As Southend is ranked as the top coastal spot for a staycation this summer, what better way to see what our town has to offer than to delve into how visitors rate our attractions?

Here we look at the top ten spots in Southend, according to Tripadvisor.

1 Southend Pier

Weighing in with more than 2,000 reviews, the Pier unsurprisingly tops the list, with visitors praising staff’s friendliness, the views. One poster said: “This is a must see if you’re in the area and standing at the pier end is mesmerising as you look at the view, the sky merging into the sea.”

2 Adventure Island

With more than 3,400 reviews, the seafront theme park is a firm family favourite.

The top review states: “Excellent value For money especially for families with younger kids! Booked online after being hugely disappointed by Chessington World of Adventure recently.”

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3 Southend Pier Museum

Set up to preserve the history of Southend Pier and provide visitors with information on why it was built, how it has changed, its important role during two world wars, survived disasters it is certainly one of the more informative attractions.

One poster said: “A lovely little museum with lots of interesting exhibits portraying the history of this lovely old pier. With an old pier train and carriages, numerous artifacts old seaside slot machines, lots of old photographs and models, it brings alive days gone by of Southend Pier.”

4 Shoebury East Beach

Clearly visitors’s pick of the beaches - and let’s face it, we’re spoiled for choice!

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One poster from last month wrote: “East Beach is spacious with clean toilets and a large car park that are just a few minutes walk from the long sandy beach (and the beach hut.).”

5 Southend Cliff Gardens

The unique gardens had to be on the list, right? Many people have turned to outdoor spaces like this during lockdown. One poster wrote: “A very British garden set on the cliff side makes for a very nice gentle stroll on a summers day and a great place to take in the sunset.”