Southend-on-sea
Southend owes its existence to the Prince Regent, who in 1809 decided that the village of Prittlewell (now a part of Southend) would provide a healthier atmosphere for his wife, Princess Caroline, than did London, 40 miles to the west. Caroline lodged at Prittlewell's south end, which henceforth became the town's official name. As the nearest sandy beach to London, Southend has doggedly maintained the popularity that followed from its Royal patronage, although it now retains only a glimmer of the elegance it once personified as the select watering-hole of the early 19th century. The resort's early days are recalled by a visit to the Georgian Royal Terrace, with its distinctive wrought-iron verandas, located on the embankment above the seafront; here it was that Princess Caroline stayed at Nos. 7 & 9.
Southend today incorporates many of the neighbouring towns along a 7 mile stretch of promenade and sand, making it one of the longest seaside resorts in Britain; however, it is the Southend pier that sets it apart from many other English resorts. At 1.33 miles, this is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Erected in 1889, Southend pier has several times suffered damage by fire and storm, and in June 1986 was cut in two when a ship in distress collided with it; however, with every accident endured the pier is always repaired. Visitors can walk its length or take the special pier shuttle-train to view the lifeboat station and Southend Pier Museum. The latter was opened in 1989, marking the centenary of the iron pier, and displays illustrate its history from the 19th century.
Two other seafront attractions are worth highlighting, beginning with Sea Life Adventure, located about half-a-mile east of the pier, where, if the estuary is reasonably free of shipping, visitors will be able to view sharks, starfish, spiky crabs and other marine life. A short walk beyond is the Marine Activity Centre, offering a number of leisure pursuits such as sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. Southend also has its share of amusement parks including Adventure Island and Never, Never Land, the latter being a fantasy park for tiny tots.
Of more historical interest is Prittlewell Priory Museum, beautifully set off by the surrounding gardens of Prittlewell Park; unfortunately, only the refectory, the prior's chamber and the cellars remain from the original structure. Southchurch Hall Museum is also worth a visit. Originally a 14th century timber-framed manor house, with additional features from the Tudor period, its moat has been restored as a series of pools within a pleasant garden setting and lovingly furnished with objects of the period. Southend Central Museum houses major collections on natural and local history and archaeology; adjoining is a rather fascinating Planetarium.