Southend Arcades

With its close proximity to London, Southend-on-Sea has become the go-to seaside destination for millions of visitors each year. Both residents and tourists from the capital flock to this famous coastal destination for day trips and weekend getaways to enjoy the quintessential British seaside experience. Whilst Southend beaches may not be the country’s most scenic, the resort is well designed with excellent amenities and services to accommodate the large volumes of visitors year-round. Southend arcades are impressively large, with several spanning multiple floors. 

A walk from the station, through the town offers plenty to see en route to the pier and main tourist attractions. The upper and lower cliffs at Southend beach offer stunning viewpoints, perfect for photo opportunities, with a variety of access options including garden stairways, promenade pathways, and even a large elevator that conveniently transport visitors to beach level. This offers great access for the mobility challenged. The lower beach area is centred around the famous Southend Pier, which is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Built in 1830, it is also one of Britain’s oldest piers, with attractions and displays highlighting its rich history. Spanning over a mile in length, visitors can choose to stroll along the pier or take a ride on the dedicated train that shuttles guests back and forth. 

On the beachfront there are several amusement park attractions that are part of Adventure Island theme park, which has several local Southend Arcades including the Funtopia Arcade, which is located on the lower ground floor of the pier area. The Western Esplanade invites visitors to enjoy scenic strolls through the Southend Cliff Gardens, offering pathways that lead either up to charming historic buildings or down to the beachside Genting Casino. Due east of the pier lies the heart of the tourist hub, where a wide variety of food and drink kiosks, bars, and restaurants are dotted between some of the best Southend arcades along the lively Grand Parade. 

With its impressive seaside signage, visitors should not miss the Circus Circus Arcade, which offers visitors an impressive range of the latest ticket arcade machines and games. Nearby, the Electric Avenue Arcade and venue boasts three floors featuring attractions such as virtual darts, bowling, licenced bars and a huge range of fruit and slot machines. Stroll along Marine Parade to discover a variety of arcades, eateries, and the Stardust Casino Gaming Lounge. Elders don’t miss the Retropolis Arcade, a fan favourite featuring fruit machines and slots from the 70s, 80s, 90s to today. Just an hour from London, Southend arcades offer a range from the latest VR to classic seaside coin pushers. Explore our listings and plan your visit!