Southend Cliffs Never Never Land memories in pictures

As our vintage photos of Southend seafront's illuminations have sparked memories of Never Never Land among our readers, we have decided to delve into our archives and share these past pictures of the much-loved attraction again.

Given the boot – then-Southend mayor James Hugill pays a visit (Image: Newsquest)Nestling in the shrubbery on Southend Cliffs opposite the then Peter Pans Playground - now Adventure Island -  it was a far more discreet affair.

Meandering paths were dotted with mythical castles, goblins, dragons and fairies – all gently lit from the trees above. There was even a model railway.

Anchor man – Lee Ransom, three, from Daws Heath Road, Benfleet, meets one of Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs (Image: Newsquest)

Partially hidden by the greenery, you could almost miss a turreted castle.

Excited children would come upon the eerie little fortresses quite suddenly and would peer into dimly-it windows, eager to spot a fairy.

What’s inside – a boy peers into the toymaker’s shop (Image: Newsquest)

Never Never Land had to be explored at night for best effect and many of the smallest visitors had to be carried home exhausted, but happy.

However, the place became neglected and vandalised and was taken down in 1972.

Furry friends – children greet some characters outside one of the mini castles, called Vistadromes (Image: Newsquest)

A new hi-tech version installed in 1987 never captured the imagination of youngsters in quite the same way as the original one and it was closed in 2000.

It will, however, remain a fond memory for thousands of children from a magical, innocent era.

Magical – the Mystery of Merlin and the Dragon was a popular feature (Image: Newsquest)

In 2019, the Never Never Land rock garden saw its water fountain flowing again and all six of its fantasy castles repainted and restored by Southend artist, David Taylor.