At the beginning of April, we took a day trip from London to Southend-on-Sea. The journey took around 40 minutes from Barking Station, making it an easy escape when you’re craving some sea air.
Southend is often described as a typical English seaside town, but one attraction makes it particularly unusual: its famous pier railway. Add in a walk along the seafront and the promise of vegan Southern-style BBQ, and it sounded like a day trip worth taking.
Riding the Southend Pier Train
Yep, you read that right. There is a train on the pier! Obviously, this is the main thing that attracted me to this town — although after what seemed like an endless winter in London, some time by the water was a close second.
Southend Pier is 1.33 miles (2.14 kilometres) long, making it the longest pleasure pier in the world. That in itself is cool. Now, add a train that takes you from one end to the other and it’s hard to imagine how things could be better.
You can read more about the history of the pier and train here, if you’re interested.
Of course, we had to take the train, and it did not disappoint. I mean, come on, it’s a train, albeit smaller than an average train, on a very long pier. How could that be disappointing?
I’ll admit being on the side of the train that looked directly out over the sea gave me a bit of trepidation because I couldn’t see the track or pier and I’m not terribly fond of that feeling of being too close to the edge. But, other than that, it was fun and I geeked out the entire ride.
After having a look around the end of the pier where I discovered the very interesting design of the benches along the pier (see photos), we decided to walk the 1.33 miles back so we could enjoy the pier and sea air and see the train in action as it passed by. I might have reconsidered not taking the train back had I known the next journey we were about to take.
Finding Vegan Food in Southend-on-Sea
I’ve been vegan for five years now, and while it’s super easy to find vegan options and full-on vegan restaurants in London, we always approach smaller towns with the idea that lunch may end up being chips (fries for the American audience). To be honest, it’s never been much of a problem…so far.
It never hurts to do a little research before taking off on a journey, if anything, to see if there are any interesting places to eat. Luckily there are apps for that. Happy Cow is a prime example. Check it out if you are vegan, vegetarian or just like to find places to eat around the world that offer such options.
My research before the trip to Southend uncovered a very interesting place, indeed. Stoked is billed as the first and only vegan southern American-style BBQ joint in the UK. The place completely lived up to the billing. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Turns out this place was a little more than two miles from the pier which didn’t seem too horrible considering the mileage I put on my trainers each week. Sadly, it felt like it was uphill all the way which made the journey feel more like 3-4 miles. But it brought us to Westcliff-on-Sea, so it’s like a bonus seaside town visit.
It was well worth the trek. The food was amazing and the service was top-notch. I’ve had my share of southern BBQ in my lifetime and this rates right up there (and without the needless slaughter of animals). My meal consisted of pulled BBQ “chicken,” mac and cheese, fries and collard greens. My partner in crime had the same sides but with tempeh BBQ ribs. Yum to it all!
Sadly, we ate so much and I was so full, I couldn’t bring myself to order one of my childhood favourites, banana pudding, which I had set my sights set on earlier while pursuing the menu. I guess that will have to wait for another visit.
Walking Along the Southend Seafront
Needless to say, the walk back to Southend-by-Sea train station was much needed and appreciated. Because we weren’t hunting down food, the way back was much more leisurely and we took the route along the boardwalk where we could people-watch and I could do some dog spotting – a favourite pastime of mine.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that there is a large fun/amusement park close to the pier, equipped with enough scary rides to make my stomach churn just watching. Because I’m opposed to fun of this sort (joking), we didn’t partake in the rides but we watched long enough for me to say “Oh, f–k no!” several times.
It was a very nice day in a new (to me) seaside town. I’d definitely go back, if anything just to have banana pudding at Stoked.
Is Southend-on-Sea Worth Visiting?
Southend-on-Sea is worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for an easy day trip from London. The pier and its railway are the main attractions, but I also enjoyed spending time by the water and walking along the seafront.
There is also an amusement park near the pier. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys rides that make me say, “Oh, f—k no!”
Southend may not have quite the same charm as Brighton, but there is still plenty to enjoy. Between the pier train, the sea views and an excellent vegan BBQ lunch at Stoked, I had a genuinely good day.
I would happily go back. I still need to try the banana pudding I was too full to order. Overall, Southend-on-Sea gets a solid 8 out of 10 from me.
