Accessible Southend

Southend is a city for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, we’re here to support people with disabilities, wheelchair users and those with limited mobility in planning their visit with confidence.

You’ll find information on accessible transport, parking, step-free routes, public facilities and attractions with accessible features. We’ve also included practical tips to help make getting around the city and along the seafront as easy as possible.

As accessibility can differ between locations, we encourage you to check details with individual venues in advance where possible. Our goal is to make Southend a welcoming and inclusive destination for all visitors.

VisitEngland Access Statements

Many tourism venues provide information on the accessibility of their facilities and services in the form of a written Access Statement, to help you ‘know before you go’. All VisitEngland star rated accommodation and quality assured attractions are required to have an Access Statement.

Typical information may include, for example, the frequency of buses, useful telephone numbers, the number of steps to the front door and the availability of subtitles on televisions.

So, when you are next researching which accommodation to stay at and attractions to visit, ask to see their Access Statements.

Blue Badge Parking

There are ample Blue Badge parking bays in all town centre car parks – for more information visit Southend City Council’s website.

Southend Environment

You may also find the following information, on the environment and geography of Southend, useful when planning your trip:

• For people who have not visited Southend before, it may be helpful to know that access to Southend seafront from the High Street is via Pier Hill. There are lifts to and from the seafront, which are located at the bottom of the High Street. For lift opening times please call the Visitor Information Centre on 01702 212534.

• For a more historic way of accessing the seafront, try the Cliff Lift, which is situated a short distance from the bottom of the High Street.

• The rest of Southend’s High Street and seafront is flat and easily accessible.

If you’d like further information, which may help inform your visit – such as upcoming events or busy periods – please contact the Southend Visitor Information Centre on 01702 212534 or email culture&tourism@southend.gov.uk.

Accessible Public Toilets

For details of accessible public toilets in Southend, including Changing Places toilets and the Radar National Key Scheme visit the Southend City Council website.

Wheelchair Hire

Wheelchairs are available to hire from Southend Visitor Information Centre. Bookings must be made in advance. Contact vic@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 212534 for further information.

Beach Access

There are 3 main accessible beaches in Southend. There is an access ramp at each location straight onto the beach.

• Chalkwell Beach – Chalkwell Esplanade, Southend-on-sea, SS0 8JJ

• Jubilee Beach – Marine Parade, Southend on sea, SS1 2EN

• Shoebury Common – Shoebury Common Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9HG

For further information and helping planning your visit contact the Visitor Information Centre on 01702 212534.