Accessibility
This access guide does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.
Introduction
Southend Pier is located along the seafront in Southend-on-sea and is an iconic part of our culture and tourism offer. Built in 1830 the Pier is steeped in history and has seen a huge amount of development from its original wooden structure to modern day pleasure pier. Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.3 miles (2158 metres) and also hosts the longest pier railway at 1889.8 metres (6200ft).
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There are three entry points onto Southend Pier, all with step free access. The west entrance has ramp access for wheelchairs and automatic doors. The east entrance has step free level access with push/pull doors. The upper walkway level entrance has step free level access from Pier Hill and has a ramp access down onto the Pier walkway.
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At the end of Southend Pier you will find The Royal Pavilion which has ramp access into the building. This building is currently closed for renovation.
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The Royal Pavilion houses Offshore Restaurant as well as a bar open during our peak season. There is seating at the top of the veranda to enjoy the sea views as well as picnic benches on the Pier deck including those suitable for wheelchairs.
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The RNLI gift shop has ramp access to view the vessels housed in the boat house as well as the souvenir gift shop.
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The Tea with the Tide tearoom has a small entry ramp into the building and customers can enjoy a cream tea where the famous ‘Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast’ is filmed for Channel 4.
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There are various beach hut style outlets open during the peak season offering takeaway fish and chips, ice cream, and souvenirs. There is bench seating available at the beach huts and the crazy golf, including a bench suitable for wheelchairs.
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We look forward to welcoming you on your visit. If you require any special assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. Our opening hours vary throughout the year. Please do check ahead before you visit. For any enquiries please contact us on 01702 212534 or email vic@southend.gov.uk
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Car parking
There is no parking at the front of Southend Pier, check the Southend-on-Sea City Council website for nearest car parks. Cars may drop passengers off at the drop off point at the West entrance to Southend Pier, next to Adventure Island. There is ample parking along the seafront and in the town centre, with bays for disabled parking.
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Main entrance & Ticketing
There are various ticket options for the Pier entry, current prices are available here. Visitors can access the end of the Pier by using the Pier train or walking the 1.3 miles. The main ticket desk is situated in the Pier entrance which has ground floor step free, level access throughout. There is a lift inside the building up to the Pier walkway upper entrance. There is seating at the Pier train station as well as various benches located along the Pier stem. There are also 4 shelters located along the walkway with seating. The main entrance of the Pier is undercover and sheltered all being wheelchair accessible with overhead lighting.
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Trains and Pier walkway
The Pier trains can easily be accessed with step free level access from the Pier station platforms. There is a disabled friendly carriage with wider entry doors for larger wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
If assistance is required please speak to a member of staff.
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The Pier walkway is accessed by a lift from the main entrance. There is a ramp down to the Pier walkway. As the Pier consists of deckboards some wheelchairs with narrow wheels may not be suitable. There is a wheelchair available to hire at the Pier reception if required.
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Public toilets
Public toilets are located at the Pier entrance, and at the Pier Head. There are disabled facilities in all public toilets on the Pier.
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Catering
At the end of the Pier there are several eateries open during the summer season including the Fish and Chip hut, takeaway ice cream, and bar shed. The Pier tearoom is open throughout the year (check website for opening hours) serving up hot and cold drinks, cream teas and fresh cakes. The Pavilion houses Offshore restaurant open throughout the year offering a variety of hot and cold food and refreshments.
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Additional information
We welcome assistance dogs but request that they are kept on a lead at all times. First aiders are on site should they be needed, please ask a member of staff for details.
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Planning your visit
Full details of how to reach us are available on our Getting Here page.
Alternatively you can plan your journey by car or public transport , our postcode is SS1 1EE for directions. The nearest railway station is Southend Central, which is 0.4 miles (a 5 minute walk), or Southend Victoria, which is 0.8 miles (a 15 minute walk). Taxis are available at both stations. If you require an accessible taxi you can book this in advance, see contact information for details. The nearest bus stop is Southend Travel Centre which is 2 minutes walk from Southend Pier. The main roads around the town and to Southend Pier are all wide paved.
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Future plans
The Pier is undergoing continuous investment and regeneration.
We welcome any comments that you may wish to make with regard to the Access Policy at the Pier.
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Contact information
Address: Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-sea, Essex SS1 1EE
Telephone: 01702 212534
Email: vic@southend.gov.uk
Opening hours: check website for current opening hours
Local accessible taxi: AC Taxi’s 01702 334455/Andrew’s 01702 200200
Local public transport: