Explore Southend-on-Sea
Southend is famous for its seven miles of coastline, award-winning beaches and the world's longest pleasure pier. It offers the perfect balance of student life, entertainment and relaxation.
Spend your weekends exploring the historic fishing village of Old Leigh, enjoying live shows at the Cliffs Pavilion, visiting museums and galleries, or simply relaxing on the beach with friends. The city is packed with cafés, restaurants, independent shops and year-round events.
With direct rail services to London in under an hour and London Southend Airport just minutes away, Southend is an exciting place to live, study and explore.
Southend-on-Sea has far more to offer than just its famous seafront. Whether you're visiting for a day or you're a local looking for somewhere different to explore, here are some of the area's best attractions.
Iconic attractions
- Southend Pier and Railway – The world's longest pleasure pier (1.33 miles), with a railway taking visitors to the pier head, cafés and fantastic views across the Thames Estuary.
- Adventure Island – A free-entry amusement park with over 40 rides, from family attractions to rollercoasters.
- Southend-on-Sea Seafront – Miles of promenade, gardens, arcades, cafés and beaches perfect for walking or cycling.
History & heritage
- Old Leigh – A charming historic fishing village with cobbled streets, seafood restaurants and traditional pubs.
- Hadleigh Castle – English Heritage ruins overlooking the estuary, offering spectacular panoramic views.
- Prittlewell Priory – A restored medieval priory with beautiful gardens and exhibitions.
- Southchurch Hall – One of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in Essex.
Wildlife & family attractions
- Sealife Adventure – Home to penguins, otters, sharks, turtles and tropical fish.
- Southend Central Museum – Local history and archaeology.
- Southend Planetarium – Regular planetarium shows.
- Beecroft Art Gallery – Fine art, fashion and local history collections.
Beaches
- Jubilee Beach – Southend's main sandy beach beside the pier.
- Three Shells Beach – Popular family beach with shallow water and nearby cafés.
- Thorpe Bay Beach – A quieter Blue Flag beach popular for paddleboarding.
- Shoebury East Beach – Wide sandy beach with colourful beach huts and excellent walking.
- Westcliff Beach – Lovely walks, superbly positioned for the world-famous Rossi ice cream parlour, the famous Archway Cafes where you can grab a delicious snack or meal and enjoy watching the world go by.
Parks & nature
- Priory Park – One of Southend's finest parks with woodland walks, lakes and sports facilities.
- Chalkwell Park – Popular for picnics, sculptures, children's play areas and community events.
- Gunners Park – A peaceful coastal nature reserve with military history and excellent birdwatching.
Arts & entertainment
- Cliffs Pavilion – The region's largest theatre, hosting major touring musicals, comedy and concerts.
- Palace Theatre – Historic theatre offering drama, comedy and live performances.
- Southend Observation Tower – A modern viewing tower giving panoramic views across the coastline.
- Cliff Lift – A restored Victorian-style lift connecting the cliff top to the seafront.
Hidden gems
- Belfairs Woods & Nature Reserve – Ancient woodland ideal for walking and cycling.
- Southend Street Art Trail – Colourful murals throughout the town centre.
- Leigh Library Gardens – Quiet gardens overlooking the estuary.
- Two Tree Island Nature Reserve – One of Essex's best locations for birdwatching and scenic walks.
Southend combines traditional seaside fun with history, nature and culture, making it an excellent destination for families, couples and solo visitors alike. The seafront attractions, museums, parks and beaches provide something to do throughout the year.
Southend libraries
The Forum Library
Southend Central Library at The Forum
- The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1NS
- Directions
- 01702 534111
- Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm | Saturday, 8am–5pm.
- Good for: Studying, research, Wi-Fi, computers, printing, reading, group work and finding local information.
Located in the heart of Southend, The Forum is the city's main library and a particularly useful resource for students. It offers free Wi-Fi, computer access, printing, meeting rooms, a café and access to extensive online resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, newspapers and magazines. The library also houses Southend's local studies and family history collections, as well as language resources and access to a catalogue of more than six million books and other resources.
Kent Elms Library
Located on Rayleigh Road, Kent Elms Library serves the eastern side of Leigh-on-Sea and surrounding communities. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, computers, photocopying and a meeting room.
Address: 1 Rayleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5UU
Leigh Library
Situated on Broadway West, Leigh Library provides a convenient local place to study, browse books and access computers, Wi-Fi and photocopying facilities.
Address: Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2DA
Westcliff Library
Located on London Road, Westcliff Library offers free Wi-Fi, computer access, photocopying and a meeting room, making it a useful resource for students and the local community.
Address: 649 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9PD
Southchurch Library
Southchurch Library serves the central and eastern parts of Southend and offers free Wi-Fi, computers, photocopying and accessible facilities.
Address: 221 Lifstan Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 2XY
Shoeburyness Library
Based within Shoebury Youth and Community Centre on Delaware Road, Shoeburyness Library provides free Wi-Fi, public computers, books, photocopying and accessible facilities.
Address: Shoebury Youth and Community Centre, Delaware Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 9NS
Explore Basildon
Basildon is a modern, thriving town with outstanding leisure facilities, excellent shopping and some of Essex's most beautiful countryside just minutes away.
From the woodland trails of Langdon Hills Country Park to the family attractions at Wat Tyler Country Park and Barleylands Farm Park, there's plenty to discover outside the classroom.
Festival Leisure Park provides cinemas, restaurants, bowling and indoor activities, while fast transport connections make commuting across Essex and into London simple.
Basildon offers a great mix of outdoor spaces, family attractions, history and entertainment. Here are some of the best places to visit.
Parks & Nature
- Wat Tyler Country Park – One of Essex's premier country parks with walking trails, wildlife, a visitor centre, play areas and regular family events.
- Langdon Hills Country Park – Ancient woodland, panoramic views across Essex and the Thames Estuary, plus excellent walking and cycling routes.
- Langdon Nature Discovery Park – An Essex Wildlife Trust reserve with a modern visitor centre, café and birdwatching opportunities.
- Noak Bridge Nature Reserve – Peaceful woodland and meadow walks, ideal for spotting wildlife.
- RSPB Bowers Marsh – A coastal nature reserve popular with birdwatchers and photographers.
- Gloucester Park – Basildon's flagship town park with lakes, sports facilities, playgrounds and open green spaces.
- Northlands Park – A large family park featuring lakes, walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Family Attractions
- Barleylands Farm Park – A popular family attraction just outside Basildon with farm animals, adventure play, tractor rides and seasonal events.
- Basildon Miniature Railway – Located within Wat Tyler Country Park, this volunteer-run railway has recently reopened and offers enjoyable rides for families.
- Festival Leisure Park – Home to a cinema, bowling, restaurants, health clubs and indoor entertainment.
Arts & Culture
- Towngate Theatre – Basildon's main theatre, hosting comedy, music, drama, pantomime and touring productions.
- Eastgate Shopping Centre – The town's principal shopping centre, which also hosts community events and exhibitions.
History & Heritage
- Basildon Heritage – A volunteer-run museum telling the story of Basildon's development from ancient settlements to New Town.
- Wat Tyler Country Park Heritage Centre – Learn about the area's industrial, environmental and social history within the country park.
Sports & Activities
- Basildon Sporting Village – Olympic-standard swimming pool, athletics track, climbing wall and sports facilities.
- Sport for Confidence – An inclusive cycling hub, supporting adaptive cycling opportunities for people of all ages.
Nearby Attractions
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall – One of the UK's finest gardens, located near Rettendon.
- Battlesbridge Antiques Centre – A unique destination with antiques, independent shops and cafés.
Basildon is a vibrant place to live, study and enjoy your free time, offering the perfect mix of green spaces, family-friendly attractions, shopping, entertainment and culture. Whether you're spending a sunny afternoon exploring Wat Tyler Country Park, discovering the wildlife and countryside around Langdon Hills, enjoying the attractions at Barleylands, or meeting friends for food and entertainment at Festival Leisure Park, there's always something new to experience. With excellent transport links and plenty to see and do both in Basildon and beyond, you'll find it easy to make the most of student life in South Essex.
Basildon Libraries
Basildon Library
- The Basildon Centre, St Martin's Square, Basildon, SS14 1EE
- Directions
- Contact Centre: 0345 603 7628
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm
- Good for: Studying, Wi-Fi, computers, printing, creative activities, reading and community events.
Located in Basildon town centre, Basildon Library provides Wi-Fi, computers, printing, scanning and study facilities, making it a useful place to work outside college. It also offers room hire and a range of community activities and groups. The library hosts regular activities including creative writing, chess, book groups, crafts, digital support and community events, providing opportunities to meet people and get involved locally.
Laindon Library
Laindon Library provides a welcoming local study space with free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, photocopying, scanning and dedicated study space. There is also room hire and a programme of community activities, including book groups and creative sessions.
Address: 5–7 New Century Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6AG
Vange Library
Located on Southview Road, Vange Library offers free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, scanning and study space. It also runs a range of activities including digital support, book groups, creative sessions and community events.
Address: Southview Road, Basildon, SS16 4ET
Fryerns Library
Fryerns Library, on Whitmore Way, provides a convenient local library service for the Fryerns and surrounding communities. It offers access to books, computers and digital services, alongside community activities and events.
Address: Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 2NN
Wickford Library
Just outside Basildon, Wickford Library provides free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, photocopying, scanning and study space. It's a useful option for students living in Wickford or travelling between Basildon and the surrounding communities.
Address: Unit 8, The Willows, Market Road, Wickford, SS12 0RA
Pitsea Library – currently being redeveloped
Pitsea Library is currently temporarily closed while redevelopment work takes place. Essex Libraries currently expects the library to reopen in winter 2026. During the closure, nearby Vange Library is providing an alternative local library service.
Location: Maydells, Pitsea, Basildon, SS13 3DU
Explore Thurrock
Situated alongside the River Thames, Thurrock combines rich heritage with exciting modern attractions.
Explore historic Tilbury Fort, enjoy riverside walks, discover internationally important wildlife reserves or spend the day at one of Europe's largest retail and leisure destinations, Lakeside Shopping Centre.
Thurrock is also home to a growing creative and logistics sector, providing outstanding opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships and future careers.
Thurrock and Grays combine rich history, beautiful riverside landscapes, family attractions and one of the UK's largest shopping and leisure destinations. Here are some of the area's top attractions.
Historic Attractions
- Tilbury Fort – One of England's best-preserved riverside forts, famous for its role in defending the Thames Estuary and as the location of Queen Elizabeth I's inspirational speech to her troops before the Spanish Armada.
- Coalhouse Fort Park – A Victorian coastal fort surrounded by parkland, walking trails and picnic areas.
Nature & Outdoor Attractions
- Essex Wildlife Trust Thameside Nature Discovery Park – An award-winning visitor centre with panoramic views across the Thames Estuary, excellent birdwatching, family trails and a café.
- Chafford Gorges Nature Park – A beautiful nature reserve featuring lakes, woodland walks, wildlife and an excellent visitor centre.
- Davy Down Riverside Park – Scenic countryside with riverside walking and cycling routes.
- Langdon Hills Country Park – Woodland, open countryside and some of the finest viewpoints in south Essex.
- Belhus Woods Country Park – Large woodland park with lakes, walking trails and cycling routes.
Family Attractions
- Lakeside Shopping Centre – More than just shopping, with restaurants, entertainment and leisure attractions.
- Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside – An indoor themed attraction featuring popular Nickelodeon characters.
- Flip Out Lakeside – Indoor trampoline and adventure park.
- Immersive Gamebox – Lakeside – Interactive digital gaming experience using projection technology and motion tracking.
- Upside Down House – Lakeside – A fun photographic attraction where everything is built upside down.
- Lakeside Karting – One of the UK's largest indoor go-karting circuits.
- Partyman World Of Play – Indoor soft play centre for younger children.
Beaches & Riverside
- Grays Beach Riverside Park – Family-friendly riverside beach with one of the largest free playgrounds in Essex, splash area and Thames views.
- Tilbury Riverside – Riverside walks with views of the River Thames and ferry terminal.
Museums & Heritage
- Thurrock Museum – Discover the history of Thurrock from prehistoric times through to the modern day.
- High House Production Park – Home to creative industries, the Royal Opera House production workshops and cultural exhibitions.
Parks
- Grays Town Park – Victorian town park with playgrounds, sports facilities and ornamental gardens.
- Hardie Park – Popular community park featuring one of the UK's largest model boat lakes.
Shopping & Entertainment
- Lakeside Retail Park – Designer outlets, retail stores, restaurants and leisure facilities.
- The Destination at Lakeside – A modern entertainment complex with activities suitable for all ages.
Thurrock is a fantastic place to live, study and explore, bringing together riverside scenery, fascinating history, beautiful green spaces and an exciting range of shopping, leisure and entertainment. From discovering the heritage of Tilbury Fort and enjoying the views along the River Thames, to exploring nature at Thameside Nature Discovery Park or spending time with friends at Lakeside, there is plenty to keep you busy beyond the classroom. With excellent transport links, a growing range of career opportunities and London within easy reach, Thurrock offers an exciting environment to start your next chapter with SECG.
Thurrock & Grays Libraries
Thurrock has a network of libraries across the borough, including libraries in Grays, Blackshots, Chadwell, Purfleet-on-Thames, Tilbury, East Tilbury, Aveley, Belhus, Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope.
Grays Central Library
- Grays Central Library, Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX
- Directions
- 01375 413 976
- Opening hours: Monday and Thursday, 9am–7pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am–5pm; Saturday, 9am–1pm.
- Good for: Studying, research, Wi-Fi, computers, printing, e-books, group activities and local history.
Grays Central Library is particularly useful for students, with free Wi-Fi, computers, study spaces, a dedicated study room, printing, scanning, word processing and access to e-books and e-audio. The library also provides access to local history resources, newspapers, language collections and research facilities, alongside community activities, reading groups and clubs.
For students interested in meeting people and getting involved locally, Grays Library hosts activities including board games, chess and Lego clubs, as well as other events throughout the year.
Blackshots Library
Located on Blackshots Lane, the library provides a convenient local facility for residents in the Blackshots and surrounding areas. It offers access to books, computers, Wi-Fi and digital services, with activities and events taking place throughout the year.
Chadwell Library
Chadwell Library on Brentwood Road provides computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning and study spaces, alongside e-books and e-audiobooks. The library also has a community garden, rooms for hire and a programme of community activities.
Address: Brentwood Road, Chadwell St Mary, Grays, RM16 4JP
Tilbury Library and Hub
Situated in Civic Square, Tilbury Library is part of the Tilbury Hub and provides computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning and study spaces. It also offers access to e-books and e-audiobooks and hosts a range of community services and activities.
Address: Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AD
East Tilbury Library and Hub
East Tilbury Library and Hub provides local library and community services for residents of East Tilbury and surrounding villages. It offers access to computers, Wi-Fi, books and digital resources, alongside community facilities.
Purfleet-on-Thames Library and Hub
Located at River Court on Centurion Way, Purfleet-on-Thames Library and Hub is particularly convenient for students studying at SECG's Purfleet campus. It provides computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning, word processing and access to e-books and e-audiobooks. The hub also provides community support services.
Address: 53–54 River Court, Centurion Way, Purfleet-on-Thames, RM19 1ZY
Aveley Library and Hub
Aveley Library is located within Aveley Community Hub and provides local access to books, computers, Wi-Fi and digital resources. The hub also provides a range of community services and activities.
Belhus Library
Located within the South Ockendon area, Belhus Library provides local library services, access to books and digital resources, computers and Wi-Fi, alongside community activities.
Corringham Library
Located on St John's Way, Corringham Library serves Corringham and the surrounding communities. It provides access to books, computers, Wi-Fi and digital resources, as well as activities and events.
Stanford-le-Hope Library
Located on the High Street, Stanford-le-Hope Library provides local access to library services, books, digital resources and community activities.
You Future Starts Here
Whether you're beginning your career, preparing for university, changing direction or developing new skills, South Essex offers an inspiring place to learn, grow and succeed.
At South Essex Colleges Group, you'll receive outstanding teaching, industry-focused learning and access to excellent facilities - all while enjoying everything South Essex has to offer.
Come and discover why thousands of students choose South Essex Colleges Group every year.
