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 can save you the long slog back.