Southend-on-Sea Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Southend Airport has its station right next to the terminal, on the direct line to London Fenchurch Street: the centre of Southend is just a few minutes away by train or bus 9. Those with a very early or late flight can stay literally a stone's throw from the terminal; those who want the Pier, the longest in the world, and seafront life find it all in the centre, also reachable by train. For those looking for a quieter beach without giving up the sea, Thorpe Bay, east of the centre, offers a less touristy seafront and higher-end hotels.

Eastwoodbury, airport area

Airport area · A minute from Southend Airport station, on the direct line to London; the centre of Southend is a few minutes away by train or bus 9.

Best for: those with a very early or late flight who prefer to stay a minute from the terminal station.

Pros

The closest to the terminal of all the areas in this guide, reachable on foot from the station
Panoramic restaurant with views over the airport and the Essex countryside

Cons

Area with no evening life outside the hotel, the train or bus is needed for everything else
The seafront and the Pier remain 15-20 minutes away by train or bus

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Southend by IHG: A minute from the terminal station, with a panoramic rooftop restaurant and 129 soundproofed rooms.

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Centre and Pier

City centre · Train from the airport to Southend Central or Southend Victoria in a few minutes; the Pier and the seafront are just steps from the stations.

Best for: the right choice for those aiming for the Pier, Adventure Island and the seafront of the centre without moving away from the station.

Pros

5 minutes' walk from Adventure Island and the cliff gardens
Views over the Thames estuary and the Pier from the front-facing rooms

Cons

Lively area on summer weekends, especially near the Pier
Small property: few rooms, booking ahead is needed

Recommended hotels in this area

Hamiltons Boutique Hotel: Georgian townhouse on Royal Terrace, with views over the gardens, the estuary and the Pier; adults only.

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Thorpe Bay, seafront

Neighbourhood · About 15 minutes by car or taxi from the airport (6 km); bus 9 connects the airport, the centre and Thorpe Bay.

Best for: those who want a quieter beach than the Pier, with higher-end hotels on the seafront.

Pros

Hotels right on the seafront, overlooking Thorpe Bay's award-winning beach
Quiet residential area, far from the traffic of the Pier

Cons

A car, a taxi or bus 9 is needed for the centre and the Pier
Fewer restaurants and evening venues than in central Southend

Recommended hotels in this area

Roslin Beach Hotel: Hotel on the Thorpe Bay seafront, overlooking the beach, with an indoor pool and an AA-awarded restaurant.
Premier Inn Southend-On-Sea - Thorpe Bay: A minute's walk from Thorpe Bay beach, with family rooms and free parking.

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