Southend boasts well over 300 places to eat, catering to all tastes and budgets, and a wide selection of hotels, B&B's and guest houses. At weekends and during the summer holidays, the most popular restaurants and hotels are often fully booked, so it's always best to make a reservation in advance.

We can't list every hotel and restaurant in Southend, so if you are looking for inspiration we recommend TripAdvisor and Trivago.

Restaurants

Southend is famous for its fish 'n' chips and Rossi ice-cream, but there is so much more to tickle your taste buds.

The famous Archway Cafes on Southend seafront and the cockle sheds of Leigh are visitor favourites, and the borough has a number of fine-dining restaurants if you want a special night out.

Top quality pub grub and carveries are available, cafes and bistros are popping up everywhere, the seafront areas have plenty of family-friendly options and Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff has an abundance of international flavours, including Thai, Indian, Japanese, Slovakian, Portuguese and Italian. 

The Gourmet Society offers up to 50% discounts at scores of restaurants across Southend, including many of the High Street chains, so it may be worth getting a card if you have family or will be in Southend for a few days.

If you have had a busy day and don't fancy venturing out to eat in the evening, Southend has countless take-away options, including some of the finest award-winning restaurants in the county.

To see what's on offer near you, we suggest signing up for free to the Just Eat website.

Accommodation

Many visitors to Southend are day-trippers, but an increasing number of people are choosing to stay for a few days and explore this excellent holiday destination in more depth.

Southend's hotels, guest houses and B&Bs can be busy all year round, but during the summer months they are regularly fully booked so it's strongly advisable to reserve your room in advance.

The majority of accommodation in Southend is situated on or near the seafront areas, but there are also options in the town centre and by Southend Airport.

Familiar chains such as Travelodge and Holiday Inn have hotels in Southend, and the iconic Palace Hotel overlooking the estuary is now a Park Inn by Radisson.

Southend also has some excellent boutique hotels, charming B&Bs and self-catering options. Whether you are looking for somewhere that caters for children or a romantic getaway for two, you are certain to find something that meets your needs.

Search TripAdvisor and Trivago to find the best accommodation.