Southend's best places for a picnic with a view

Picnics in Southend are always a popular choice as part of a day out, and there's plenty of spots to enjoy some food from a basket or hamper.

We've compiled a list of where you should check out this summer.

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Here's a list of the top locations in Southend for picnics with a view: 

• Chalkwell Beach - a long and sandy beach off Chalkwell Esplanade, is ideal if you're looking for a day in the sun either side of your picnic.

With nearby kiosks too, ice creams are readily available.

And just in case you need them, public toilets are close by too.

Chalkwell Beach

• Priory Park - this huge park off Victoria Avenue has plenty of space available for families to spread out

This 45 acre park has a range of facilities for all the family, including a children’s playground, tennis courts, formal gardens, basketball courts and picnic areas.

• Shoebury East Beach - one of Southend's more secluded beaches, East Beach is lined with tall, grassy banks, making it a perfect picnic spot.

Southend Council has some major plans for the beach, which include new kiosks for food and drink, as well as improvements to the toilets.

East Beach

• Southend Cliff Gardens - A short walk away from Southend town centre lies a blend of formal and informal gardens off Clifftown Parade.

The gardens off ample opportunity to take a walk around, before looking out at the sea while you have your lunch.

• Churchill Gardens - these calm and relaxing gardens off Tickfield Avenue offer some peace and quiet from the bustle of the town centre.

The garden has both a stream and waterfall, alongside ornaments dotted around.