Southend Essex Southend on Sea in Essex South East England Southend is best known for having the world’s largest pleasure pier and this 19th century pier is certainly a fitting landmark for such a lively seaside resort, stretching out over seven miles along the Essex coast. However, Southend’s popularity as a modern seaside resort dates back before the pier, with the advent of sea bathing becoming a highly recommend pastime for health reasons around the 1800’s. In fact it was the royal presence of Princess Charlotte of Wales bathing in Southend’s waters that really helped to boost the area as a seaside town. The area’s other secret of success is of course its close proximity to London. As the nearest seaside resort to the capital it thrives with the help of regular visitors from London, especially during the warm summer months. Like any self-respecting seaside resort it is not only the beach that attracts people to the area. Southend has a good reputation for providing its residents and visitors alike with an excellent array of interesting amusements by day and night. Concerts and theatrical productions take place throughout the year and of course the usual seaside theme parks and amusements are in abundance.