John's Guidebook

Sir John Betjeman once said, “The Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier” and it’s as true today as it was when it first welcomed visitors all those years ago. If you walk along Southend-on-Sea’s High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure pier in the world. Standing for over a century it extends 2158 metres (1.341 miles) into the Thames Estuary, and is a well loved and recognised symbol of Southend and the pleasures of the English seaside. The Museum is located in the the Old Pier Workshops underneath the train station at the shore end. To locate the Museum entrance, you should go into the Pier Reception and then walk to the right of the railway entrance where it is signposted. The Museum will bring back fond memories for some and will be a brand new experience for younger generations. Remember days gone by. We have an original c.1890 toastrack tram, three original c.1949 train carriages, a working signal box, pictorial displays, some original "just for fun" working penny slot machines, and much much more......

For one of the ultimate nights out in Southend visit Genting Casino Westcliff, now open 24 hours a day for Live Gaming, Slots and Electronic Roulette! Offering all of your favourite casino games including American Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Electronic Roulette, Baccarat and Texas Hold'em Cash Games. Find out more about our games. If you want to play poker in Southend then come to Genting Casino Westcliff. We have the best poker tables where you can play three card poker, the minimum stake is £2 and the maximum stake is £100. Register now for free in advance of your visit for speedy entry to Genting Casino Westcliff. We have 82 dedicated free parking spaces for members, whilst they are visiting the casino. This includes a dedicated disabled bay near the main entrance. The spaces are available opposite the building.