Southend Central Museum & Planetarium
Explore Southend’s rich history and the wonders of the night sky at this unique museum and planetarium on Victoria Avenue.
Located on Victoria Avenue in Southend-on-Sea, Southend Central Museum & Planetarium offers a rich blend of local history and astronomy. The museum features fascinating exhibits including a famous Saxon gold hoard, while the planetarium presents live astronomy shows suitable for families and enthusiasts. The museum is free to enter, with the planetarium shows requiring a ticket. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s a perfect cultural and educational stop in Essex.
A brief summary to Southend Central Museum & Planetarium
- Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, GB
- +441702212345
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book planetarium show tickets in advance by calling the museum to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends and school holidays.
- Visit the Saxon gold hoard exhibit, a highlight showcasing Southend’s fascinating early medieval history.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes before planetarium shows to settle in as late entry is not permitted once the show starts.
- Bring a packed lunch to enjoy nearby, as there is no café onsite at the museum.
- Check the museum’s opening days before visiting, as it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train
From London, take the Greater Anglia line to Southend Victoria station; journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes. The museum is a 2-minute walk from the station. Trains run frequently but check schedules for weekend service variations.
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Bus
Local bus services stop near Southend Victoria station and Victoria Avenue. Bus travel times vary depending on your starting point, typically 15–30 minutes from central Southend. Check local timetables for routes and frequency.
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Car
Driving to the museum is convenient via the A127 or A13. Pay-and-display parking is available nearby at Beecroft Art Gallery car park and Victoria Shopping Centre. Parking fees apply, typically around £1–£3 per hour.
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Walking
If staying locally, the museum is accessible on foot with flat terrain. Walking from Southend Victoria station takes about 2 minutes along well-maintained pavements, suitable for all mobility levels.
Southend Central Museum & Planetarium location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Southend Central Museum & Planetarium
A Window into Southend’s Past
Southend Central Museum is a treasure trove of local history, showcasing artifacts that trace the region’s heritage from ancient times to the modern era. One of its most notable exhibits is the Saxon gold hoard, a remarkable archaeological find that sheds light on the area's early medieval period. Alongside this, visitors can explore displays of local natural history and a unique collection of period radios manufactured in Southend, offering a glimpse into the town’s industrial past.A Journey through the Cosmos
Housed within the museum on the first floor, the Southend Planetarium is the only facility of its kind in the southeast outside London. It seats about 20 people, creating an intimate setting for live astronomy presentations that cover the night sky, celestial phenomena, and the universe's wonders. These shows are tailored to be accessible for children aged seven and up and adults alike, with opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with the presenter. The planetarium runs scheduled public shows on weekends and during school holidays, with special sessions such as 'Space Plus' and 'Stories in the Sky'.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
The museum’s compact size makes it ideal for a short visit lasting around one to two hours. Admission to the museum is free, encouraging exploration of Southend’s cultural heritage without cost. However, planetarium shows require a ticket purchase, with prices that visitors find reasonable given the quality of the experience. The venue is family-friendly, offers SEND-friendly shows, and is suitable for school groups and astronomy enthusiasts. The museum and planetarium are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Victoria Avenue, the museum is easily accessible from Southend Victoria train station, just a short walk away. The area around the museum includes convenient pay-and-display parking at nearby locations such as the Beecroft Art Gallery car park and Victoria Shopping Centre. While there is no onsite café, visitors can bring packed lunches to enjoy in designated areas. The museum’s central location makes it a convenient cultural stop within Southend-on-Sea.Educational and Community Engagement
Southend Central Museum & Planetarium actively supports educational outreach, offering tailored programs for schools and community groups. The live nature of planetarium shows encourages curiosity and learning, making it a valuable resource for young learners and families. Special events and themed shows are scheduled throughout the year, enhancing the visitor experience with seasonal and topical astronomy content.Preserving Heritage and Inspiring Wonder
Together, the museum and planetarium celebrate both the rich history of Southend and the vastness of the cosmos, providing a unique dual experience. They serve as a cultural hub that connects local heritage with universal exploration, inspiring visitors to appreciate both their roots and the stars above.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prittlewell royal Anglo-Saxon burial
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Laindon War Memorial
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Great Baddow Chain Home Radar Tower
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Barnards Miniature Railway
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Tilbury Fort
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Discover the historical significance of Tilbury Fort, a well-preserved fortress along the River Thames, showcasing Britain's military heritage.
Ingatestone Hall
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Experience the grandeur of Ingatestone Hall, a historic Tudor mansion offering a glimpse into England's rich heritage and architectural beauty.
Hylands House
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Explore the historic Hylands House, a stunning landmark in Chelmsford, surrounded by lush gardens and rich cultural heritage, perfect for all visitors.
Chelmsford Cathedral
27.0 km
A serene 11th-century cathedral in the city centre offering free entry, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural events.
St Mary Magdalene Church, Cobham
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Explore the historic St Mary Magdalene Church in Cobham, a serene landmark with stunning architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
Mountnessing Windmill
27.6 km
Explore the unique charm of Mountnessing Windmill, a historic attraction offering captivating views and a glimpse into England's milling heritage.
Falklands Island Monument
27.8 km
A solemn tribute in Grays honoring merchant seafarers who sacrificed their lives in the 1982 Falklands War.
Mersea Island Museum
29.4 km
Explore the rich maritime heritage of Mersea Island at the captivating Mersea Island Museum, a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
The Tiptree Jam Museum
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Explore the delightful world of jam-making in Tiptree at the fascinating Tiptree Jam Museum, a sweet adventure for all visitors.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
30.0 km
Explore Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood, a nurturing haven for rescued animals and a must-visit for nature-loving tourists seeking compassion and education.
Upside Down House – Lakeside
30.1 km
Discover the Upside Down House in Lakeside, a whimsical amusement park attraction that turns reality on its head for a fun-filled day of exploration and laughter.
Unmissable attractions to see
Southend Museums Wellbeing Garden
0.0 km
A peaceful garden retreat beside Southend’s Central Museum, nurturing wellbeing through nature and community gardening.
The Return
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant coastal charm and stunning views of Southend-on-Sea at The Return, a perfect blend of seaside beauty and urban energy.
Wayfinding Stone
0.2 km
A modern stone circle landmark at Southend’s High Street, blending local heritage with urban wayfinding and cultural connection.
Focal Point Gallery
0.4 km
Southend-on-Sea’s vibrant contemporary art gallery offering free exhibitions, workshops, and outdoor digital art in a welcoming city-centre setting.
Hobbycraft Southend
0.4 km
A vibrant craft store in Southend-on-Sea offering extensive supplies, expert workshops, and a welcoming creative community.
Porters Civic House & Mayor's Parlour
0.6 km
Discover the historic charm and civic heritage of Porters Civic House & Mayor's Parlour, a 15th-century landmark in Southend-on-Sea.
Churchill Gardens
0.7 km
Discover Churchill Gardens, a peaceful urban sanctuary in Southend-on-Sea offering lush greenery and quiet charm just steps from the lively Victoria Avenue.
Rocket01 street art mural
0.8 km
A vibrant, large-scale street art mural by Rocket01 that energizes Southend-on-Sea with bold colors and urban creativity.
Pulp Kitchen
0.8 km
Cozy Southend bistro serving fresh, healthy dishes with vegan and gluten-free options in a friendly, jazzy atmosphere.
Prittlewell Gardens
0.8 km
Discover Southend’s oldest park, a serene garden oasis with vibrant blooms, a tranquil pond, and scenic estuary views in the town centre.
The Royals Shopping Centre
0.9 km
A vibrant shopping hub at Southend-on-Sea’s High Street southern end, blending retail variety with coastal charm and visitor-friendly amenities.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.9 km
Historic marble statue of Queen Victoria overlooking Southend’s seafront, symbolizing Victorian heritage and seaside charm.
Cliff Lift
1.0 km
Ride Britain’s shortest historic funicular railway, a charming vintage lift linking Southend’s clifftop to its scenic seafront.
The Shrubbery
1.0 km
A historic cliffside garden in Southend-on-Sea blending Georgian charm with tranquil seaside greenery and scenic estuary views.
Never Never Land
1.0 km
Step into the enchanting fairy-tale world of Never Never Land, Southend’s magical seaside park filled with whimsical castles and timeless charm.
Essential places to dine
Brickhouse
0.2 km
A lively Southend-on-Sea hotspot serving up juicy burgers and smoky barbecue in a casual, welcoming setting with great value.
ASK Italian
0.2 km
Modern Italian dining near Southend seafront, blending classic flavors with community spirit and seasonal delights.
Il Pescatore
0.3 km
Experience authentic Sicilian seafood and Italian hospitality in the heart of Southend-on-Sea at Il Pescatore.
Molo Lounge
0.3 km
A vibrant, artsy lounge on Southend’s High Street offering extensive vegan and gluten-free menus in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
The Sunflower Bistro
0.4 km
A welcoming, affordable bistro in Southend-on-Sea offering fresh British fare and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere perfect for any casual meal.
Waves Restaurant
0.6 km
Modern European fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s Luker Road.
The Pipe of Port
0.6 km
A cozy Dickensian wine bar and restaurant in Southend, famed for hearty British pies and an exceptional wine cellar since 1976.
The Mews
0.7 km
Intimate French-influenced dining in a characterful Victorian mews with warm hospitality and carefully crafted cuisine.
La Petite Petanque
0.7 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in a charming garden pavilion overlooking Southend’s bowling green, blending relaxed vibes with classic flavors.
Clarence Restaurant & Cafe
0.7 km
A cozy Southend-on-Sea cafe serving hearty breakfasts and classic British fare with friendly service and great value.
San Fairie Ann
0.8 km
Eclectic Modern European dining with vibrant live music and unique events in the heart of Southend-on-Sea.
Tomassi's
0.9 km
A welcoming Southend-on-Sea eatery serving hearty meals, pizzas, and ice cream in a friendly, casual setting on the town’s High Street.
Aurum Restaurant
0.9 km
Refined modern British dining with stunning estuary views at Southend’s boutique Seven Hotel.
The Royal Hotel
0.9 km
Historic charm meets modern dining with stunning estuary views at Southend’s iconic Royal Hotel.
Il Mondo Southend
1.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea at Il Mondo Southend.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Victoria Shopping Centre
0.2 km
Modern shopping hub with 30+ stores, dining, and entertainment adjacent to Victoria Railway Station.
Teddy Station
0.3 km
Discover rare collectible teddy bears and join a warm community of enthusiasts at Southend’s Teddy Station, a haven for teddy bear lovers.
Two Vintage
0.3 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage finds at Two Vintage, Southend-on-Sea’s curated clothing boutique.
ideal gift shop
0.3 km
Discover unique and thoughtful gifts in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea’s welcoming Ideal Gift Shop on London Road.
That's Bizarre
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts, personalised keepsakes, and high-vibration crystals at That's Bizarre, Southend-on-Sea’s family-run alternative gift shop since 1971.
Africa Crafts Centre
0.3 km
Discover authentic African crafts and vibrant textiles in Southend-on-Sea’s beloved cultural gift shop.
The Works
0.4 km
Affordable gifts, books, art supplies and toys in the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s High Street.
No Potential
0.4 km
Independent art studio and vintage fashion shop blending creative practice with curated nostalgia.
Clinton Cards
0.4 km
A classic British card and gift shop on Southend’s High Street, offering thoughtful cards and gifts in a welcoming setting.
Steptoe and Mum / Antique and Retro Boutique / With House Clearance Service
0.4 km
A cluttered, character-filled secondhand boutique in Southend-on-Sea, packed with vintage furniture, retro homewares, and quirky collectables.
Santas Surprise Letter
0.6 km
Discover festive magic and unique personalized Santa letters at Santas Surprise Letter, Southend-on-Sea’s charming holiday gift shop.
Linked UK Clothing Limited
0.7 km
Discover authentic luxury fashion with curated unworn and pre-owned designer pieces at Linked UK Clothing Limited in Southend-on-Sea.
Books-on-Sea
0.8 km
Rare and secondhand literary treasures in the heart of Southend-on-Sea's town centre.
By the Sea Vintage
0.8 km
Discover curated retro fashion and unique vintage treasures in the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s vibrant Alexandra Street.
Eliza Boutique
1.3 km
Discover timeless style and personalized service at Eliza Boutique, Westcliff-on-Sea’s independent ladies’ fashion destination.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Boom Battle Bar Southend-on-Sea
0.2 km
An energetic bar in Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre offering augmented reality games, cocktails, and a lively social scene for unforgettable group fun.
The Olde Trout Tavern
0.3 km
A charming traditional English pub in Southend-on-Sea, renowned for real ales, hearty food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Southend
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Southend-on-Sea offering stylish vibes, bottomless brunch, and vibrant social events by the seaside.
SWITCH
0.3 km
A vibrant cocktail bar and games lounge in Southend-on-Sea blending creative drinks with interactive fun and social gaming.
Bart's Bar
0.3 km
Discover Bart's Bar in Southend-on-Sea, where refreshing drinks and a vibrant atmosphere meet for an unforgettable night out.
Cow and Telescope
0.4 km
A lively Southend-on-Sea pub renowned for live music, great beers, and a welcoming atmosphere with a charming beer garden.
Popworld Southend
0.4 km
Popworld Southend: Where nostalgic pop hits meet vibrant nightlife for unforgettable party experiences in Essex.
Park Tavern Southend-on-Sea
0.4 km
A lively, welcoming pub in Southend-on-Sea offering great drinks, hearty food, and a warm community atmosphere on London Road.
The Dickens
0.5 km
Lively pub and nightclub in Southend-on-Sea offering karaoke, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all-night fun.
SAKS BAR SOUTHEND
0.6 km
A lively Southend pub blending live jazz, weekend music, and sports screenings in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Aloha Lounge
0.6 km
Experience a vibrant tropical oasis in Southend-on-Sea with exceptional cocktails, island-inspired cuisine, and warm, welcoming vibes at Aloha Lounge.
The Last Post - JD Wetherspoon
0.7 km
Historic post office turned lively JD Wetherspoon pub and hotel in Southend-on-Sea, offering affordable dining, live sports, and comfortable stays.
The Cliff
0.7 km
A lively, inclusive LGBT+ pub in Southend-on-Sea offering great cocktails, karaoke nights, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Hush Bar
0.7 km
A lively and affordable bar in Southend-on-Sea with a welcoming vibe and vibrant music scene for all-night socializing.
Infinity Showbar
0.8 km
A vibrant hub for karaoke, drag shows, and late-night parties in Southend-on-Sea’s lively Alexandra Street nightlife district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
MooMoo Clubrooms Southend
0.2 km
Experience Southend’s vibrant nightlife with diverse music rooms, top DJs, and a lively atmosphere at MooMoo Clubrooms.
Just Vibez
0.5 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and non-stop dancing at Just Vibez, Southend-on-Sea’s energetic nightclub hotspot.
Foundation
0.8 km
Vibrant nightclub and bar in Southend-on-Sea offering lively music, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Sunrooms2
0.8 km
Experience Southend-on-Sea’s dynamic nightlife at Sunrooms², where live music and DJ-driven parties keep the energy alive until the early hours.
MYST Club
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Southend-on-Sea’s nightlife at MYST Club, where music, dancing, and social energy converge.
The Moonraker Club
1.6 km
A vibrant, intimate nightclub in Westcliff-on-Sea with top DJs, a powerful sound system, and a lively social scene for unforgettable nights out.
The Lounge Jazz Club
3.8 km
Experience intimate jazz and soul performances in a cozy, elegant venue near Southend Airport with fine drinks and a lively atmosphere.
The Loft Basildon
17.8 km
Experience Basildon’s vibrant dance scene with energetic music nights, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere at The Loft Basildon.
Bar & Beyond Chelmsford
26.6 km
A large, lively nightclub in Chelmsford known for affordable drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and a mix of praise and controversy around its staff and music.
Club Tantalize
26.6 km
Chelmsford’s largest and most luxurious lapdancing club offering stylish nightlife with live pole shows and private VIP experiences.
Popworld - Chelmsford
26.7 km
Experience Chelmsford’s ultimate pop-themed nightclub with vibrant music, creative cocktails, and unforgettable themed parties.
Funky Friday Over 30's Night
31.0 km
Funky Friday Over 30's Night in Greenhithe offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, perfect for dancing and socializing with friends.
Air & Breathe Nightclub
36.0 km
Vibrant dual-zone nightclub in Dartford blending youthful energy with plush exclusivity for over 25s.
Rubix Bar & Nightclub
40.5 km
Experience Colchester’s lively nightlife with Rubix Bar & Nightclub’s energetic music, vibrant dance floor, and welcoming social scene every weekend night.
Trilogy Nightclub
40.8 km
Experience Colchester’s vibrant nightlife at Trilogy Nightclub, where diverse music and energetic crowds create unforgettable weekends.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Tranquil
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
