Southend-on-Sea commonly referred to as Southend is a coastal city and unitary authority area with borough status in southeastern Essex, England.
Southend-on-Sea is a resort town on the Thames Estuary in Essex, southeast England. The long Southend Pier is serviced by a small train and has a museum at its shore end. Nearby, Adventure Island is an amusement park with fairground rides and water slides. The Cliff Lift, a century-old funicular, clings to the hillside and offers coastal views. Sea Life Adventure aquarium is home to otters, clownfish and turtles.
Take a trip to the wildside at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos to spot monkeys, bird fish and, if you’re lucky, a crocodile or snake!
The centre boasts the longest canopy walkway in Africa and the natural setting is a peaceful contrast to the rest of one of the World's busiest cities.
Who doesn't love an open-air market on your travels? Lagos is filled with markets selling everything from textiles to household goods and computers (there’s even a famous “Computer Village” stacked with microchips). Probably the most popular market for tourists, and definitely the most accessible, is the Lekki Crafts Market. It's well worth a visit. For a more local experience, check out the huge Balogun Market on Lagos Island.
Lagos has everything a big city offers but also the beach.The newly opened Moist Beach Club is the hottest place to be in town. Offering azure blue swimming pool just steps from the ocean, with plenty of seating in the open-air deck, and summer vibes all year round. It's the place the young and beautiful of Lagos get together, kick back, relax, and leave the hubbub of the city behind.
For the those seeking art and culture in Lagos, look no further than Terra Culture, an arts, cultural, and educational center that hosts plays, art exhibitions, and book readings. If there are no performances on the day of your visit, you can still while away the hours browsing the art gallery and bookstore. With an attached restaurant, it's also a great place to try some traditional and very delicious Nigerian food.
Climb aboard one of the 32 glass capsules of the London Eye for unforgettable views of some of London's most famous landmarks. Take in amazing 360-degree views as the capsule slowly rotates over the river Thames. From £29.50.
Glide high above the Thames with the Emirates Air Line cable car, which provides stunning views of the city, departing every 30 seconds from the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. See the sights by day or admire the city as it twinkles at night on a flight which lasts five to 10 minutes, depending on the time of day. Prices from £5.00.
Take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous buildings. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo! Gaze up at the White Tower, tiptoe through a medieval king's bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels. From £28.90.
The London Transport Museum hosts exhibitions connecting transport with the social and cultural history of London. Inside you'll find more than 80 vehicles spanning 200 years of London's history, including a red Routemaster bus and the world 's first Underground steam train. There are some great posters and artwork too! From £18.50.
Founded in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Cathedrals in the UK. From its impressive 72 meters high structure to its beautiful stained glass windows, the Cathedral has a history of welcoming visitors dating back to the days of medieval pilgrimage.
As well as providing a current place of worship, the Cathedral hosts public events throughout the year and provides learning recourses to visitors and schools to ensure the Cathedrals’ rich history is known, explored, enjoyed and shared.
Located in the heart of Canterbury, the Cathedral is easy to visit alongside enjoying Canterbury’s other scenic and retail offerings.
How better to explore Kent’s rich and visual history than via a scenic cycling trail? The Viking Coastal Trail is suitable for all abilities and runs in a circular loop on the Isle of Thanet, exploring Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. With dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines and beautiful beaches, you’ll see the scenery that inspired the artists and writers of the Roman, Saint and Saxon eras.
No bike? No problem. There are plenty of places along to route to hire bikes and start your journey.
For history fans, or anyone seeking a scenic cycle adventure, this is a must-do trail. And by breaking it up into smaller chunks, you can make for several beautiful days out.
We all know the famous 1942 song sung by Vera Lynn, when the chalky white cliffs provided a beacon of hope to those away fighting and everyone at home awaiting their return. Decades on, the White Cliffs of Dover remain iconic to the UK and a landmark well worth visiting during your stay in Kent.
Managed by the National Trust, you can walk the cliff tops and bask in the expansive views of the English Channel, and on a sunny day, you may even catch a glimpse of France. Accompany your walk with a visit to Fan By Deep Shelter and step into a time capsule from the Second World War, or take a tour of the Victorian lighthouse that provided 142 years of safe passage for vessels from 1846 to 1988.
Address: New Barge Road, Shoebury, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 9FW (5 minutes drive away from Victoria House)
This nature reserve is accessible to everybody and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and go for a coastal walk while discovering different animals around every bend.
Because of its proximity to the Thames Estuary, this nature preserve is an excellent place for migrating birds on the way to and from the UK, including ring ouzel, spotted flycatchers, wheatears, whinchats, and even yellow-browed warblers. Gog's Berth will be lined with waders, and a grey seal may occasionally appear on the seawall.
Due to its SSSI and Coastguard Station Grounds Local Wildlife Site, this location includes the Shoebury Old Ranges site. A range of habitats is available to walk through, ranging from coastal grassland to remnant sand dunes and historical military structures. Sandwich click beetles, bulbous meadow grasses, and cuckoo wasps, among other species, have thrived here thanks to the mosaic of habitats. The historic buildings are also used by wildlife – in the summer months look out for barn swallows zipping in and out of the gaps to feed their young nesting inside.
Address: Southend-on-Sea SS3 9HG, (5 minutes drive away from Victoria House)
Shoebury Common Beach, is in Essex, England, on the eastern side of the Thames Estuary.
The Common is a 2021 blue flag beach that has been recognised for its water quality, beach cleanliness, and safe pedestrian areas. There is also ramped disabled access to a wooden platform.
Shoebury Common is a great place for spending time with the family or friends. The common is also a great place for walks beside the Thames Estuary, taking in the sights of the ships and boats coming in and out of the Port of London. You can also explore the Common by car, taking in the beautiful scenery and finding a parking spot.
© Copyright Trevor Harris and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Address: 212 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3AD (10 mins. away from Victoria House)
The Blue Flag award for cleanliness and safe pedestrian access at Thorpe Bay beach was attained in 2021. The magnificent views of the Thames estuary can be seen from this shore. It's a superb place to unwind or take a refreshing walk.
Take a seat at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants while taking in the picturesque beach huts, or grab a bite to eat as you stroll. Wheelchair and pushchair access is available straight onto the beach, making it a terrific day out at the shore.
© Copyright Andrew Areoff and licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Address: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE (15 mins away from Victoria House)
Bringing awesome sights, thrills and frights to revellers of all ages - it is Southend's number one free entry theme park, Adventure Island!
Here you can enjoy a host of fantastic activities, from thrilling water slides to family friendly attractions, all with no entry fee! Adventure Island is Southend’s favourite fun destination for families. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day with your kids!
Saturday, January 18 · 7:15 - 10:15pm GMT at The Grey Lady, 70-72 The Pantiles Royal Tunbridge Wells
Join us for an incredible Grey Lady Sessions on Jan 18th featuring live sets from The Orange Circus and The Paul Dunton Orchestra.
Experience the magic of Grey Lady Sessions, a cherished tradition at our venue since August 2005! Our intimate, candlelit shows offer an exceptional live music experience steeped in atmosphere and ambience. Enjoy the best local original acts all in one bill, carefully curated just for you.
Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance, and we kindly request a listening etiquette during performances to ensure the music remains centre stage. Doors open at 7:15 pm, and the music starts at 8 pm sharp. Join us as we celebrate new, original music and support local artists. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support!
Starts on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 17:00 GMT At, Kent County Agricultural Society: Kent Showground Detling Maidstone ME14 3JF United Kingdom
Join us for an evening of insightful discussion, networking and refreshments with farmers and agricultural businesses from across Kent, the South East and beyond.
Kent Farming Conference 2025 will be delving into the pros and cons of regenerative farming techniques, a hot topic within the industry which often leads to divided opinions amongst the sector.
We are delighted to be joined by Andrew Ward, founder of Forage Aid, who spoke at the Kent Farming Conference in 2024. Andrew returns this year as our host, to chair a lively discussion between Silas Hedley-Lawrence, founder of Grass Fed Farmers, and Sir Peter Kendall, former NFU President and former AHDB Chair.
Kent Farming Conference is free to attend and we will be providing drinks and a light supper for all attendees at the end of the evening.
Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:15 - 12:00 GMT, At Wildernesse Golf Club, Park Lane Sevenoaks TN15 0JE United Kingdom
The Construction Hub
Step into the future of networking with The Construction Hub—a groundbreaking gathering designed for Construction, Design, and Build professionals working on high-end projects in and around Kent.
COMMUNITY OVER COMPETITION isn’t just a motto—it’s our mission.
Imagine a network where collaboration replaces rivalry. Where we focus on building connections that elevate every member of our community. The days of undercutting, conformity, and racing to the bottom are over. Together, we can create a thriving, dynamic market where quality and innovation take center stage.
This is more than an event—it’s the start of a movement.
We celebrate what makes each of us unique, leveraging our strengths to complement one another. By working together, we unlock endless opportunities and redefine success in our industry.
There’s more than enough work to go around, and we don’t all have to be the same. Let’s raise the bar, share our wins, and shape a future where we all prosper.
Join us as we build a community that thrives, grows, and learns—together. Welcome to the Construction Hub.
Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00 - 16:00 GMT - Westgate Hall Canterbury, Westgate Hall Road Canterbury CT1 2BT United Kingdom
Look out Canterbury! The biggest vintage sale you’ve ever seen is set to come to Canterbury’s Westgate Hall on Sunday 14 May, 10-4pm. Grab a biodegradable bag on your way in and pick & mix your vintage clothing and fill to your hearts content, all for £20 a kilo! Tickets are just £2 or £3 for EarlyBird where you can get in an hour early.
Sunday, January 26 · 3 - 5pm GMT at Ashford United FC, Ashford Road Kingsnorth TN26 1NJ United Kingdom
Sellebrity Soccer brings a huge celebrity charity football match at Ashford Town Football club on Sunday 26th January 2025 raising vital funds for 4 year old Leslie who has stage 4 cancer.
Celebrity players confirmed so far are
Calum Best (TV), Neil Ruddock (Ex Liverpool player), Jake Wood (Max Branning), Dan Osborne (TV), Ricky Groves (Gary Hobbs Eastenders), Dean Gaffney (Eastenders), Bleu Landau (Soap star), Ex England legend Monty Panesar, Married at first sight 2024 stars Nathan Cambpell, Adam Nightingale, Ryan Livesylet, Orson Nurse, Ross McCarthy, Georges Berthonneah, Arthur Poremba, Courtney Massay, JoE Jackson (The Firm/The Busuness), This years Love island stars Ronnie Vint, Reuben Collins, Munveer, Internet star Singing Dentist, Britains got talent finalist 2022 Flintz (Flintz n Taylor), (Subject to commitments) and many more being confirmed in the next few Days
Standard Tickets £12 plus booking fee
VIPs - VIPS Meet and great/VIP Seat
(Meet celebrity playere Pre match at 12.45pm (no certain individual celebrity promised for meet greet) a minimum of 10 celebrity players will meet VIPs)
Saturday, January 18 · 10am - 4pm GMT at the Faversham Assembly Rooms, 63-64 Preston Street Faversham ME13 8PG United Kingdom
Join Faversham Choral Society for a Come and Sing workshop with renowned composer Bob Chilcott! Dive into the delightful Little Jazz Mass and enchanting Aesop's Fables.
Bob Chilcott, a former member of the King’s Singers, is celebrated for his engaging choral works that blend jazz influences with traditional harmonies. Whether you’re an experienced singer or just starting, this workshop promises a fun and inspiring musical experience. Don't miss out! Music hire is included.
With over 900 years of history to uncover at Leeds Castle, discover the lives of our seven historic queens, get to know Lady Olive Baillie and her 1930 country house retreat, and pay a visit to our unique Dog Collar Museum.
There’s something for every history enthusiast! With so much to learn and discover, will you squeeze it all onto a day or will you opt to stay the weekend? Once you decide, the rest is easy.
Canterbury, in Kent, has been the seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for nearly five centuries. Canterbury's other important monuments are the modest Church of St Martin, the oldest church in England; the ruins of the Abbey of St Augustine, a reminder of the saint's evangelizing role in the Heptarchy from 597; and Christ Church Cathedral, a breathtaking mixture of Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic, where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.
The iconic award-winning Mote Park is a huge 450acre Parkland/Woodland garden in Maidstone, Kent.From dino golf, a climbing wall, water sports, the walled garden and even a waterfall! The great thing about Mote Park is that all the activities are open to both adults and children. Outside of the year-round activities, there are also a number of organised events that take place throughout the year.
Maidstone Museum is a free museum in Kent offering exhibitions, collections, workshops, and more.
Maidstone Museum is a local authority-run museum located in Maidstone, Kent, England, featuring internationally important collections including fine art, natural history, and human history. The museum is one of three operated by Maidstone Borough Council
The Hazlitt Theatre is a traditional proscenium arch and intimate auditorium. Named after William Hazlitt, the famous essayist, who was born in Maidstone in 1778. It opened in 1955.
The Hazlitt Theatre presents a wide-ranging blend of entertainment. With two performance spaces, The Hazlitt Theatre and Exchange Studio aim to offer something for everyone.
The Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone offers one of the liveliest and most diverse programmes of arts and performance in the south east.
The 28-acre site that constitutes Kent Life has evolved through the years from the historic Sandling Farm, an area that formed part of the wider Allington Castle estate in the mid 16th century – stretching some 461 acres – and was owned by Thomas Wyatt
Kent Life, as it is now known, is one of the few remaining places in Britain where hops are grown, harvested, dried and packed in its magnificent Oast house, by hand, using only time honored, traditional techniques. Kent Life is an English open-air museum located at Sandling, next to Allington Locks, on the east bank of the River Medway.
Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing collection of trees and shrubs. Standing on the site of the old Maidstone Zoo, the park features a themed play area, along with a sculpture trail, plenty of space for picnics, and a café serving hot and cold food and drinks.
Cobtree Manor Park is a landscape of diverse character: part open country park, part woodland and part parkland garden, all set on a gently sloping hillside with views of the North Downs.
Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest in England an has been a place of worship and prayer for centuries. Just across the road from the cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country.
Rochester Castle has a chequered history, having been subject to siege three times and partly demolished by King John in 1215.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a maritime museum of the site of the former royal/naval dockyard in South East England. For many years, this dockyard is one Britain's most important centre of warship building and repair, allowing the Royal Navy to dominate the seas of Europe and beyond.
Today it is the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail.
Discover the history of Medway from its pre-historic times up to present day by visiting Guildhall Musuem in Rochester. Learn about the life and times of Charles Dickens and witness the life conditions of Napoleonic prisoners and a whole wide range of domestic artefacts from Darenth Roman villa.
You will definitely appreciate the rich history of Medway here!
Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards. Despite a brave attempt, it entirely failed to do so in 1667, when the Dutch sailed past it to burn or capture the English fleet at anchor.
Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway's finest green spaces, offering wonderful opportunities for walking, running, cycling and much more.
Capstone covers 114 hectares of former farmland on the North Downs and boasts a variety of habitats including ancient woodlands, old orchards, a freshwater lake, meadow and hedgerows.
In the gardens of Eastgate House you can see the Swiss Chalet, where the great author Charles Dickens worked on some of his best known novels.
It was given to Dickens as a present from an actor friend called Charles Fechter. It arrived at Higham Railway Station on Christmas Eve 1864, packed in 58 boxes!
Wednesday, January 15 · 7:30 - 10am GMT, At Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ashford Road Bearsted ME14 4NQ United Kingdom
The Kent branch of Constructing Excellence continues to be collaboration focused. Through our wide and varied membership from all sectors of the industry, we are able to share knowledge and experience for the benefit of many.
Our chairperson Cheryl Causebrook hosts our events, supported by the rest of our cross sector committee. Kent branch meetings are relaxed, encouraging open conversation and the building of relationships.
Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:30 - Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:30 GMT at Drayson's Spirit & Wine Bar, Broadway Maidstone ME16 8PB United Kingdom
Maidstone Networking - Professionals Super Set
Join us for a fantastic evening of networking at Drayson's Spirit & Wine Bar! This event is perfect for professionals from all sectors. Connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this is the place to be. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and grow your business!
Detling Showground Antiques and Vintage Fair
📍 Location: Near Maidstone, Kent (Postcode: ME14 3JF)
🗓️ Dates: Saturday, 18th January & Sunday, 19th January
What to Expect:
Over 400+ indoor and outdoor stalls brimming with unique and unusual antiques, vintage items, and collectibles.
A welcoming and friendly atmosphere for all visitors.
Event Details:
Saturday Entry Times:
Early Entry: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM (£7 per person)
Standard Entry: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (£6 per person)
Sunday Entry Times:
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (£5 per person)
Children under 16: Free entry
Dogs: Welcome but must be kept on a short lead.
Additional Amenities:
Free Parking and Wi-Fi available on-site.
Convenient access: Easily reachable via M20, M25, M2, A249, or a 10-minute taxi ride from the nearest train station.
Food and drinks available throughout the day.
23rd November 2024 at The Gulbenkian Theatre,
Enjoy the live tribute to one of music’s greatest icons—George Harrison. This tribute show will celebrate Harrison's timeless hits, including his early Beatles songs, his successful solo career, and his work with The Traveling Wilburys.
Harrison, the quiet Beatle, was a pivotal part of The Beatles, helping them become the world’s best-selling music act, and later went on to achieve remarkable solo success. His legacy continues through his classic albums like All Things Must Pass, Cloud Nine, and his collaborations with the legendary supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.
This special tribute will pay homage to his unforgettable music and influence, making it a must-see for fans of The Beatles and classic rock.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024
Time: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: The Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent
Ticket Price: £23.50 (General Admission)
Tickets & More Info: Buy Tickets Here
Contact: info@thegeorgeharrisonproject.com
Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of George Harrison’s music live on stage in this heartfelt tribute show.
1st-14th May 2023
Maidstone Cocktail Week is an annual event in Maidstone, Kent that celebrates the art of cocktail making. During the week-long event, participating bars and restaurants in the town offer a range of special cocktails, created specifically for the occasion. Visitors can purchase a wristband, which entitles them to discounts on cocktails at the participating venues, as well as entry to a range of events and masterclasses. Maidstone Cocktail Week also includes a number of competitions, with bartenders showcasing their skills and competing to be crowned the town's best mixologist. The event is popular with both locals and visitors, and provides a fun and festive atmosphere in the town for cocktail lovers to enjoy.
27 May 2023
Soul music fans, get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Soul Town Festival at Mote Park in Maidstone this May 2023! This highly-anticipated event will bring together some of the biggest names in soul music for an electrifying day of live performances, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere. From classic hits to modern favorites, the festival's lineup promises to be an eclectic mix of legendary artists and up-and-coming stars, guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing all day long. With acres of beautiful parkland to explore and a fantastic selection of food and drink vendors, Soul Town Festival at Mote Park is the perfect way to spend a summer day with friends and family, celebrating the timeless sounds of soul music in a stunning setting. Don't miss out on the party of the year - get your tickets now and join the fun at Soul Town Festival!
