Our guide to park life in Southend-on-Sea is so simple, it’s a walk in the park! Whether you want somewhere safe for your children to play or the perfect spot for a picnic, there’s all this and more with our top selection of parks…
Priory Park
Not only can you find Southend bandstand in the depths of Priory Park but there’s also a bowling green, fishing lake not to mention a magnificent monastery, founded in around 1110 AD and now part of Prittlewell Priory. What more could you ask for? This park is the perfect tonic for a lazy Sunday. Why not make the most of the peacefulness, but be sure to enjoy the culture on offer too. It’s a great venue for a cheap day out with all the family.
If its exercise you crave, try out the tennis courts or have a kick-around with your friends before grabbing refreshments in Priory Park Café. For utter relaxation, locate your perfect spot under one of the beautiful trees and laze in the shade with your picnic basket. There’s also a beautiful walled garden and a maze to explore!
Southchurch Park
A major part of Southchurch Park are the sports pitches so children and adults alike can feel as free as a bird as they run around care free. Once you’ve tired yourself out, stop for refreshments at their cute café and fulfil your urge for ice cream (or possibly a plate of chips on a cooler day). Then, why not have a quiet sit down and admire the wildlife on the lake? There’s also a model boating lake too!
The children’s playground is a focal point, meaning you can please the whole family in one easy trip. There’s also a popular picnic site to sit and eat your packed lunch. On a busy day, why not venture to Southend seafront, a stone’s throw away from the park itself.
Prittlewell Square
Prittlewell Square is a compact but incredibly cute park located on Clifftown Parade in the heart of Southend. Admire the stunning estuary views from this prime location become taking a pew on one of the immaculate benches for a read of your favorite book.
Right in the middle of Southend’s conservation area and yet only a short walk from the high street, you’ll be amazed at the level of quietness and relaxation gained from this beautiful spot, not to mention the fantastic views on offer!
Chalkwell Park
Head into Chalkwell and discover the ever so charming Chalkwell Park. This park is steeped in history similarly to Priory Park and hosts popular festivals too. The Village Green is a fantastic event, held each July and hosts lots of local bands and artists. There are also events such as steam fairs and carnivals hosted here too.
The beautiful ornamentals gardens are also not to be missed with colorful flower beds, an environmental garden, a rose garden and more! Also, this lovely venue features the Chalkwell Esplanade Bowling Green and The Park View – available for weddings, parties and other social occasions.
Churchill Gardens
A few minutes walk from the heart of Southend are the neatly tucked away and almost secretive Churchill gardens. Popular back in the days of Carnarvon Road college as a prime lunch spot, these gardens are still immaculately kept and ideal for hiding amongst nature in the depths of leaves and trees.
This small and serene garden is one of Southend’s hidden treasures and the lovely stream and waterfall makes it a tranquil trip for all!