Southend-on-Sea - Seafront & Cliffs

Essential Intel

The Trail route passes through the cliff gardens, which are currently subject to some subsidence. While completing this Trail, you must take great care to follow any instructions about which paths to use, observe local signs and follow any diversions that may be in place.

The Trail also passes the famous pier, which is well worth a visit, although a fee will need to be paid to do so. Please note that it is subject to restricted opening hours.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Southend-on-Sea Seafront & Cliffs, with Explorers helping Barnaby Wild, who is trapped in a topsy-turvy version of Southend called Northstart, by following his backwards clues to help him find the portal home in time for tea.

The quest covers approximately 2.2 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at Southend Central train station, with the rendezvous point at the red post box outside the main entrance on Clifftown Road, then search the pier, seafront and Cliff Gardens before finishing by turning right at the end of Nelson Street to get back to the station.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes some steep hills to clamber up, cliff gardens, pavements, crossings, a pier footbridge and gardens, with some paths that may be closed because of landslips.

Take care crossing roads with parked cars and watch out for bicycles as well as motor vehicles. Barnaby's warning also says not to pass beneath the clock at midday on the dot.

Getting There

By car: Start your adventure at Southend Central train station, with the rendezvous point at the red post box outside the main entrance on Clifftown Road (SS1 1AB). The nearest large car park to the start is Tylers Avenue and York Road (SS1 2BB).

By public transport: Begin your adventure at Southend Central train station, then head to the red post box outside the main entrance on Clifftown Road to start the quest.

Need the Loo?

Comfort stops are available at the Pier and at Three Shells Beach around Clue 07, so plan your treasure-hunting pit stops around the seafront section.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can come along for the adventure. 🐾

This dog-friendly Trail includes steep hills, cliff gardens, pavements, crossings, roads with parked cars and a pier footbridge, so keep canine companions close around traffic, bicycles, motor vehicles and busier seaside stretches. Follow any local signs and diversions in the cliff gardens too.

Food & Drink Stops

Portal-hunting by the seaside calls for proper supplies. There are lots of cafes in the vicinity of the Pier near Clue 06, plenty of places to stop off for an ice cream on the way, and a few cafes near the end.

The gardens and beach are great for picnics if you'd rather bring your own provisions and pause the quest somewhere scenic.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Southend Pier

The route passes the famous pier, which is well worth a visit if your Explorers want to extend the adventure. A fee needs to be paid to go on it, and it has restricted opening hours. During WWII, the army took over the area around the pier, naming it HMS Westcliff, while the pier itself was known as HMS Leigh and was used as a giant filling station for supply ships.

Adventure Island

The quest passes the blue railings of Adventure Island and the funfair by the pier entrance, making it a lively seaside landmark to enjoy while you are in Barnaby's topsy-turvy territory.

Southend Cliff Railway

Across the road from the route is the Southend Cliff Railway, opened in 1912. It runs on the site of an earlier moving walkway built in 1901 by an American, Jesse Reno, which was a forerunner of the modern escalator.

Cliff Gardens

The Trail searches the pier, seafront and Cliff Gardens, giving Explorers a greener stretch between the seaside clues. The cliff gardens are currently subject to some subsidence, so follow any instructions, local signs and diversions while you enjoy them.

Clifftown Museum

Track down the Clifftown Museum on the route and you'll find one of the world's smallest museums. Keep an eye on the outside details too - this tiny treasure has more to inspect than its size might suggest.