Home to the world’s longest pleasure pier, Southend-on-Sea is a seaside classic. Here you can relive your holidays from childhood, playing on the sands, riding Adventure Island’s Ferris Wheel and roller coasters, or tucking into traditional seaside flavours like vinegar-soaked cockles.

But this resort has grown up too, joining the vintage favourites are a new wave of art galleries, festivals and hip eateries adding fresh life and excitement to this famous resort. Southend’s growing line-up of cultural events and exhibitions is particularly impressive, and you’ll often find touring West End productions and well-known faces gracing the stage of the town’s two theatres.

For historic seaside charm, the neighbouring town of Old Leigh is hard to beat. It exudes character! Wander its narrow, cobbled lanes and discover ancient pubs, ice cream parlours, quirky shops and traditional cockle sheds, and the views over the water are mesmerising!

• World's biggest pleasure pier
• Rides at Adventure Island
• Growing art scene
• Two theatres
• Old Leigh