Travelling from afar?

Why not make it a mini break?? Here are some places to stay and things to do in and around Southend on sea.

Explore beautiful ruins, the seven woods or take a trip to the seafront for arcades and more…..

places to visit

Row of colorful beach huts along the sandy shoreline with calm blue sea and a clear blue sky in the background.

Southend SeaFront

Famous for The world’s longest pleasure pier (1.33miles) with its own operational railway. Also includes Adventure Island, Sea Life Adventure, arcades and fresh seafood. Although some of these attractions are NOT dog friendly. The beaches are dog friendly from October to April. Southend Central station is only 45min/1hr train ride from London Fenchurch Street.

A modern building labeled "Cliff's Pavilion" with a large entrance, palm trees, and a flower bed in front, with people walking around outside on a bright day.

Cliffs Pavilion

Come and see some fabulous shows that are coming off the west end. If musicals aren’t your thing there’s also plenty of tribute acts, band experiences and comedy shows all hosted here in the heart of Westcliff on Sea. Although the Cliffs Pavilion is not dog friendly for shows they are dog friendly in the building so if you fancy a little bite to eat and coffee inside with beautiful views of Southend Sea front and the estuary then give them a try.

Sunset over rolling hills with ruins of an ancient castle and a tower in the foreground.

hadleigh castle

A ruined 13th-centuary fortification overlooking the estuary and Essex marshes, built be Hubert de Burgh, remodelled by Edward III and famously painted by John Constable. It is free all year round. There are no toilets or café on site but its still a great walking spot or somewhere for picnics. Its a 10min drive from the studio.

Marsh Farm Country Park

A 300-acre country park offering great dog walks adjacent to the river crouch, around the scenic country park and community orchard. With 10miles of public rights of way and permissive footpaths there’s lots to explore. Alpacas and Farm life onsite too. Its 20mins from the studio.

Map of a 9.8 km trail with a green trail path through a park or forested area, including elevation gain of 182 meters. The trail starts and ends near Eastwood Park, with landmarks such as Thundersley, Thundersley Common, and Oakwood Park visible.

Seven woods trail

This walk is a popular 9.8km circular trail near Leigh on Sea and Benfleet, passing through West Wood, Cottage Plantation, Starvelarks Wood, Little Havens Nature Reserve/Wood, Belfairs Nature Reserve, Pound Wood and Tile Wood. Its takes about 2.5/3hrs to complete. The starting point is commonly at Belfairs Nature Reserve where free parking is available. West Wood is a 2min walk from the studio.

Wooden sculptures of five tall human figures standing outdoors against green trees and cloudy sky.

wat tyler country park

A free 125-acre green space just a little outside Southend in Pitsea. Featuring nature trails, a kids adventure park and rich industrial history. It is designated as a site of special scientific interest with the largest reedbed in South Essex, bird watching hides and an RSPB visitor centre. There is an on-site café, picnic areas and accessible facilities.

Boats docked along a waterfront with houses and trees in the background on a clear day.

maldon promenade

A Historic 1895 waterside park featuring a splash park, a petting zoo and scenic river views. It sits on the banks of the River Blackwater. There are lots of eating places for ice creams, roast dinners or some good ol fashioned fish and chips. The walk along he riverside also has beautiful barges. A little 40min trek out from Southend but totally worth it.

A white bird with a long black beak standing in shallow water on grass, with a blurred green and brown background.

Wallasea island

RSBP Wallasea Island is a massive 740-hectare wetland nature reserve, famous for the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project, walking trails and birdwatching. Common seals can often be spotted on the river banks. Boat trips are available and they even have a boat taxi to take you over to Burnham on crouch. Café and eco friendly toilets on site.

places to stay

Bright hotel room with large window open to water view, king-sized bed with green upholstered headboard, bedside lamps, armchairs with yellow pillows, and artwork on the wall.

the roslin beach hotel

A luxury four-star boutique hotel located in Thorpe Bay, offering scenic views of the estuary, a beautiful restaurant with fabulous afternoon teas and a relaxing wellness retreat. Just over a mile from central Southend and a 20minute drive from the studio. Pet stays must be requested (£10per night) Beaches are dog friendly from October to April.

A hotel room with a large bed, blue bed runner, and multiple pillows, a padded headboard, side tables with lamps, a chair near the window, and a wall with a colorful abstract mural.

Camelia hotel

An award winning family-run boutique hotel located in Thorpe Bay on the seafront, it has 34 modern rooms, an acclaimed restaurant with estuary views, free parking and easy access to local beaches. Its a 20minute drive from the studio. Pet stays must be requested and pre-booked. Beaches are dog friendly from October to April.

A hotel room with a bed, purple armchair, desk with a chair, large window with curtains showing an airport runway and planes outside.

the holiday inn

A Contemporary four-star hotel located seconds from Southend Airport and 10minutes from Southend seafront. Kids eat free, on-site parking (15GBP/day) and a fitness centre. They have pet friendly rooms with welcome treats (30GBP/night) Its a 15minute drive from the studio.

Hotel room with a large bed, beige and purple headboard, purple decorative pillow, white linens, bedside lamps, window with beige and purple curtains, and a small beige sofa.

the palace hotel Southend

A Three-star landmark hotel in Southend-on-Sea, directly opposite Southend pier (although that’s not dog friendly), the amusement park and is a 5 minute walk from central Southend. Features modern rooms, the pier view restaurant, and onsite gym and an adjoining casino. Fully dog-friendly welcoming up to three dogs per room (£20per pet, per night.) Its a 20min drive from the studio.

places to eat

Red brick building with blue accents, multiple windows, and a sign that reads 'The Woodmans Arms.' There are several hanging flower baskets on the front, and a fenced outdoor area with blue posts in the front. Clear blue sky in the background.

the woodman’s arms

What could be better a Dog friendly pub right across the road from the studio. With a big garden, a dog treat station, dog meals and even a dog wash!! Definitely give this one a visit on shoot days.

A beachside cafe with blue and white striped exterior, outdoor seating, and people sitting and standing by the water.

billy hundreds fish n tapas

A small rustic tapas restaurant on the beach along Eastern Esplanade with picturesque panoramic views of the estuary.

Entrance to Sara's Tea Gardens with white picket fence, potted trees, and outdoor seating under a canopy with green and white stripes.

sara’s tea garden

In the heart of Old Leigh, a place worth visiting on its own. Sara’s tea garden is everything you want from a tea rooms and more. Fab food and dog of the month competitions.

Street view with a large red brick hotel and storefronts with colorful awnings, outdoor seating, and pedestrians.

the arches

On the seafront in Westcliff on Sea a varied row of cafes and eateries. Right on the seafront so you can enjoy a morning walk and a good ol fry up afterwards. Most are dog friendly.

A seaside restaurant with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and a view of the water and boats, with a sign reading 'The Peterboat' on the building.

The Half moon

One of the best little pubs in Rayleigh Town. Although they don’t do food they are great for entertainment. Thursday pub quiz, Friday acoustic bands & Saturday is for the party bands.

Storefront for a dog-friendly coffee shop with outdoor seating, an orange umbrella, and an ice coffee sign.

dog & CO

On the seafront in Southend (Southchurch) a lovely little stop after a long walk along the beach. Selling paninis, coffees, dog yummies and more…

Street view of a quaint building with hanging flower baskets and signs for a snack shop and other businesses.

ye olde smack

Another fabulous choice for Old Leigh. Good ol pub grub and lovely surroundings for dog walks.

Exterior of Wilma's café with outdoor tables, windows, and visible interior seating

WILMA’S

A beautiful little coffee shop in the heart of Rayleigh selling yummy drinks - hot & cold, cakes, cookies, brownies & the best bit… Cakes, treats and pupacinos for your dog(s). Also in Leigh on Sea and Southend on Sea.