 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Find an Estate Agent or Estate Agents in Essex Estate Agents based in Basildon, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester,
Epping, Halstead, Harlow, Harwich, Maldon, Ilford, Romford, Southend, Braintree and Brentwood. |
|
Southend-on-Sea is a seaside resort and unitary authority in the East of England.
The borough of Southend-on-Sea is part of the ceremonial county of Essex and is
located on the north side of the Thames estuary roughly 40 miles (65 km) east of
central London. It is bordered to the north by Rochford and to the west by Castle
Point. Southend is twinned with the Polish seaside resort of Sopot.
Originally the south end of the village of Prittlewell, Southend became a popular
seaside resort for people during the Georgian era. Owing to its proximity to London
and easy access by train, the town's economy has largely been based on tourism ever
since. Southend Pier is the world's longest pleasure pier at 1.34 miles (2158 metres).
Over the years the pier has suffered fires and ship collisions, most recently in
October 2005, but it has been repaired each time.
The town is well known for its seafront attractions. Since 1986, a diesel-hydraulic
railway has been running the length of the famous pier, replacing the original electric
service which opened in 1890. A fire in October 2005 seriously damaged the far end
of the pier. The pier has been beset by a history of fires, the previous occasion,
in 1995 destroyed the bowling alley at the start of the pier. The pier was also
run through by a boat in 1984.
The Kursaal was one of the earliest theme parks, built at the start of the 20th
century. It closed in the 1970s and much of the land was developed as housing. The
entrance hall, a listed building, is now a bowling alley arcade (operated by Megabowl)
and casino.
Another newer theme park, Adventure Island, developed on land formerly occupied
by Peter Pan's Playground, straddles the pier entrance. It is a popular attraction
for both adults and children, and despite a restriction on available land has continued
to grow into a large amusement park with over 50 rides. The sea-front also houses
a "Sea-Life Centre" aquarium. To the east of the pier was the location of
a replica of the Golden Hind housing a waxworks collection.
The cliff gardens, which included Never Never Land, and Victorian bandstand were
a popular attraction until slippage in 2003 made parts of the cliffs unstable, and
the bandstand has been removed for safe keeping. The council has expressed its desire
to re-erect the bandstand but a suitable location has yet to be found.
A modern cliff lift links the base of the High Street with the new pier entrance.
The older cliff lift, a short funicular railway, is located a few hundred metres
away, now closed because structural and mechanical work needs to be done in order
to meet European Union Legislation which classes it as a cablecar.
In August the Southend Carnival is opened along the Golden Mile with the lighting
of the Southend Illuminations which continue until November. (The Council authorities
decided that due to the need for repair to meet Health & Safety requirements,
and funding issues, the Illuminations would not be held in 2007 and 2008). |
|
|