Sociability Mapping Day: Accessible Places in Southend-on-Sea Guide

It is summertime, and that means we have only got one thing on our minds: the beach! At the end of June, we decided to head to the coast to check out the accessibility of the seaside town of Southend-on-Sea. Located just 1 hour outside of London via Liverpool Street or Fenchurch Street stations, it is a popular choice for a day trip.

While there, we teamed up with Essex local and advocate Nina Tame, who directed us to Caddies. There are few things more British than a game of crazy golf at the coast, followed by fish and chips, but traditional courses are not always known for their inclusion. Caddies is looking to change that.

Nina and Jennie!

Jennie!

Caddies: A Lesson in Inclusive Design

Caddies is an indoor course located on London Road, just over 0.5 miles from the seafront and a 10 minute walk from Southend Victoria station.

• The Entrance: From the street, there is flat access into a wide lobby. A large lift leads up to the main site on the second floor.

• The Course: The beauty of Caddies is that the paths double up as the course itself. This means all players, including wheelchair users, can move easily from hole to hole without worrying about steps or obstructions.

• Facilities: The venue features fully gender-neutral, individual cubicle toilets, including a high-quality accessible facility.

• Sensory Note: Because it is a playful, brightly decorated space, it can be loud during peak times. If you have specific sensory needs, we recommend visiting during a weekday morning.

Caddies mini golf

Whilst we can’t speak for the food and drinks (sadly, although we couldn’t turn down a go at the golf, we were still working!), it looked great and the restaurant and bar area are also designed with wide pathways and plenty of space between tables to help ensure easy movement throughout the venue.

We were very impressed with the care that had clearly gone into the design of this space, which just goes to show that with a little bit of thought and consideration it is possible to create fun, inclusive and accessible spaces which ensure that everyone can have a good time at the coast!

Seating in Caddies

Navigating Accessibility at the Southend Coastline

Southend has made significant strides in accessibility recently. If you are planning to explore more accessible places in Southend-on-Sea, here are 3 essential tips:

1. The Southend Pier Train

Southend boasts the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.34 miles. Walking it is a challenge, but the pier train is fully wheelchair accessible. There are lifts at both ends of the pier, and accessible toilets are located at the shore end (within the Visitor Information Centre) and at the pier head.

2. Accessible Beach Access

Southend City Council provides ramped access to the sand at 3 main locations: Chalkwell Beach, Jubilee Beach, and Shoebury Common. If you need a beach wheelchair, these can be hired in advance from the Visitor Information Centre, which we highly recommend doing at least 24 hours before your trip.

3. Improving Station Access

If you are travelling by train, Southend Victoria and Southend Central offer the best step-free access. It is also worth noting that Southend East has recently undergone a major "Access for All" upgrade, with new lifts and a footbridge making it fully accessible for the first time in 2026.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this post.

Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!

To take your advocacy further, sign up for our free newsletter, Beyond Compliance. We provide practical tips to help you champion accessibility in your workplace and everyday life. We look forward to seeing you there!