Southend-on-Sea is the largest town in Essex, with a
population of around 176,000. Located at the mouth of the Thames
Estuary, the town is the closest resort to London, being only 40 miles
east of the capital.
Southend is a busy tourist destination and shopping centre,
with a world famous Pier, 7 miles of sea and foreshore, with all its associated
leisure facilities and attractions, excellent shopping facilities and numerous
restaurants, wine bars and pubs. There are two direct railway lines to London,
and the M25 motorway is less than half an hour away. In addition, Southend also
has its own airport.