A UK seaside city has been declared home to the ‘longest high street’ in the country, spanning almost 3,000 metres, but it’s also been named the ‘worst seaside town’ in the UK by TripAdvisor users
London Road in Southend-on-Sea, at a whopping 2,983 metres, is the longest high street in Britain, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It’s a bustling hub of activity, with an array of shops, cosy cafes and eateries, not to mention the popular Royals Shopping Centre, boasting over 30 stores.
Every Thursday and Saturday, Southend High Street comes alive with an outdoor market selling everything from hot food and fresh produce to clothing, jewellery and household goods. Despite only coming in 41st out of 50 in Which? magazine’s 2024 seaside rankings, the Essex town seems to be gaining popularity, even among celebrities.
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Southend-on-Sea isn’t just home to the world’s longest high street, but also the world’s longest pleasure pier, which has recently been named the best in Britain by the Telegraph.
Stretching over a mile, Southend Pier is the world’s longest pleasure pier. It’s a hit with visitors thanks to its attractions, including a fairground, Ferris wheel, theatre, café and even a pier railway, reports the Express.
With a staggering length of 1.34 miles, the pier was initially built from iron in 1830, then rebuilt in wood in 1889, and has seen significant restoration work in recent years.
From the 1930s to the 1980s, Southend High Street was a hive of activity, colour, and change. From antiquated water pipes to contemporary restaurants, this high street has witnessed it all.
The retail scene in Southend-on-Sea began to flourish during the Edwardian era, with the opening of its first major store, Garons, in 1885.
The town’s growth was further boosted in 1902 with the introduction of electric trams, which remained in service until they were withdrawn in 1942 due to changes brought about by World War 2.
By 1974, the High Street had been fully pedestrianised and one of its most memorable features was the Millennium Clock, which stood proudly from 2000 until it was removed in 2011 due to a malfunction and placed in council storage.
Several big-name brands, including BandM, Kokoro, and Dunelm, have recently announced plans to open new stores in the area, with Dunelm set to open at the end of June.
Despite being dubbed the ‘worst seaside town’ by a TripAdvisor user, Southend-on-Sea has attracted a host of celebrities, including Fool Me Once actress Michelle Keegan, footballer Rio Ferdinand, singer Gary Barlow, boxer Tyson Fury, presenter Denise Van Outen, and Towie star Frankie Essex, who have all been spotted at the stunning Roslin Beach Hotel in Thorpe Bay.