Things to do in Essex
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Pier
Other than mile upon mile of tawny imported-sand and shingle beaches, Southend's main attraction is the world's longest pier, built in 1830. At a staggering 1.33 miles long it's an impressive edifice and a magnet for boat crashes, storms and fires, the last of which ravaged its tip in 2005. The surprisingly peaceful stroll to its tip will help burn off those rock-candy calories, and a wheezy Pier Railway (included in admission price) can save you the long slog back.
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Adventure Island
You can embrace Southend's tacky seaside soul, inhale Rossi's velvety ice cream, rock or candy floss before jumping on head-spinning rides or ramming each other in dodgems at lurid amusement park Adventure Island, beside the pier.
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Sealife Adventure
Kids can come nose to nose with sharks in glass tunnels and meet celebrity sea horses while parents grit their teeth at the saccharine seaside soundtrack in the good little Sealife Adventure aquarium, half a mile east of the pier.
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Clarence Yard
An atmospheric 19th-century bakery and courtyard stables now houses this refined but relaxed wine bar, which capitalises on the cobbled floors, rough tiles and exposed brick with its own rustic-chic leather sofas and wickerwork.
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Fleur de Provence
For a glimpse of Southend's sophisticated side head away from the seafront to this chic Continental restaurant behind frosted-glass façade, with pastel blush walls, blonde-wood floors and romantic ambience.
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Pipe of Port
A Southend institution, this subterranean wine bar and bistro is an atmospheric place, with old-world character, candlelit tables, sawdust-covered floor and its own unique charm. It's famous for its pies, casseroles and fish dishes as well as the lengthy wine list. Book ahead.
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museum
Dip beneath the pier's entrance to explore an old 'toasts-rack' pier train and antique slot machines at the museum.
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Museum
Dip beneath the pier's entrance to explore an old 'toasts-rack' pier train and antique slot machines at the museum.
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Leigh Heritage Centre
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Tourist Office
Runs 90-minute, guided tours at 11.30am and/or 2pm daily in July and August, Saturdays only March to June and September to October.
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Mews
Tucked away near the train station, this relaxed, modern restaurant and bar are always buzzing with punters flocking in for the generous portions and reasonable prices for what is some of Southend's best food. There's an open kitchen, an extensive menu and good wine list.
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Lemon Tree
This zesty little eatery serves a refreshing menu of European classics with a modern twist. The decor strikes a nice chic-to-rustic balance, with a section of knobbly Roman wall flanking the main dining area. There are tasty blackboard specials, frequent gourmet nights, a pianist on Monday nights and regular special events.
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Hollytrees Museum
Housed in a graceful Georgian town house beside the castle, this museum trawls through 300 years of domestic life with quirky surprises that include a shipwright's baby carriage in the shape of a boat and a make-your-own Victorian silhouette feature. There are also temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
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Green Room
Relaxed, friendly and down to earth, this easygoing bistro has simple wooden tables, bright artwork and some of the best food in town. Locally sourced meats, fish and oysters feature heavily on the seasonal menu, and it buzzes with happy diners lapping up the superb food.
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firstsite
Already being promoted as a star attraction, this sparkly new arts centre was only recently just taking shape. A stunning curved-glass and copper building, it will contain gallery space, a library, auditorium and conference facilities and will play host to exhibitions, workshops, lectures and performances. Check the website or tourist office for the latest information.
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Dutch Quarter
The best of the city's half-timbered houses and rickety roof lines are clustered together in this Tudor enclave just a short stroll north of High St. The area remains as a testament to the 16th-century Protestant weavers who fled here from Holland.
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Colchester Zoo
World-class naturalistic enclosures, 5 miles northeast of the castle. Bus 75 stops here.
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Colchester Castle
England's largest surviving Norman keep (bigger even than that of the Tower of London), once a hair-raising symbol of foreign invasion, now slumbers innocently amid a lush park. Built upon the foundations of a Roman fort, the castle was first established in 1076 and now houses an exceptional interactive museum, with plenty of try-on togas and sound effects to keep young curiosity alive. There are also illuminating guided tours of the Roman vaults, Norman rooftop chapel and castle walls.
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Clock Museum
One of the largest clock collections in Britain housed in a magnificent 15th-century timber-framed building.
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Weald Country Park
Weald Country Park is a huge parkland dotted with lakes. Once a playground for deer, it became a hunting ground for abbots in 1063. After years of running in the opposite direction, the deer were reintroduced in 1987. Don't miss the visitor centre with its colourful historic displays, and the remains of an Iron Age settlement dating back to 1 BC.
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Thomas à Becket Chapel
Thomas Becket's murder at Canterbury in 1170 was fundamental to the Brentwood's growth. The crossing point of two main roads, the town site was a stopover for a growing number of pilgrims passing on their way to Canterbury. So, the Vicar of South Weald permitted the Abbot of St Osyth to build a chapel - it was dedicated to St Thomas. Only the ruins remain.
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The Brentwood School
Only in England could 'manners' feature in a school motto. In 1557, the very bad-mannered Sir Anthony Browne founded this public school as punishment for burning a man to death. It takes boys and girls - although it was a few hundred years before females were admitted. Among its famous pupils: Douglas Adams, author of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
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St Michael's Church
St Michael's is a small but stunning church located right in the heart of the town centre. Historians, who are often caught marvelling at its central chancel window, believe it was built in 1199. The magnificent spire stands 37m (120ft) tall and the bell still chimes its original chime. If you're into churches, this one's a gem.
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Motorboat Museum
Some of the world's most revolutionary motorboats were famously made in Britain. Why they should be on display in a museum in Basildon is considerably less clear. However, the history of these machines, from steam to modern powerboats, has been pristinely preserved. If boats are not your thing, Wat Tyler Country Park is still a lovely place in which to frolic.
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