The local area

• Central Museum and Planetarium - Step back in time and explore the rich history and heritage of Southend-on-Sea through a wonderful collection of archaeology, natural and social history displays. The first floor of the museum is home to the only public planetarium in the South East of England outside London – the perfect location for an educational and exciting tour of the night sky.
• Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre - Southend offers a thriving theatrical scene, with two main theatre venues: Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre. Immerse yourself in a huge selection of live entertainment performances including touring West End musicals, ballet, concerts, pantomimes, and comedy.
• The Focal Point Gallery is located within the Forum and is a space for both established and new and exciting artists to present their work. There are four major exhibitions each year alongside free workshops, community events and cultural activities.
• Ironworks is a new art and culture space for  live music, theatre, workshops, pop-up markets and more.
• Check out Southend’s thriving art scene from traditional to contemporary galleries, showcasing local and national artists.

• Go to the Visit Southend website for more

• Escape Live - Looking for an adrenaline fuelled and exciting challenge? Why not see if you can escape the #1 Escape Room in Essex? Working in a group of up to six people, you are given the task to navigate through and evacuate a themed through finding clues and solving puzzles in under an hour.
• Seafront Open Top Bus Tour Enjoy touring Southend Seafront and travel in style from Southend Pier to Leigh on Sea. You can hop on and hop off the bus as you please, making it a great way to explore the coastline!
• Live Music: Southend is home to some amazing music venues and events. From spending an afternoon of jazz on a Sunday at The Jazz Centre UK or your Friday evening at Chinnerys to singing along at the Cliffs Pavilion to your favourite musical. Southend has it all. 
• Adventure Island - Thrillseekers are in for a scream at Southend’s very own theme park - Adventure Island. Scattered around the park on the pier are more than 50 rides, attractions, arcades, slideshows, stalls, gift shops and cafés to enjoy and the best bit is that admission is free – you only pay for a wristband if you want to play.
• Cruises: Did someone say cruise? You can explore the river Thames from Southwold Pier by taking a Southend Cruise from Jet Stream Tours.
• On a budget? Don’t worry! Southend has lots of free events to attend such as the annual Classic Cars on the Beach, Music in the Park and Fireworks on the seafront. What’s more, Southend hosts movie nights at The Forum showing classic family movies on the Big Screen.

When the sun goes down, Southend most definitely lights up! Whether you fancy fish and chips on the beach as the sun goes down, a few quiet drinks at the bar or showing off your best dance moves at a club – Southend has got it all. The city will spoil you for choice with its vast offering of bars, clubs, restaurants, and seafront pubs and a great selection of live music, theatre, and comedy shows, making Southend’s nightlife like no other. 

• Belfairs Wood, Park, and Nature Reserve - For a breath of fresh country air, more than 1,160 acres of historic green woodland await your arrival. Trail through the trees, observe wildlife from butterflies to dormice to horses, or have a go at a game of crazy golf, bowls, or tennis.

• Priory Park - Whatever the weather, Priory Park is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you want to escape in the peace and quiet of a secluded secret garden, or want to dance the night away with live music at the bandstand, Priory Park is the place for you. There’s also tennis courts, ponds, a maze, and a museum, so you’ll probably find yourself coming back again and again.

• Beaches:  Southend’s sweeping coastline has seven award winning beaches to enjoy. Whether you’re strolling along the sand or dipping your toes in the water, make the most the views at one of the beaches in the warmest and driest places in the UK.

• Southend Marine Activities Centre: You can also make a splash along this stunning scenic coastline with a wide choice of water sports and activities including canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, powerboat driving, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.

• The pier: Take a leisurely stroll along Southend High Street towards the sea and you will soon enough find yourself drawn to the world’s longest pleasure pier, extending 1.3 miles into the Thames Estuary. There’s plenty to see and do to keep you busy while you’re there, making it the perfect location to take a well-deserved study break!

Southend has two large shopping centres at either end of its High Street, right beside the campus. Both offer a huge selection of independent boutiques and big brand retailers, as well as a variety of stores, bars, and restaurants along the surrounding side streets – so grab your student card and shop til you drop! This lively city centre also hosts regular market days offering the best local produce, handmade goods, and vintage treasures that you won’t find anywhere else.