Getting There

Where to be

The venue

Eastwood Community Centre

Western Approaches
Southend-on-Sea SS2 6XY

It begins at 15:00 and the bridal team enters at 15:30, so please arrive for three. Everything happens indoors, so once you are in, you are in for the evening.

Parking. There is parking at the venue, but please do not count on a space for every car. Share a lift where you can, and leave time to find somewhere.
Access. If you use a wheelchair, have difficulty with steps, or need a seat near the front, tell us on the RSVP or message us. We will check with the venue and come back to you rather than leave you guessing.
Bring a coat. You will want one between the car and the door. See the note below on how early it gets dark.

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It gets dark early

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, six days before the wedding. On the 31st the sun sets at 16:31 and it is properly dark by just after five.

The three o’clock start means you arrive in good light and the ceremony itself happens in daylight. The sun goes down at about the time the pastor speaks, and the feast begins as the light does. Two practical things follow from that.

Bring a coat. Late October in Essex is roughly 8 to 13 degrees, and colder once the sun goes. You will only need it between the car and the door, but you will want it.
Plan how you are getting home. It will have been dark for five hours by the time we close at ten.

Getting to Southend

However you are travelling

By car

Driving

About an hour and a half from central London on the A127, and under an hour from the M25. Postcode SS2 6XY takes you to the door.

Saturday afternoon traffic on the A127 can be slow. Allow more time than the app says.

By train

From London

c2c from Fenchurch Street to Southend Central, or Greater Anglia from Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria. Both take roughly an hour.

A short taxi from either station to the venue. Do check the last train times for your route before you travel, and book your return taxi in advance.

By air

Flying in

London Southend (SEN) is closest by a long way. Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow and London City all connect onward by train.

Coming from outside the UK? Check whether you need an ETA or a visitor visa, and do it early.

Where to sleep

Somewhere to stay

Search Airbnb or Booking.com using the venue postcode, SS2 6XY, and you will see what is nearby. Book early: it is a Halloween Saturday and rooms go.

Simplest

Hotels in Southend

A good spread along the seafront and near the stations, most within fifteen minutes of the venue. The easiest choice if you would rather not drive home.

Best for families

Guesthouses & B&Bs

Quieter and often better value, particularly if several of you are travelling together with children.

Self catering

Holiday lets

Plenty within easy reach of Eastwood and Leigh-on-Sea. Book early; a Halloween Saturday fills up.

Good to know

Practical notes

Weather

Late October in Essex: roughly 8 to 13 degrees, often damp, dark by half past four. Warm layers under whatever you are wearing, and a coat for the door.

Money

Pounds sterling. Cards and phones are accepted more or less everywhere, so there is no need to carry much cash.

Getting home

Please plan your journey home carefully and check the last train times before you travel. If you are relying on a taxi, book it in advance rather than hoping.

Halloween

It falls on the same night, so expect the town to be busier than usual. Another reason to plan your journey home and book ahead.

Need a hand?

Ask us anything

Message us on +44 7536 062412 and someone will reply within a day or two.

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