Southend aquarium - is it worth a visit?

[Diamond345]

Looking to take my DS to an aquarium for his 1st birthday, was thinking Southend in Essex would be easier to get to , rather than travelling into london on the train.

Could anyone who's been let me know if its any good please

Yes - it was entertaining for an hour or so. My DC enjoyed it the last time we went, which was 2020/1

I like it, the children have all liked it from age bump to maybe 8 was the last time we went. It's a small place. there's meerkats too. sad warning about the monkeys tho.

Yes a combined trip to the sea life centre and then to the soft play place by the pier sounds ideal

London aquarium is definitely better, but we had a really nice few hours at southend. For £4 more than the cost of a daily pass, you can get a yearly pass and go as often as you want

Is there anywhere close by to sit in to have lunch?

Definitely get the yearly pass if you are close enough to return - it’s very good value, whereas the one-off ticket is quite expensive. There’s a decent cafe in the aquarium itself though it’s on the pricey side for what it is (you get a discount with the annual pass)

Loads of fish and chip shops and the arcades opposite along the seafront. McDonald's in the high st, or Tomassi's if you want proper food followed by ice cream (the do wonderful ice cream sundaes)