Weekend Getaway For Couples In Southend

Clifftop View of the Seafront ©

Cliff Gardens with Spectacular View over Thames Estuary ©

Romantic getaway for couples

If you're looking for a romantic weekend getaway near London or the southeast of England, you'll find plenty of options in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic walks along the coast, explore the cultural attractions in the city, or catch a show at the theatre, there's something for everyone in this seaside resort. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

- Stay at one of the best romantic hotels in Southend-on-Sea, such as The Roslin Beach Hotel, The Beaches Guest House, The Gleneagles Guesthouse, The Last Post Wetherspoon Hotel, Muthu Westcliff Hotel, or Pebbles Guest House.

- Take a ride on the Southend Pier & Railway, the longest pleasure pier in the world. You can walk or take a train to the end of the pier, where you'll find a museum, a cafe, and a cultural centre, or stroll along the long seafront in the UK from Chalkwell to Shoeburyness while enjoying panoramic views of the Thames Estuary and the city skyline.

- Visit Adventure Island, the seafront amusement park that has over 40 rides and attractions for all ages. You can have fun on the roller coasters, bumper cars, water slides, and more. Or just enjoy the views from the Ferris wheel or the Sky Drop.

- Take a scenic walk along the peaceful Cliff Gardens, unwind in the charming Prittlewell Square (see the main picture above), then head for refreshments in the bar of the Cliff Pavilion and enjoy stunning view over Thames Estuary. A beautiful hidden gem attractions, and one of my favourites in the area.

- Watch a show at the Cliff Pavilion, a theatre and concert venue in Westcliff-on-Sea, and the largest performing arts venue in Essex. It hosts a variety of shows, from ballet and opera to comedy and rock concerts. The Cliff Pavilion also comes with a restaurant and a bar overseeing the beach and seafront, is a perfect place for romantic couples who want to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea in a beautiful setting or dinning before a night of entertainment.

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Queen Victoria Statue in Cliff Gardens ©

Cliffs Pavillion

Click image below to see more about the Cliffs Pavillion & Gardens

- Alternativelt, you can go to see the performance at the Palace Theatre, a historic venue that hosts a variety of performances, from musicals and comedies to dramas and concerts. You can check out what's on and book your tickets online.

- Explore Old Leigh, the historic fishing village that dates to the 14th century. You can stroll along the cobbled streets, admire the old cottages and pubs, and sample some fresh seafood from the stalls and restaurants.

- Visit Hadleigh Castle, the ruins of a medieval fortress that overlooks the marshes and the sea. You can learn about the history of the castle, which was built by King Edward III in the 14th century, and admire the scenery from the hilltop.

- Explore the Prittlewell Priory, a former monastery that dates back to the 12th century with a museum displays artefacts and exhibits related to the history of Southend-on-Sea, and see the gardens and ponds in that surround the priory in the Priory Park

- Visit Southchurch Park, only 5 minutes' walk from the seafront, this well laid out park has nicely maintained gardens, cricket field, bowling, and sports arena. You can watch cricket matches, take a stroll along the beautiful lake, or enjoy snacks and drinks at the lovely little cafe. It's great for families too, as it comes with a small playground at the corner.

- Relax at Westcliff Beach, a sandy and shingle beach that offers a quiet spot to sunbathe, swim, or picnic. You can also enjoy views of the cliffs and the pier from the promenade.

- Try your luck at Grosvenor Casino Southend, a modern casino that offers gaming tables, slot machines, poker rooms, and more. You can also dine at their restaurant or bar or watch live sports on their screens.

- Test your survival skill and join the Zombie Scavengers Game, a survival game where players must collect survival items for their colony after a zombie apocalypse, taking 60 minutes to complete.

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Sunday Open Air Concert at the Privory Park ©

(Photos & videos by Loretta S © )

Check out my video about Southend's hidden gem Southurch Park

Best romantic restaurants in Southend-on-Sea

And of course, no romantic weekend getaway is complete without a candlelit dinner at one of the many restaurants in Southend-on-Sea. You can choose from a variety of cuisines and atmospheres to suit your mood.

Here are some of the best romantic restaurants in Southend-on-Sea:

- The Roslin Beach Hotel Restaurant, a beautiful restaurant located at the seafront with fantastic sea views, offers fine dining experience for couples and families to dine in its elegant interior and relaxed atmosphere. It has a lovely Garden Terrace overlooking the beach and estuary with a secluded area for the romantic getaways and escape from it all.

- Alvaro’s Restaurant, located at St Helen's Rd in Westcliff on Sea, offers exquisite Portuguese cuisine with a wide variety of Portuguese specialities. A cozy traditional restaurant established since 1977. Highly recommended if you want a Portuguese fine dining experience in the local area.

- La Pizzeria, another Italian restaurant that specialises in Sicilian dishes. It has a warm and intimate ambience with brick walls and wooden furniture.

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Rosling Hotel interior. December 2023 ©

- Gold Coast, a seafront Chinese restaurant serving delicious Cantonese food, is great for those who fancy Chinese food in a traditional settings with sea view.

- Barru, a Mediterranean restaurant that offers tapas, paella, kebabs, and more. It has a lively and colourful atmosphere with live music and entertainment.

- Monti Ristorante Italiano, an Italian restaurant that serves authentic pizza from a wood-fired oven. It has a modern and stylish decor with leather seats and marble tables.

These are just some of the things you can do in Southend-on-Sea for couples. You can also check out other attractions such as, Escape Live Southend - Escape Rooms, or The Beecroft Art Gallery. Whatever you choose to do, you'll have a memorable weekend getaway in this charming seaside resort.