At 2,983 metres, London Road in Southend-on-Sea is the longest high street in Britain, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Lined with a wide range of shops, cosy cafes, and eateries, it’s also home to the popular Royals Shopping Centre, which features over 30 stores. Southend High Street is a lively road which hosts an outdoor market every Thursday and Saturday selling many different types of items from hot food, fresh fruit, fish, bread, to clothing, jewellery and household goods. 

Despite ranking 41st out of 50 in Which? magazine’s 2024 seaside rankings, the Essex town seems to be becoming increasingly popular, including among celebrities. Not only is Southend-on-Sea home to the longest high street in the world, but it is also home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, and its pier has just been crowned by the Telegraph as the best in Britain. 

At over a mile long, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It earns top marks for its attractions, including a fairground, Ferris wheel, theatre, café, and even a pier railway.

At a staggering 1.34 miles, it was first constructed from iron in 1830 and later rebuilt in wood in 1889, and has undergone significant restoration in recent years. 

From the 1930s to the 1980s, Southend High Street was alive with movement, colour, and change. From old water pipes to modern restaurants, the high street has seen a lot.

It began its rise as a retail spot during the Edwardian period, marked by the opening of its first major store, Garons, in 1885.

In 1902, the arrival of electric trams further boosted and remained in service until 1942, when they were withdrawn due to changes brought on by World War 2. 

By 1974, the High Street had been fully pedestrianised. One particularly memorable fixture is the Millennium Clock, which stood proudly since 2000 until it was removed in 2011 due to a breakdown and placed in council storage. 

Several major brands have announced plans to open new stores, including B&M, Kokoro, and Dunelm, which is set to open at the end of June. 

Previously called by a TripAdvisor user as the ‘worst seaside town’, Southend-on-Sea has attracted various celebrities, including Fool Me Once actress, Michelle Keegan, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise Van Outen, and Towie star Frankie Essex, who were spotted at the stunning Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Bay.