Looking for immersive experiences in London? Well, good, because I’m the UK’s biggest independent immersive experience blogger. Whenever an immersive experience launches in London, I’m there no matter how weird it is. I have visited more than 100 so far!
Below London’s best immersive experiences that I have tried and tested, organised by type. This article gets updated regularly, check the last published date for the latest update time and you’ll find 30+ immersive experiences here at all times.
Something needs updating? Give me a shout in the comments, or on Instagram (@travelwithpau).
This Month’s Highlight
Luminiscence
After captivating over one million people worldwide, Luminiscence is coming to London this summer — and Westminster Cathedral might be the most spectacular venue it has ever had. The building’s vast domes, soaring columns, and intricate mosaics become a living canvas as 360° projections sweep across every surface, all set to the music of Beethoven, Verdi, Debussy, Vivaldi, and Bach performed live by the Lux Aeterna choir. There’s also a specially commissioned script narrated by Hugh Bonneville. It’s seated, around 50 minutes, and genuinely unmissable. Running 1 July – 27 September 2026, from £32.50.
The most technically remarkable concert I’ve ever seen — and I don’t even say that lightly. ABBA Voyage takes place in a purpose-built arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where four holographic ABBAtars (the band as they looked in 1979) perform a 100-minute setlist backed by a ten-piece live band. The result is genuinely uncanny — it looks, sounds, and feels like seeing ABBA live. All 20 songs are greatest hits: Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Fernando, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! — the full lot. You can sit or go on the dance floor. London exclusive, has been running for years, and still sells out. If you haven’t done it yet, stop waiting.
You’re the crew of a starship. That’s the premise of Bridge Command, and it delivers completely. Held in a custom-built spaceship set in Vauxhall, you and your group take on roles — pilot, engineer, weapons, communications — and work together to navigate missions, survive crises, and interact with live actors playing characters in the story. No VR, no headsets — just an extraordinarily immersive set with sliding palmprint doors, smoke and sparks when you take damage, and two hours of proper group gameplay. One of the most original immersive experiences in London right now. Running until August 2026, from £40. Groups of up to 14.
This is one of the most exciting immersive experience launches of 2025! The official live, playable experience based on the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV show, The Traitors is set in London’s West End. The Traitors: Live Experience will allow players to dive into the world of the hit TV series as they take a seat at ‘The Round Table’, participate in missions and work together to uncover the Traitors.
Candlelight has exploded into one of the most popular concert experiences in London — and honestly, I get it. Intimate live performances in stunning venues, lit entirely by candlelight, at prices that won’t bankrupt you. There are now over 45 different shows running across the city, from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Hans Zimmer film scores to tributes to Adele, The Beatles, Queen vs ABBA, and even Hip-Hop on Strings. Venues range from Southwark Cathedral and St Martin-in-the-Fields to Central Hall Westminster and Cadogan Hall. Whatever your taste in music, there’s almost certainly a Candlelight show for you — and it makes a brilliant date night or gift.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and one of the most underrated city breaks in the UK. It’s compact, incredibly walkable, and packed with history, culture, and one of the best food and bar scenes I’ve encountered anywhere in the British Isles.
It’s also a city that wears its complex past openly — the murals, the Peace Wall, the political taxi tours — and that honesty makes it one of the most thought-provoking places I’ve visited. Come with an open mind, and you’ll leave with a genuine understanding of a city that has worked incredibly hard to reinvent itself.
Nowadays Belfast is my second home, as I own short term accommodation properties in the city. I’m constantly advising and engaging tourists so I do dare say I know a lot. So if you are visiting do me a favour and stay in one of them… wink, wink!
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
VISITING BELFAST: THE ESSENTIALS
Transport / Belfast City is quite small and fully walkable, there’s buses of course, but frankly you don’t even need them. However, I do encourage you to get a rental car so you can independently visit the rest of Northern Ireland which is also very small so you can use Belfast as your base. Book your rental using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires. If you are not renting a car, should you require an airport transfer, I always use WelcomePickups.
Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Belfast, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.
Luggage storage / You might need to store your luggage before checking in to your hotel, you can use this website which has spots all across the city!
Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST
Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience
The Titanic Belfast museum is, without exaggeration, one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. Built on the exact slipway where the Titanic was constructed, it takes you through the full story of the ship — from Belfast’s industrial history to the night of the sinking and beyond. The building itself is stunning, designed to resemble the prow of a ship.
A great way to start your trip is to take a hop-on; hop-off bus across all Belfast city top attractions. It’s the perfect way to get started and get an overview of the city if you are short on time and an efficient way to get around the furthest away sites. I took this one with Belfast City Tours and loved it. It stops on 19 sites (many which I feature below) and pricing wise it’s great. Book it here, or below:
I was expecting Tenerife to be just another beautiful beach destination, packed with British tourists longing for warmth and sun. Well, it’s so much more than that. This island is genuinely one of the most diverse places I’ve visited — you can hike a volcano, swim in natural lava pools, kayak with dolphins, and eat fresh seafood in a clifftop village, all in the same trip. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tenerife, you’ve come to the right place.
VISITING TENERIFE: THE ESSENTIALS
Transport / Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife South (TFS) serves the resort areas and is where most UK direct flights land; Tenerife North (TFN) is closer to Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups for a fixed-price, no-hassle arrival with your driver waiting at arrivals. Search for flights on Skyscanner.
Car Rental / A car is essential in Tenerife — the best beaches, hikes, and villages are spread across the island and public transport won’t cover them. Compare rental rates on DiscoverCars — they consistently beat the airport desks.
Stay / The north (Puerto de la Cruz) gives you authentic Tenerife with easy access to nature; the south (Costa Adeje) is best for beach resorts and reliably sunny weather.
Stay / The north (Puerto de la Cruz) gives you authentic Tenerife with easy access to nature; the south (Costa Adeje) has more reliable sunshine and full resort facilities:
Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Spain, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.
Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more — especially important if you’re hiking Teide or doing the Masca gorge.
Where to Stay in Tenerife
One of the most important decisions you’ll make before visiting Tenerife is which part of the island to base yourself in — because the north and south feel like two completely different destinations.
The island is split by a mountain range, and the two halves have entirely different climates and vibes. The south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas) is hot, dry, and resort-heavy — great for beach holidays, buzzy evenings out, and family-friendly facilities. The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, La Laguna) is greener, cooler, and much more authentic — lush tropical vegetation, colonial architecture, and far fewer package tourists.
My recommendation? Base yourself in the north and day-trip south. You get the best of both worlds, and you’ll discover a side of Tenerife that most visitors miss entirely.
South Tenerife — Best For Beaches and Resorts
The south is where you’ll find the big resort hotels, long stretches of golden sand, and the best weather on the island. It’s more developed but can feel a bit soulless if you stay exclusively in the resort bubble.
Browse hotels in Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos: South Tenerife
North Tenerife — Best For Authenticity and Nature
The north is where I’d choose to stay every time. Puerto de la Cruz is a charming town with a real local feel, great restaurants, and easy access to La Orotava, La Laguna, and Anaga Rural Park. It’s also cooler, which you’ll appreciate after a long day of hiking.
Browse hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna: North Tenerife
Things to Do in Tenerife
Parque Nacional El Teide
Mount Teide is Tenerife. Standing at 3,718 metres, it’s Spain’s highest peak and the third-largest volcano in the world — and on a clear day you can see it from almost anywhere on the island. The national park surrounding it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the lunar-like landscape of rust-red rock and volcanic ash is genuinely unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
There are a few ways to experience Teide. The cable car takes you up to 3,555 metres — the views from the top are extraordinary, with the clouds far below you and, on the clearest days, glimpses of the other Canary Islands in the distance. If you want to go all the way to the summit (an additional 30-minute hike), you’ll need a free advance permit from the national park website. Book it well ahead, especially in summer.
For hikers, the Montaña Blanca trail (8.3 km, 4–6 hours up) is the classic route. The shorter Roques de García walk is an easier 2-hour loop that still takes you through spectacular volcanic scenery.
This was, hands down, my favourite experience in Tenerife — and I didn’t even know it existed until a local told me about it.
The Barranco de Masca is a dramatic gorge hike that descends from the mountain village of Masca down to a remote black-sand beach at the bottom. It’s about 3 hours of walking through one of the most spectacular landscapes I’ve ever seen: towering cliff walls, exotic palms and cacti, mini streams, geckos darting across the rocks. It feels like the set of a film.
At the bottom, you can either hike back up (double the time, not for the faint-hearted) or take a boat back to Los Gigantes — I’d strongly recommend the boat. Los Gigantes itself is worth a visit for the famous cliffs alone: sheer black rock faces dropping straight into the Atlantic, some reaching 800 metres high.
The hike involves some scrambling over large rocks and can be slippery — wear proper shoes and take plenty of water. A permit is now required to do the hike (book via caminobarrancodemasca.com). Taxis from Los Gigantes to Masca village cost around €23.
One of the most memorable mornings of my Tenerife trip was a 3-hour 45-minute kayaking excursion out to find wild dolphins. We went out in two-person kayaks and spent the morning paddling along the coast, then spotted a pod of dolphins — not performing in a show, just going about their lives in the ocean. There were beers and snacks waiting when we got back.
Our guide Dominique (a Frenchman who’d ended up in Tenerife and never left, as you do) was brilliant — knowledgeable about the local marine life and genuinely passionate about keeping the experience as natural as possible. Book your dolphin kayaking tour here.
The Best Beaches in Tenerife
One of the surprises of Tenerife is how varied the beaches are — golden sand, black sand, wild and remote, or fully set up with sun loungers. Here are my favourites:
Playa Las Teresitas — The most beautiful beach on the island, in my opinion. Golden Saharan sand (yes, imported from the Sahara), calm turquoise water, palm trees, and the dramatic Anaga mountains as a backdrop. It’s just a short drive from Santa Cruz and has a wonderfully local feel — this is where the Tenerife residents come to relax.
Playa El Bollullo — Black volcanic sand, banana plantations on either side, and very few tourists. You have to walk down a path to reach it, which is probably why it stays quiet. The seafood restaurants at the top are great for lunch.
Playa El Jardín — A beautifully landscaped beach in Puerto de la Cruz with black sand and views across to Mount Teide on clear days. The surrounding gardens are gorgeous and make it feel very different to a typical resort beach.
Playa del Duque — Costa Adeje’s most upmarket beach, with calm turquoise water, sunbeds, and smart restaurants nearby. The mock castle at one end is a bit kitsch but it makes for a good photo.
Playa El Médano — Wide, golden, and very windy — which is exactly why the surfers and windsurfers love it. If you’re into water sports or just want a beach with a more local, active atmosphere, this is it.
Playa La Tejita — A spacious golden beach just along from El Médano, with a dramatic red mountain as a backdrop and a clothing-optional cove at one end. Very chilled.
Playa Abades — Remote and hard to reach, but worth it for the solitude. There’s an abandoned leper village nearby that adds a strange, atmospheric quality to the whole area.
Garachico
Garachico is one of those places that makes you fall a little bit in love with Tenerife all over again. This small coastal town sits in a valley surrounded by tropical vegetation and, until 1706, it was the island’s most important harbour. Then the Montaña Negra volcano erupted and buried most of it under lava. The town rebuilt — and what the lava left behind actually became one of Garachico’s greatest assets: a series of natural rock pools carved out by the lava flow, perfect for swimming in.
Wander the cobblestone streets, visit the 16th-century San Miguel Castle, and stop at Fragola café for ice cream. It’s a really easy half-day trip from anywhere in the north.
Anaga Rural Park
The Anaga Rural Park in the northeastern corner of Tenerife is a world away from the sun-and-beach version of the island. It’s one of the oldest forests in Europe — ancient laurisilva trees dripping with moss, hiking trails that wind through misty mountains, and dramatic viewpoints over wild coastline. The village of Taganana at the bottom is beautiful, with a handful of tiny restaurants serving fresh fish straight from the Atlantic.
This is the Tenerife that most visitors miss, and honestly it was one of my highlights. Allow at least half a day if you can.
La Laguna — officially San Cristóbal de La Laguna — is a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most beautiful towns in the Canary Islands. Its old colonial quarter is a maze of colourful buildings, churches, and atmospheric squares that were the model for many cities built across the Americas in the 16th century. Today it’s also a university town, which gives it a buzzy, youthful energy.
It’s only 10 minutes from Santa Cruz by tram and could easily fill a half-day. The food and coffee scene is great — much better than anything in the resort towns down south.
La Orotava
La Orotava is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Puerto de la Cruz, but it deserves its own visit. The historic centre is full of ornate Canarian wooden balconies (some of the finest examples anywhere on the island), lush botanical gardens, and well-preserved colonial architecture. The views down to Puerto de la Cruz and the Atlantic are spectacular too.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
The waters off Tenerife’s southwest coast are home to a resident population of short-finned pilot whales, which means whale watching here is reliable year-round — not a seasonal gamble. You can also spot bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and, if you’re lucky, blue or sperm whales passing through.
Boat tours leave from Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje, and most are 2–3 hours. Go for one of the smaller, more responsible operators over the big party boats if you want a genuine wildlife experience.
If you’re travelling with kids (or just want a brilliant day out regardless of age), Siam Park in Costa Adeje is consistently rated one of the best water parks in the world — and having been, I can confirm the hype is deserved. The rides are excellent, the wave pool is enormous, and the Thai-temple theming is surprisingly well done. Book tickets online in advance to skip the queues.
Mount Teide sits above the clouds, far from light pollution, in one of the clearest skies in the world — which makes it one of the premier stargazing destinations in Europe. Several tour operators run evening stargazing excursions that take you up the mountain after dark, usually with telescopes and a guide who really knows their stuff. I didn’t do this on my trip and I genuinely regret it.
Tenerife’s food scene is better than most people expect. Don’t leave without trying papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with mojo verde or mojo rojo), gofio (a toasted grain flour used in everything from soups to ice cream), and fresh grilled fish at a local guachinche — a type of informal Canarian tavern where local wine and home cooking are the whole point.
For markets, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz is one of the best: fresh produce, local cheeses, Canarian wines, and street food all under one roof. Go on a Saturday morning.
Best Day Tours in Tenerife
If you’d rather not drive yourself — or want to cover multiple highlights in one go with a guide — these are the tours worth booking:
La Laguna, Aloe Vera Farm & Lunch Tour: An 8-hour cultural day out that combines the UNESCO-listed city of La Laguna, a visit to a working aloe vera farm, a stop at a bodega, and lunch included in the price. A great option if you want to get beyond the resorts and understand the island a little better. Book here
Full-Day Guided Island Tour: A classic 8-hour circuit around the island’s perimeter taking in four very different stops — the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes, the ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos, the seaside city of Puerto de la Cruz (free time for lunch), and the Basílica in Candelaria with its famous Black Madonna. A good all-rounder if it’s your first time. Book here
Teide, Icod, Garachico & Masca Full-Day Tour: The volcano-focused option. You head up through Vilaflor’s pine forests — the highest village in Spain — into the otherworldly Las Cañadas del Teide (filming location for Planet of the Apes, genuinely as dramatic as it sounds), then drop down to Icod de los Vinos for the famous ancient Dragon Tree and free time for lunch, Garachico for its natural lava pools, the clifftop hamlet of Masca, and the giant cliffs of Los Gigantes on the way back. Book here
Complete Island Tour with Masca (no Teide): A cultural and coastal circuit that covers a completely different part of the island — no Teide on this one. You visit the Basílica in Candelaria with its Guanche king statues, the beautifully preserved historic quarter of La Orotava with its famous carved wooden balconies, the historic harbour town of Garachico and its volcanic lava pools, Teno Rural Park, and the village of Masca. Hotel pickup from south resorts from 7:30am; the tour runs for around 9 hours. Book here
La Gomera Full-Day Trip from Tenerife South: A small-group day trip (max 18 people) to Tenerife’s neighbouring island. You’ll visit the Roque de Agando volcanic formations, walk through the ancient laurisilva forest of Garajonay National Park, have lunch with a live silbo gomero (the island’s unique whistled language), and explore San Sebastian de La Gomera — where Columbus stopped before sailing to the Americas. Transfers included from Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Costa Adeje. Operates Tuesdays to Thursdays. Book here
Getting There and Around
Getting to Tenerife
Most UK airports have direct flights to Tenerife South (TFS) — the main tourist airport near the resort areas. If you’re heading to the north, Tenerife North (TFN) is smaller and closer to Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna, though there are fewer flight options.
For your airport transfer, I’d recommend booking with WelcomePickups — you get a fixed price, the driver meets you at arrivals with a name board, and there’s no haggling with taxis.
Getting Around Tenerife
A car is pretty much essential if you want to make the most of Tenerife. The buses (guaguas) connect the main towns but routes to places like Masca, Teide, or the Anaga viewpoints are infrequent or non-existent. The moment I picked up my rental car, the whole island opened up.
I always use DiscoverCars to compare rental prices — they compare across multiple suppliers so you can see which companies have the best deal on the dates you need. Book early, especially in summer and over the winter Christmas/New Year period when prices spike.
A few driving tips for Tenerife:
Roads in the mountains (especially around Masca and Anaga) can be very narrow and steep — take it slowly
Parking in the resort towns is easier than you’d think; most have free or cheap car parks nearby
Keep a full tank when heading to Teide — petrol stations are scarce inside the national park
Best Time to Visit Tenerife
Tenerife earns its “Island of Eternal Spring” nickname — the weather is genuinely pleasant year-round, which is one of the main reasons it’s such a popular destination for British travellers in winter.
Winter (November–February): Mild and sunny with temperatures around 20–22°C in the south. This is peak season for escaping the UK winter and is also the best time for whale watching. Expect crowds and higher prices.
Spring (March–May): Arguably the best time to visit if you’re into hiking — temperatures are comfortable, wildflowers bloom across the national park, and the island isn’t yet packed with summer tourists.
Summer (June–September): Hot and very sunny in the south (28–30°C), which is great for beach holidays. The north stays a little cooler. Teide and Anaga are best hiked early morning to avoid the heat.
Autumn (October): A lovely shoulder season — warm enough for the beach, not too crowded, and one of the better months for hiking. Whale watching is also excellent in October and November.
One thing to know: the south and north have noticeably different climates even within the same day. It can be overcast and misty in Puerto de la Cruz while blazing sunshine reigns in Costa Adeje. This is just Tenerife being Tenerife — don’t worry about it.
FAQ
Is Tenerife worth visiting?
Absolutely — and it’s much more than just a beach holiday destination. Tenerife is the most diverse of the Canary Islands, with an active volcano, UNESCO World Heritage cities, ancient forests, black-sand beaches, world-class whale watching, and year-round sunshine. Whether you want to hike, relax, explore culture, or do water sports, Tenerife has it covered. It genuinely surprised me on my visit, and I left wanting to go back.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife is a genuine year-round destination. Winter (November–February) is ideal for escaping cold UK weather, with mild temperatures around 20–22°C. Spring (March–May) is the best season for hiking — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and wildflowers in bloom. Summer is great for beach holidays, and autumn offers a lovely balance of warm weather and quieter resorts.
Do you need a car in Tenerife?
Yes — a rental car makes a huge difference in Tenerife. The island’s best beaches, hikes, and villages are spread across very different parts of the island, and public transport is patchy for many of the highlights. I always book through DiscoverCars to compare prices across rental companies. Roads in the mountains can be narrow, so take your time on the scenic routes.
Where is the best area to stay in Tenerife?
It depends on what you’re after. The south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) has the best beach weather, the biggest resorts, and a lively nightlife scene — ideal for a classic sun holiday. The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, La Laguna) is greener, cooler, more authentic, and much better for exploring Tenerife’s culture and natural landscapes. I’d personally always choose the north and day-trip south when I want the beach.
Is the Masca Gorge hike difficult?
The Masca Gorge hike is moderately challenging — it’s not technical climbing, but it does involve several hours of walking on uneven, rocky terrain with some scrambling required. The descent takes around 3 hours; going back up is significantly harder. A permit is required and must be booked in advance at caminobarrancodemasca.com. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and take the boat back from the beach to Los Gigantes rather than attempting the full return hike.
What should I eat in Tenerife?
Don’t leave without trying papas arrugadas (wrinkly salted potatoes served with mojo sauce) — they’re everywhere and they’re brilliant. Also look out for fresh grilled fish at a local guachinche (a small, informal Canarian tavern), gofio (a toasted flour used in traditional dishes), and Canarian wine, which is much better than you might expect. For an authentic food experience, visit the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz on a Saturday morning.
Have questions about Tenerife? Drop them in the comments below — I’m happy to help.
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Less than an hour from London by train, Southend-on-Sea is one of those places that Londoners have a funny relationship with. It’s close enough that it’s always been the East End’s seaside escape — the place families headed for a day of fish and chips, penny arcades, and the famous pier. And for that reason, it’s easy to dismiss as a bit naff, a bit retro, a bit too close to home to feel like a proper trip.
That would be a mistake.
Southend has genuinely come into its own over the past few years, and when you pair it with its neighbour Leigh-on-Sea — a genuinely charming fishing village with a brilliant food scene, independent pubs, and an Old Town that looks like it should be somewhere in Cornwall — you’ve got one of the best day trips or weekend escapes you can do from London. I’d take this over a crowded Brighton Saturday any time. We spent a lovely family 3 day weekend ourselves!
Here’s everything you need to know.
VISITING SOUTHEND-ON-SEA & LEIGH-ON-SEA: THE ESSENTIALS
Transport / Southend is one of the easiest day trips from London — trains from Fenchurch Street take around 50 minutes to Southend Central, or around 60 minutes from Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria. Both stations are walkable to the seafront. Book your train here. If you’re driving, it’s about 40 miles via the A13 or A127 — compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars if you want to make a proper weekend of it and explore the wider Essex coast.
Stay / Southend has hotels to suit every budget, and Leigh-on-Sea has some lovely B&Bs and self-catering options if you want to stay somewhere with more character. Search accommodation in Southend-on-Sea on Booking.com.
Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in the UK, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.
Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities, emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Why Visit Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea?
The combination is what makes this trip worth doing. Southend gives you the classic British seaside experience done properly — the world’s longest pleasure pier, a fun-fair, golden sand, and the kind of cheerful chaos that only the English coast in summer can produce. Then you walk or drive ten minutes west to Leigh-on-Sea and suddenly you’re in a completely different world: cobbled lanes, weather-boarded fishermen’s cottages, cockle sheds straight off a postcard, and some genuinely brilliant places to eat and drink.
It’s the same formula that makes Rye and Camber Sands work so well. And like that trip, it’s one you can do in a day or stretch into a weekend without running out of things to do.
How to Get There
By train: The easiest option by far. Trains from London Fenchurch Street run directly to Southend Central and take around 50 minutes — this is the fastest and most frequent service. Trains from London Liverpool Street go to Southend Victoria and take around 60 minutes. Both stations are a short walk from the seafront. Services run frequently throughout the day; book in advance on Trainline for cheaper fares.
For Leigh-on-Sea specifically, trains from Liverpool Street stop at Leigh-on-Sea station, which drops you right in the middle of the action. Perfect if you want to do Leigh first and Southend later. Book it here.
By car: Around 40 miles from central London — roughly 50–60 minutes via the A13 or A127, depending on traffic (avoid the A13 on a Friday evening). Driving gives you flexibility, especially if you want to explore the wider coastline or stay for the weekend. Compare car hire rates on DiscoverCars— booking ahead gets you the best price.
Southend didn’t really exist as a town until the late 18th century — it was quite literally the south end of the village of Prittlewell, which is why the priory there predates the town by several centuries. The arrival of the railway in the 1850s changed everything, opening up the Essex coast to London day-trippers and transforming Southend into one of the most popular seaside destinations in Britain.
At its peak in the early 20th century, Southend was pulling in millions of visitors a year. The pier — opened in 1889 and extended to its current record-breaking length in 1929 — became the defining symbol of a town that took its seaside seriously. It survived two world wars, several fires, and a collision with a boat, and it’s still standing.
Leigh-on-Sea has a quieter, older story. It was a thriving fishing port long before Southend existed, supplying fish and shellfish to London’s markets via the Thames. The cockle boats that still work out of Leigh’s Old Town are direct descendants of a trade that has been running here for centuries. When the railway arrived, Leigh largely avoided the fate of becoming a resort and stayed a working fishing village — which is exactly what makes it so appealing today.
Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea
Walk (or ride) Southend Pier
The pier is the reason Southend is on the map, and rightly so. At 1.33 miles (2.14 km), it’s the longest pleasure pier in the world — a record it has held since 1889 and one it shows no signs of giving up. Walking the full length and back is around 5km, which sounds manageable until you’re halfway out and realise you’re further from shore than most people ever get without a boat.
If walking both ways sounds ambitious, ride the Pier Railway — a narrow-gauge train that has been shuttling visitors back and forth since 1890. There’s a small museum at the pier head, a café, and views of the Thames Estuary that, on a clear day, stretch to the Kent coast. It’s utterly British and completely brilliant.
Practical info: Pier admission is £3 for adults; pier train return is £5 for adults. Check the Southend Pier website for current prices and opening times.
Adventure Island
Right at the base of the pier, Adventure Island is a traditional seaside funfair with over 40 rides and attractions. Entry to the park itself is free — you pay per ride or buy a wristband. It’s brilliant for families and, honestly, a lot of fun for adults too. The bigger rides are genuinely thrilling and the views from the top of the Rage roller coaster (now you’re looking at that pier from the other angle) are great.
SEA LIFE Adventure Southend
Right by the seafront, SEA LIFE Adventure is one of the best aquariums in the South East and a brilliant option if you’re visiting with kids — though honestly, you don’t need children to enjoy it. The highlight is the enormous ocean tank with sharks and rays gliding overhead, but the touch pools, seahorse sanctuary, and tropical displays are just as good. It’s indoors, which makes it a solid plan B if the weather turns (and this is the Essex coast, so plan for it).
Practical info: Allow 1.5–2 hours. Located on Eastern Esplanade, a short walk east of the pier. Book ahead in summer — it’s popular.
Southend Seafront & Beach
Southend has around 7 miles of seafront, and the main beach — particularly around the pier — is sandy and lively in summer. There are arcades, seafood stalls, ice cream kiosks, and the full range of classic British seaside entertainments. It’s not quiet or refined, but that’s not the point. Lean into it.
Rossi’s Ice Cream is a local institution that has been making ice cream in Southend since 1932. It’s on the seafront and the queue is usually a good indicator of quality.
Chalkwell Beach
If you want the seaside without the funfair crowds, head a mile or two west to Chalkwell Beach. It’s calmer, greener (backed by gardens rather than arcades), and popular with locals rather than day-trippers. A good option if you’re after a quiet walk along the water before heading into Leigh-on-Sea.
Prittlewell Priory
A 12th-century Cluniac priory right in the middle of Southend, which most visitors walk straight past without realising it’s there. The priory is now a small museum set in beautiful grounds, with exhibits covering the history of the town from medieval times to the present day. It’s quiet, free to enter (small charge for the museum), and a world away from the seafront noise.
Things to Do in Leigh-on-Sea
Explore the Old Town
Leigh’s Old Town sits at the bottom of a steep hill, separated from the modern town above by the railway line. It’s a cluster of weather-boarded fishermen’s cottages, narrow lanes, independent pubs, and working cockle sheds — the kind of place that makes you wonder how it hasn’t been entirely discovered and ruined yet. It hasn’t, quite, and that’s part of its charm.
The best thing to do is simply wander. Walk along the waterfront, watch the fishing boats, look at the boats drying on the mud flats at low tide, and find a pub. The Old Town is small enough to see in an hour or two, which makes it perfect as the second half of a Southend day trip.
Eat Cockles Straight from the Shed
Leigh is famous for its cockles, whelks, and shellfish, and the cockle sheds at the bottom of Old Town have been selling them for as long as anyone can remember. Osborne Bros is the most famous — buy a tub of cockles, whelks, or dressed crab and eat them on the seafront wall with a splash of vinegar. It’s the definitive Leigh experience and costs almost nothing.
Two Tree Island
A short walk from Leigh Old Town, Two Tree Island is a nature reserve on a tidal island in the Thames Estuary, managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. It’s a brilliant spot for birdwatching — particularly waders and wildfowl in winter — and the walk around the island offers great views across to Canvey Island and the Estuary. Free to visit, peaceful, and completely overlooked by most visitors.
Leigh Heritage Centre
A small but well-put-together museum dedicated to the history of Leigh-on-Sea’s fishing community. It covers the cockle trade, the working boats, and the role Leigh played in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940 — when Leigh’s fleet of small fishing vessels crossed the Channel to help rescue Allied troops. That story alone is worth knowing.
Where to Eat in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea
In Leigh-on-Sea Old Town:
The Peterboat — a proper old pub right on the waterfront with a sun trap terrace and good food. The fish and seafood dishes are the obvious choice. One of the best pub settings in Essex.
Ye Olde Smack — another Old Town institution, a tiny 16th-century pub that’s all low ceilings, local ales, and atmosphere.
Osborne Bros — for cockles, whelks, dressed crab and prawns eaten outdoors. Not a restaurant; a cockle shed. Do it anyway.
The Bell Inn — a bit further up from the Old Town but worth the climb for the food and the view back down over the Estuary.
In Southend:
Rossi’s — the ice cream, obviously. Go for the local flavours.
The Pipe of Port — a wine bar and bistro in the centre of Southend that punches above its surroundings. Good for a proper sit-down lunch.
Seafront fish and chips — multiple options along the seafront; find the one with the longest queue of locals and join it.
The Basilica — a family-run Sicilian Italian that’s been on Hamlet Court Road since 1974. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and excellent seafood. One of the best restaurants in the whole Southend area — book ahead.
Prowse — a Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant perched above the arches on Shorefield Road in Westcliff, with glorious estuary views. The lamb shish and mixed grill are excellent, portions are generous, and it’s consistently one of the highest-rated restaurants in the whole Southend area. Book ahead.
Where to Stay in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea
Southend makes a perfectly good day trip, but staying overnight transforms it — you get the seafront in the evening when the day-trippers have gone, and Leigh-on-Sea’s Old Town pubs at a genuinely relaxed pace.
In Southend: The town has a range of hotels from budget chains near the station to seafront options close to the pier. Search Southend-on-Sea hotels.
In Leigh-on-Sea: B&Bs and self-catering cottages in and around the Old Town are the best option if you want character over convenience. Waking up in Leigh and walking down to the cockle sheds for breakfast is a genuinely lovely way to start a morning. Search Leigh-on-Sea accommodation here.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is the obvious choice — the beach is at its best, Adventure Island is in full swing, and the Old Town pubs spill out onto the waterfront. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends, when half of East London seems to descend on Southend.
Spring and autumn are underrated. The seafront is quieter, the light over the Estuary is beautiful, and the pubs in Leigh’s Old Town are far more atmospheric on a cool, grey afternoon than in the height of summer. Two Tree Island is also best for birdwatching outside peak summer.
Winter is surprisingly atmospheric — the pier looks extraordinary on a clear winter’s day, and the cockle sheds are open year-round. Southend also does a decent Christmas market.
How Long to Spend There
One day: Very doable. Arrive at Southend Central, walk the pier, hit Adventure Island (or the beach), then take the train one stop to Leigh-on-Sea for the afternoon — Old Town, cockles, a pint at The Peterboat. Back in London for dinner.
A weekend: The sweet spot. Stay in Leigh-on-Sea, do Southend properly on day one, then spend your second day at Two Tree Island and exploring the wider Essex coast. Add a drive to Mersea Island for more excellent oysters if you have a car.
Southend-on-Sea FAQ
How far is Southend-on-Sea from London? Around 40 miles by road, or 50–60 minutes by train from London Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street. It’s one of the quickest seaside escapes from the city.
Is Southend-on-Sea worth visiting? Yes — particularly if you pair it with Leigh-on-Sea. Southend alone can feel like a lot of seafront noise; Leigh gives the trip a completely different and genuinely lovely dimension.
How long is Southend Pier? 1.33 miles (2.14 km) — the longest pleasure pier in the world. Walking it takes about 25–30 minutes each way; the pier railway runs alongside if you’d rather ride.
Is Southend beach sandy? Yes — unlike most South East beaches, which are shingle, Southend has sandy beaches along much of its seafront. Chalkwell Beach, a mile west towards Leigh, is quieter and backed by gardens.
What is Leigh-on-Sea known for? Its Old Town, fishing heritage, and shellfish — particularly cockles, whelks, and dressed crab from the famous cockle sheds. It’s also increasingly known as a food and drink destination, with some of the best pubs and independent restaurants in Essex.
Can you do Southend-on-Sea as a day trip from London? Absolutely. A day is enough to cover the highlights of both Southend and Leigh-on-Sea. If you want a more relaxed pace — or to properly explore Two Tree Island or the wider Essex coast — a weekend trip is even better.
Enjoyed this? You might also like my guide to Visiting Rye & Camber Sands — another brilliant day trip or weekend escape from London — or my Jurassic Coast guide if you’re after something a bit further afield.
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There’s a version of Brussels that gets a bad reputation — grey, bureaucratic, a city you pass through rather than stay in. I get it. I had that impression too before I actually went.
Then I spent a long weekend there and completely changed my mind. The Grand Place genuinely stopped me in my tracks — it’s one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe, full stop. The beer culture is extraordinary. The chocolate is as good as the stereotype promises. And I can’t think of many European cities where you can eat quite so well, quite so casually, for quite so little money. Add a neighbourhood like the Sablon — all antique shops, Art Nouveau cafés, and praline windows — and you start to understand why people who actually know Brussels are always a bit smug about it.
Here’s what to put on your Brussels bucket list.
VISITING BRUSSELS: THE ESSENTIALS
Getting There / Brussels is one of the easiest European cities to reach from London — the Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels Midi takes around 2 hours. Book your Eurostar on Trainline for the best fares and flexible ticket options. Flying in from further afield? Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups so there’s no taxi-hunting after a long flight.
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If you’ve been to Berlin and think you know Germany, Munich will completely surprise you. The two cities are day and night — Berlin is edgy and alternative, while Munich is polished, traditional, and, honestly, a little bit golden. I mean that literally: the cream-coloured buildings with their gilded details give the whole city a warm, almost regal glow that I wasn’t expecting.
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the home of Oktoberfest, so yes, beer is a very big deal here. But there’s so much more to this city than steins and pretzels — baroque palaces, world-class museums, one of Europe’s best urban parks, and a food scene that goes well beyond sausage. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, this Munich bucket list covers everything you need to see, do, eat, and experience.
Stay / From lively hostels near the Hauptbahnhof to boutique hotels in Schwabing, Munich has options at every budget. Search Munich hotels here.
Car Rental / Planning a day trip to Neuschwanstein, the Bavarian Alps, or Lake Starnberg? Hiring a car gives you a lot of freedom. Compare prices on DiscoverCars.
Connect / Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM — I use Sim Local and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU.
Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
