Pre-book your car rental in Southend to ensure you get the best deal before you set off on your adventure. You'll be able to pick up your vehicle from downtown locations and then you'll be off! 

This seaside resort in Essex offers plenty for visitors to do, whatever your age. Kids will love playing on sandy stretches with their buckets and spades, while all the family can enjoy a railway ride down the longest pleasure pier in the world. 

There are a number of attractions available at the resort, such as Adventure Island with a number of rides, Sea Life Adventure Centre and the Pier Museum. 

You may also want to enjoy the great outdoors on your visit to Southend-on-Sea, and if you want a break from the beach you can visit one of the resort's many green spaces. Some of these include Belton Hills Reserve, Chalkwell Park, Southchurch Park and Priory Park. 

If you fancy getting active, the Southend Marine Activities Centre offers a number of exciting courses such as sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing and eco walks. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, you're sure to find a course suited to your ability. 

Southend is also a great place to shop and you'll find quirky and independent stores in the town centre alongside high street retailers. Farmers markets are also a regular feature, alongside continental and craft markets.

If you fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Southend, Old Leigh is the perfect place to visit. This tiny village is a short 10-minute drive away and is known as the cockling capital of the world with a huge amount of shellfish harvested here each year. Enjoy wandering around the cobbled streets of the village and trying out fishy delicacies from a great selection of eateries and stylish restaurants. 

While staying in Southend-on-Sea, you should definitely take advantage of its close proximity to the capital. Situated only around 90 minutes away, you could spend a day visiting the sights such as the London Eye, Natural History Museum and Buckingham Palace, indulge in some shopping at locations such as Oxford Street and Portobello Market, and perhaps even take in a show at the West End.