. Two Tree Island (13 min)
Grassy island nature reserve with walking paths & designated birdwatching areas. Thorpe Bay beach huts (14 min) Southend Pier and Railway (7 min)
Seasonal museum on the pier with 19th- & early-20th-century train cars, slot machines & costumes. Adventure Island (8 min)
Free-admission fun park with more than 40 rides and attractions from rollercoasters to ghost trains. The Kursaal (9 min)
Known for its Edwardian architecture, this landmark complex features a bowling alley & casino. Sealife Adventure (8 min)
Sea life aquarium with sharks in walk-through tunnel tank, plus rays, turtles and insect displays. Westcliff Beach (12 min)
Modest, classic beach for swimming & walks at low tide, with a nearby casino & ice cream parlor. Bell Wharf Beach (13 min) Southend Central Museum & Planetarium (9 min)
Exhibitions of local natural history and archaeological treasures including a haul of Saxon gold. Thames Estuary (1 hr 3)
1 of the country's largest, this landmark estuary features shipping routes & various lighthouses. Hadleigh Castle (22 min)
Ruined 1200s castle, refortified by Edward III in the Hundred Years War, affording marsh views. | 
