Alright, Londoners – if you’re craving a day trip that’s equal parts quirky and charming, we’ve got a gem for you.
Less than two hours from London lies a slice of seaside magic that’s somehow escaped the usual tourist radar: Southend Pier. And yes, it’s home to the infamous ‘Train to Nowhere’ – a tiny railway that chugs along the longest pleasure pier in the world. Intrigued? You should be.
What is the ‘Train to Nowhere’ on Southend Pier?
Stretching a mind-boggling 1.33 miles out into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier is a proper British institution. It’s been around since the late 1800s, weathering storms, fires, and the odd boat collision like a champ.
Picture this: a tiny electric train that runs the length of the pier, ferrying you from the bustling shore all the way to the pier’s tip, where you’re surrounded by water on all sides. This isn’t your average commuter train – it’s a quirky, one-track wonder affectionately known as the ‘Train to Nowhere’ because, well, it literally goes out into the middle of nowhere (or the sea, to be precise).
The railway started in 1890, making it the UK’s first pier railway. Today, it’s still running, with vintage-style carriages that feel like a time capsule on rails. The journey itself takes just a few minutes, but the views? Absolutely priceless.
Plan your trip to Southend Pier
It’s a breeze from London, just under two hours on the train from Liverpool Street or Fenchurch Street, and you’re there.
Southend Pier and its railway are open year-round, with extended hours in the summer. For up-to-date information on opening times, ticket prices, and special events, visit the official Southend Pier website.