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Photo: University of Essex . from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Built in 2013 together with the University of Essex, the Forum is a combination of public library, art gallery and event space. Check the website for talks and lectures available to the public.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Delightfully crazy cliff railway, built in 1912, is an easy way to the top of the cliff.
The beach at the Three Shells, to the West of Adventure Island, is the most sandy. It has a climbing frame, showers, and a boating lake. It can easily become crowded on sunny bank holidays.
At 1.3 miles (2158 metres) long it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Although damaged a couple of times during its life by boat collisions and fires, the Pier can be accessed on foot or by the pier train which will take you to the far end where there is constant deep water, although the waters are tidal. At the "dry end" you can visit the Pier museum. A fire severely damaged the pier head on 9 October 2005, destroying a large part of it. This part is off limits, but the section from the shore to the cordoned off head is still open to the public. There is a cafe at the end of the pier and also a shop supporting the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). In the summer Thames Barges are often seen at the end of the pier for visitors to admire.
A wet weather alternative to Adventure Island for families that is situated in the centre of the Adventure Island complex. It's also open during the winter when Adventure Island is closed. It's entirely indoors and has a handful of fairground rides including a carousel and a swinging pirate boat. The rest of the space has an indoor adventure play area and a large arcade. You can buy a wristband to access the rides, but the arcade is pay-as-you-go and you are given a free game card which you put money onto.