Heading to Southend on Sea. That area or Suffolk. (1 Viewer)

[Parrot Face]

We have to pick some gear up in Southend on Sea next week , never been before and not sure of the area . Is it worth staying in that area? The only county we haven't visited is Suffolk so i'm tempted to head for that area. Also likely to stop at the CCC site at St Neots , again never been there.

 

[Deep Owl]

A long walk on Southend prom but not much else there. There’s a small campsite in a livery yard behind the golf course, if you don’t mind a walk. Old Leigh is interesting, and over to Mersea island, if tidal causeway clear, for the oysters! Two campsites on the island.

 

[Stealaway]

Bury St Edmunds is worth a visit.
Cheap overnight in a special parking area for motorhome

 

[meanders]

Southend is a hour from the south border of Suffolk unless you drive your van like an Essex boy. If you do, wearing a baseball cap back to front, wearing expensive brand sunglasses every on a cloudy day are mandatory attire.

Lots to see in Suffolk. Starting on the Essex border on Constable country at Flatford. Not aware of any nearby sites, but a bit close to home for us.

Peewit at Felixstowe is Ok and an easy walk to the Edwardian prom and town.

Sutton Hoo further north again, the Suffolk Punch centre, Shingle street if you like desolate beaches. Tangham Forest has a reasonable site, walking distance to the UFO trail. Then Orford with a trip across to the Ness, and Snape Maltings are both worth a visit. Aldeburgh has a site at Church Farm caravan park. Used to be cheap and cheerful, a bit 'ouch' these days. Longshop museum in Leiston is good of you are into steam.

There is so much to see, I really am just touching the edges. If you let us know what your interests are, we can come up with different suggestions.

A lot in the north and west of the county too, but most people want to see the coastal area.

Edit. Typo's!

 

[Downsie]

Don’t forget the ‘longest pier in the world’ in Southend, as well as the long but unremarkable prom that goes on for miles. Otherwise Southend really has nothing much to offer. Bear in mind that Mersea Island, while interesting, is many miles from Southend! The Dengie peninsula between the two is quite interesting though remote. Burnham on Crouch is famous for yachting as is Bradwell on Sea.
If you’re at all interested in cycling the Olympic mountain biking course at Hadleigh (the one near Southend, not the one in Suffolk!) is open to the public for walks or cycling. Really lovely views over the Thames Estuary and the ruined and easily accessible Hadleigh Castle. Very easy parking for motorhomes.

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[cyberyacht]

Did a couple of nights at Orford Quay. £10pn. No facs

 

[LesW]

Also likely to stop at the CCC site at St Neots , again never been there.

St Neots is a very pleasant site, especially if parked overlooking the river.

A nice walk into town too, we had some lovely Chinese food delivered to the site using one of the leaflets from the office.

 

[Richard Hill]

Just back from Sutton Hoo Holidays Campsite - basic site with good facilities / reasonable price. Next door to National Trust Sutton Hoo, well worth a visit if you like history, and also within walking distance to Woodbridge which is a lovely town on the River Deben. Not far from Snape Maltings and the coast, e.g. Aldeburgh which we visited on our journey home.

 

[Coolcats]

We have to pick some gear up in Southend on Sea next week , never been before and not sure of the area . Is it worth staying in that area? The only county we haven't visited is Suffolk so i'm tempted to head for that area. Also likely to stop at the CCC site at St Neots , again never been there.

Southend is a great place to visit, ignore the comments that there is nothing to see, unless you do not like the typical british seaside resort. The thames estuary has a bit of a bad press, particular as it was heavily industrialised Ford Motor company at Dagenham, and other industrial plants such as Thames Nitrogen (ammonium Nitrate production now produced overseas) plus land fill areas, however as you come in from the west (from london) you have Thameside nature discover park If your a Music fan you may want to visit the Thames Delta which is on or around Canvey island, this was the home of Wilko Johnson (Dr Feelgood).

Southend itself is a large town, you could start off by walking in from the top of the shopping centre, when you get towards the bottom you start getting the sense this is a Holliday destination, you can view Kent across the Thames and then there is the front it is a typical seaside one. I could have recommended the Fishermans warfe opposite the entrance to the pier, unfortunately it has been demolished awaiting a re-build it served brilliant sea food at a reasonable price.

The pier as mentioned is a mile and half long and you have the option of walking both ways or walk one way and take the train or maybe take the train both ways. When you get to the end of the pier there is a couple of Cafe's one of which was used by Jamie Oliver and he has returned it so the public can have Tea and snacks again. There is also the RNLI station and occasionally they invite tourists to have a look around, if you or your partner like bird watching you spot many different species, people also fish off the pier as well.

If you walk you and down the front there are the typical slot machines, pubs and eateries you can expect, we often go to the three shells (the roof is in the shape of shells) for a cup of tea, there is also the sea front fair ground.

In all honesty plan for a day, take it as it comes I don't think anyone who likes a day at a seaside resort would be disappointed. the other suggestions are fine and all good, but you could be missing out on a grand day out of fun and frivolity.

The other places to visit as mentioned are all good but you may just miss out on a memorable day by not visiting Southend