We done a spontaneous trip to Southend on sea and we had such a nice day.

We travelled from South west London on the district line straight to London Tower Hill than exit the station and walked 2 minutes to Fenchurch Street station where we boarded our train which took 54 mins direct to Southend central station.

When we arrived we walked around 10minutes through the high street towards the pier. The main attractions we visited was Adventure Island 🏝️ this was my first time but won't be my last for sure. You would need at least 2 nights to make the most of this experience as having two small children they will not be able to make the most of each and every ride/play area all in one day. It would be nice to break it up in two days that way they can make use of the full time and facilities they have to offer.

There are a wide range of activities from an indoor play area for the younger children plus a soft play separated for different heights/age groups.

There are multiple choices of food/drink and snack stalls to choose from.

The wristband for the whole day per person is currently £20 saving you £8 off the usual cost. The soft play was only £6 and there is no time limit. We also played in the indoor arcade where I topped up a game card with £15 and it gave us the opportunity to play upto around 5/6 games each for two of them as well as has the 2p machines.

There is hook a duck 🦆and ferris wheel 🎡 suitable for two adults and two children or a smaller one for the younger kids who may not like to go too high up. We managed to squeeze in as much as we but based on my children's likes and interests but next time I would definitely stay at least 2 nights to see the full area and even visit the seaside and other local attractions which include sea-life and bowling.

The only downside for me was that some staff members within the arcade were too laid back and a bit rude when needing help or assistance. I had two incidents where this occurred. It could be just bad timing but either way I expected a bit more customer service from them.

But I also came across 4/5 people who were very friendly, kind and made conversation with my children and made us feel welcome.

Southend central strip Do check it out if your local and don't be afraid to push yourself outside your comfort zone.

It was a very smooth and easy 55 minute train back to Fenchurch station and then we took the same route back we had used to go there.

I hope to return soon...