What to See, Do and Eat in Tooting, London (2026)
Tooting was named one of the 10 best neighbourhoods to visit in the world by Lonely Planet, and once you’ve spent an afternoon getting gently lost in its two indoor markets, you’ll understand why. As it happens, Tooting is actually my neighbourhood, I’ve lived here for over 12 years now, and it’s genuinely home. I chose to stay because I love how multicultural it is, and if I’m honest, mostly because of its super fun markets. Wedged between Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway tube stations, both on the Northern line, is a proper “curry corridor”, decades of South Indian, Sri Lankan and Pakistani food culture sitting shoulder to shoulder with newer wine bars, bao shops and more. It’s the kind of place that rewards wandering without a plan. Here’s my up-to-date guide to what to eat, do, drink and see.
TOOTING ESSENTIALS
✈️ Getting There from the Airport / From Heathrow, the quickest route is the Elizabeth Line into Tottenham Court Road, changing onto the Northern line, roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on which Tooting station you’re headed to (Tooting Bec or Tooting Broadway). From Gatwick, the fastest option is the direct Southern/Thameslink train to Clapham Junction (around 30 to 45 minutes), then a short onward hop into Tooting via bus or bus + train. If you’d rather not deal with luggage on public transport after a flight, book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups.
🚇 Getting There from Central London / The Northern line runs straight down to both Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway, about 25 to 30 minutes from central London depending on where you’re starting. There’s also a separate Tooting mainline rail station on the Southern/Thameslink network if you’re coming from Clapham Junction, Victoria, or south of the river.
🚶 Getting Around / Tooting itself is small and entirely walkable, everything in this guide is within about 15 minutes on foot of Tooting Broadway station, so there’s no need to think about local transport once you’re here.
What to Eat in Tooting
International food is what Tooting does best, below are my top picks.
Eating in Tooting: If You Only Have One Meal
Daddy Bao (113 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9PE) does fluffy, flavourful bao buns and delicious cocktails. It’s a sister spot to Peckham’s Mr Bao, and it’s always busy, so book ahead if you actually want a table rather than a wait outside.
Barra10 (16 Broadway Market, Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RL) is an Argentinian steakhouse tucked inside Broadway Market, run by an Argentinian chef and his Mexican wife, the kind of place where the smell of the grill hits you before you’ve even sat down. It’s been recommended by TopJaw, and as an Argentinian myself, I can vouch for it too, I visit very frequently. Go hungry, and whatever else you order, do not miss the ox cheek nuggets.
Lahore Karahi (1 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN) has been here since 1995 and turns up on nearly every “best curries in London” list going. It’s spicy, and it’s good. It’s also hectic, and the service can be a bit rude, but honestly that’s just part of the charm, you’re not here for hand-holding, you’re here for the tarka dhal and the sizzling lamb chops. Open till late most nights if the craving hits at 11pm.
Juliets (110 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NG) works great for brunch. A very hipster brunch spot in London, relaxed staff, indy music, all exposed brick and inventive plates like smoked caviar and pumpkin omelette. Everything on the menu is delicious, it genuinely feels like it’s been put together by Michelin-star chefs, not a neighbourhood brunch spot. It’s first-come, first-served, no bookings, so turn up early on weekends or be prepared to hover.
Naked Loaf (70 Moyser Road, Tooting, London SW16 6SQ) does sourdough pizza that’s genuinely one of the best I’ve had in London, full stop.
Eating in Tooting: Brunch
Flora inside Tooting Market does Latin American fusion brunch that’s louder and more colourful than most, now with a bottomless option and DJs at the weekend turning the whole thing into more of an event than a meal.
MUD (141 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9PE) is the classic, meat-focused brunch menu, big plates of eggs and bacon done properly, as well some caribbean fusion dishes. They do big portions so come hungry.
Branché (14 Trinity Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7RE) does French street food and an entirely halal, all-day brunch menu, the signature French tacos are worth the trip alone.
Eating in Tooting: South Indian
Radha Krishna Bhavan (86 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RN) is the one to try if you want your South Indian food a bit gentler on the palate, all soft idlis and coconut-heavy sauces rather than anything that’ll have you reaching for water.
Dosa n Chutney (68 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RN) does exactly what its name promises and does it well, proper crispy dosas with a spread of chutneys to go with them.
Jaffna House (90 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RN), London’s oldest Sri Lankan restaurant, does great curry at a genuinely negligible price.
Eating in Tooting: International Food
Little Taperia (143 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SY) does proper Spanish tapas, the kind of small plates and sherry list that makes an evening stretch out without you noticing.
Meza (34 Trinity Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7RE) is the Tooting Bec branch of the Lebanese restaurant, moujadara, creamy houmous, and plenty of grilled meat off the char.
Eating in Tooting: Coffee
Juliets (110 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NG) doubles as one of the best specialty coffee spots in the area on top of its brunch reputation, think salted espresso butter and a proper chai, not just an afterthought bolted onto the food menu.
Blueprint now has two spots to choose from, 162A Mitcham Road near Tooting Broadway, and a newer branch at 60 Franciscan Road closer to Tooting Bec common, both doing the same reliably good “coffee by design” approach. This is my go-to coffee shop, which I visit daily.
arêvery (116 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RR) is your daytime coffee spot that quietly turns into a lovely little wine bar come evening, small producers, intentional sourcing, and 30p from every coffee going to the local food bank.
Forty (165 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SY) is a proper community-run coffee spot, the kind of place that feels like it knows half its customers by their usual order.
Milk Run (16-18 Ritherdon Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 8QD) is Milk’s (mega popular brunch spot in Balham) sibling, all croissants, pain au chocolat and proper sourdough loaves alongside the coffee, worth the short detour off the main strip.
Eating in Tooting: Fancy Meals
Rosmarino (23 Trinity Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7RE) is a small, family-run, proper grown-up Italian, contemporary plates built on seasonal ingredients flown in from Italy, run by a husband and wife who genuinely seem to know every regular by name. Booking ahead is worth it, it’s a small room.
Smoke & Salt (115 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SY) is tasting-menu only, a rotating six-dish “Culture” menu built around the best produce of the season, with wine pairings if you want to make a proper night of it. Thursday to Saturday only, and it’s small, so book ahead.
Things to Do in Tooting
Tooting has two indoor markets, and honestly, wandering both of them properly is a thing to do in itself.
Wander and Eat at Tooting & Broadway Markets
Tooting Market (21-23 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN) is the older of the two markets, a warren of small units where you’ll stumble on something new every visit.
KOI Ramen Bar does a rich, properly bone-deep tonkotsu broth that’s worth queuing for, plus gyoza that disappear off the table faster than you can order more.
Get Juiced does fresh juices and smoothies, and banging açai bowls, good for a quick, cold reset between market stops. Do not leave without trying the all-vegan snickers bar, it’s genuinely one of the best things in the market.
Vermicelli (Unit 11, Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN) does consistently excellent handmade pasta, rolled out in full view of the market. The owners, Ahmos and Aleksandra, opened it after getting properly obsessed with vermicelli’s history, tracing the pasta back to 14th-century Italy and Maestro Martino da Como, sometimes called the first celebrity chef, and built the whole menu around telling that story properly.
Graveney Gin is a genuinely woman-run gin distillery with its own cocktail bar and bottle shop, the actual stills sitting right there behind the counter, so you can watch what you’re about to drink get made.
Love Art Tooting is a gallery and gift shop stocked with prints and cards from local artists, alongside ceramics, jewellery, books and stationery, genuinely nice gift territory rather than tourist tat.
Slime Bar does exactly what it sounds like, kids make their own slime in a one-hour workshop (or grab a 30-minute session with pre-made slime if patience is short), and it’s been a genuinely popular after-school and birthday party spot here since 2019.
Broadway Market (29 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RJ), the smaller and newer of the two, is where you’ll find Barra10 (see above).
The Brasa Club (Unit 25, Floor G, Broadway Market Tooting, SW17 0RJ) is genuinely one of the best-reviewed restaurants in the whole neighbourhood, 5 stars from well over a hundred reviews, small plates, ox cheek doughnuts, and everything made from scratch.
Pan Asian Street Food (Unit 24, 29 Broadway Market, London SW17 0RJ) does bao buns, tonkotsu ramen and a proper pork ramen, hundreds of genuinely glowing reviews.
On weekend nights the whole place fills with live music and an energy that’s a world away from a normal shopping trip.
Check Out a Legit Indian Market
Patel Brothers (187 Upper Tooting Road, London SW17 7TG) has been the go-to Indian grocery store here since 1973, shelves stacked floor to ceiling with spices, lentils and snacks imported directly from India, it genuinely feels like you’ve been transported there for the ten minutes you spend browsing.
Buy Fresh Naan
Daily Naan (176 Upper Tooting Road, London SW17 7ER) does naan so fresh it’s still warm when you’re handed it, and I find it an experience in itself just buying the bread!
Play Bingo in an Art Deco Cinema
Buzz Bingo (50 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NA) is housed inside the old Granada cinema, a genuinely stunning art deco building from 1931 that got converted into a bingo hall in the 70s but kept its original interior. Worth popping your head in just to see the building, even if bingo isn’t usually your thing.
Wander Around Tooting Common
Tooting Common is the proper green space to walk it all off, and next to Tooting Bec tube it connects through to Balham and Streatham if you fancy extending the walk. Head to the pond for the ducks, it’s a genuinely lovely spot to just sit for ten minutes, and there’s a weekly park run if you’re that way inclined. Fun fact: I got engaged by the lake here, so this particular patch of grass is a pretty special one for me.
Cool Off at the UK’s Largest Freshwater Lido
Tooting Bec Lido (Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU) is the largest freshwater swimming pool in the UK, a proper South London institution with those distinctive coloured changing huts you might recognise from Guy Ritchie’s Snatch. Fun fact: it was built in just four months and opened in July 1906 as “Tooting Bathing Lake”, a communal bath for locals who mostly didn’t have their own bathroom at home, which makes 2026 its 120th birthday. It’s open from 1 May to 30 September, and on bank holidays you’ll want to get there early or fight for the last spot in the sun.
Discover a Hidden Sewing Machine Museum
The London Sewing Machine Museum (308 Balham High Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7AA) is only open 2pm to 5pm on the first Saturday of each month, but the collection is genuinely something: over 600 sewing machines, one of them gifted to Queen Victoria’s daughter as a wedding present. There’s a haberdashery on site too if you leave inspired to sew something yourself.
Bake Your Own Cake in a Competitive Bake-Off
If you fancy something a bit more competitive than a pint, The Big London Bake runs baking sessions in a twelve-station tent set up in The Castle’s garden, walked through by real patisserie chefs in about 90 minutes. Best done in pairs or a group, and it’s non-alcoholic in the tent itself, though The Castle is right there for a pre or post-bake drink.
Where to Drink in Tooting
Pubs
The Castle (38 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RG) is a Young’s pub that’s been here since 1832, likely one of the biggest pubs in Tooting by sheer square footage, and its garden, complete with rentable garden huts, is the real draw for a summer get-together.
The Antelope (76 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NG) is a historic Victorian pub that reopened in April 2026 after a £1 million refurbishment, and thankfully it still feels like the same community pub underneath the polish. Beer garden intact, and a proper Sunday roast now on the menu too.
The Selkirk (60 Selkirk Road, London SW17 0ES) is a gorgeous Victorian two-bar pub tucked just off the main high street on a residential corner, with a surprisingly large walled garden that still feels like something of a locals’ secret. It’s especially good for a Sunday roast, and there’s a room upstairs for hire with a regular run of comedy and trivia nights, worth checking what’s on before you head down since it doesn’t run every single week.
The King’s Head (84 Upper Tooting Road, London SW17 7PB) is a proper piece of Victorian pub architecture, built in 1896 and recognised by CAMRA as a historic interior of national importance, so much so that the actual Euro 2020 trophy did a promotional visit here for a day. Sitting at an awkward midpoint between the two tube stations means it’s rarely as packed as it deserves to be, and with pool tables out back and sport on the screens, it’s a solid pick if you want space to actually sit down.
The Rose and Crown (140 Tooting Bec Road, London SW17 8BH), opposite Tooting Bec Common, is a proper local’s local with fresh pizzas, live sport, and a Sunday night pub quiz that’s worth building your evening around.
Craft Beer
Craft Tooting (143 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9PE) is my favourite London beer shop, full stop. It moved here from Broadway Market in late 2024 and now has six draft taps and a bottle selection that’ll have you standing at the fridge for a good ten minutes deciding.
Br3wery (97 Moyser Road, Furzedown, London SW16) is a bit further out but worth the walk, a proper craft beer taproom with sourdough pizza and natural wine, families and dogs both welcome.
Wine Bars
arêvery (116 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RR) is your daytime coffee spot that quietly turns into a lovely little wine bar come evening, small producers, intentional sourcing, and 30p from every coffee going to the local food bank.
Indie Wine Club (Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN) is a proper by-the-glass wine bar right inside the market, a list that changes with the seasons and a genuinely dog-friendly, unpretentious vibe. Closed weekends for private events, so a weekday visit is your best bet.
Cocktail Bars
Goldfinch (145 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9PE) does one of the best negronis in the city, and its fairy-light-covered heated garden, tucked behind an unassuming side entrance, feels like stepping into somewhere entirely different once you’re through it.
Where to Go Out in Tooting
The old Tooting Tram and Social, the converted tram shed everyone used to head to for a late one, closed and reopened in April 2026 as House of Ora, a genuinely different kind of night out for the neighbourhood, live music, DJs, and rotating art installations all in the same building that used to just be somewhere to dance till 2am.
The Candlelight Club (48A Mitcham Road, London SW17 9NA) is a proper 1920s speakeasy behind a secret door, candlelight, live jazz from Red Hot Rhythm Revival, and burlesque from Jolie Papillon. Dress the part, book a Champagne table or the three-course dinner option if you want to make a proper night of it.
More London guides:
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Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea: The Best Day Trip from London (2026)
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.
By air: London Southend Airport has flights to European destinations — useful if you’re combining this with a wider trip. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups for a stress-free arrival.
A Brief History of Southend-on-Sea
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).
Book SEA LIFE Adventure tickets to skip the queue and save money on the door price.
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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NON TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
Do you live in London or have been too many times? Had enough of Big Ben? Then you’re in the correct place.
London is undoubtedly the best city in the world. Well, I may be biased, but it is pretty awesome. Part of its awesomeness is that there are unlimited things to do which range from simply the unknown to the most ridiculous. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of non touristy things to do in London. The list is never ending: as soon as I experience more non touristy things to do in London, I will include them here, so remember to pin this post.
NON TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
QUIRKY THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
Have afternoon tea at a Cat Cafe
If you don’t know it already, Cat cafes are a thing. And London couldn’t be left behind in this feline trend. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium offers a chance to have tea with kittens roaming around. To add more to the fun, it’s vegan friendly! Just remember to book in advance.
Hit up an immersive experience!
As a Londoner, one of my favourite absolutely non touristy things to do in London is immersive experiences! An immersive experience is the perception of being in one place when you are actually in another. It is essentially the suspension of reality, even if just for a few moments. London has tons of immersive bars, theatre and dining experiences. Check out the best here.
Rave before going to work
Yes, this is also a thing! Morning Gloryville is becoming increasingly popular in London. It offers you the chance to rave from ~6 to 10.30 AM, on an alcohol free environment. Superfood smoothies, massages and lots of dancing instead. And yes, tickets sell out early so do book.
Check out a house made with one million mosaic tiles: Chiswick Mosaic House
Carrie Reichardt’s is the artist behind this house, which is hidden away on a quiet, suburban street in Chiswick. It is covered from top to bottom in colourful mosaic tiles. It tells a thousand stories, each reflecting the various artists who have helped to create this masterpiece, ever since the project first began in the 90s.
BYOC: Bring Your Own Cocktails
The BYOC bars invite you to bring your own bottle of your favourite spirit to then have a skilled bartender create cocktails designed just for you. The bars, spread across four locations in London, are set with a 20s prohibition style to add more to the experience. And yes, in this one you also need to book quite in advance.
THE LOST LAGOON LONDON
The Lost Lagoon is the most fun, bonkers and extravagant immersive experience right now. I know because I went, and I loved it. And it’s not surprising given that the culinary and creative geniuses from Bompas and Parr are behind it. The location? The basement of a Shepherd’s Bush mall which houses the world’s largest underground boating lake. Yes, this experience involves a boating lake underground. Is that even possible? Yes it is.
Visitors are provided with a pirate tricorn hat and a handkerchief which contains a special message. Soon there will be a bit of walking blindfolded involved — yes it does feel like Netflix’s Bird Box for a bit. But do not worry, the first delicious Captain Morgan rum cocktail will be provided while you get the introduction on what’s to come.