Southend

[SwampMonsters]

Visited Southend today, first time I've been there despite living in London and I was really disappointed. The area itself was ok some decent shops and restaurants but the beach was horrible, really small and absolutely stunk, like really bad all I can say was like a rotten egg/ sewage smell?! The sea looked dirty and kids didn't want to play in it. We visited jubilee beach (which the sea didn't even look suitable to play in really rough) and 3 shells beach which was the particularly smelly one. I've heard so many people saying how nice it is there, did we go to the wrong beaches? I've been to beaches in the UK and never thought they had a bad smell my son kept referring to it as a swamp!

We go to Southend quite frequently. We don’t swim in the estuary, but like being by the seaside/riverside, in the gardens and in the arcades. We often walk round to Leigh on Sea or up the other way up towards Thorpe Bay too.
I believe it’s particularly prone to algae which could contribute to the smell… More generally ‘surfers against sewage’ monitor water quality if this was your concern.

I don’t think you explored far enough. The seafront is very extensive and you went to the very touristy part which isn’t great. Next time walk further in either direction and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

it was the smell we couldn’t get over, rotten eggs. We usually visit the Kent coast never been any bad smells and beautiful beaches