Southend-on-Sea's population reached 185,256 at the ONS's 2024 mid-year estimate, making it the largest town in Essex and one of the most-visited seaside resorts in the UK.
Southend Pier: 1.34 miles, and almost 200 years old
The first Pier Act received Royal Assent in May 1829, and a 600-foot wooden pier — built using around 90 oak trees — opened the following June. It was extended repeatedly over the rest of the century: a new iron pier was completed in 1889, and by January 1898 the pier had reached 1.3 miles, making it the longest pleasure pier in the world, a title it still holds today at 1.34 miles (2.14km). A single-track electric railway started running along it in 1890 — the first pier railway in the country, and one still carrying visitors out to the pier head now.
It's a genuinely rare piece of Victorian engineering still doing its original job: a wooden and iron walkway long enough that most visitors ride the train rather than walk it. But for all its scale, the pier itself is built around a walk, a train ride and a view of the estuary — not a shop.
What 1.34 miles of pier doesn't stock
The kiosks along the seafront and at the pier entrance sell rock, ice creams and small bags of pick 'n' mix for a day at the beach — exactly what a seaside visit calls for. What they don't hold is bulk stock: a 3kg bulk bag, a vegan-specific range, a halal-friendly selection, or a trade case for a business or event. That's a different kind of order, and it's not what a seafront kiosk is set up to carry.
Why Southend-on-Sea shoppers order online anyway
For anything beyond a seafront bag, ordering online and having it delivered is the more consistent option — no trip to the pier required, and no limit on how much you're buying at once.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Southend-on-Sea included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Southend-on-Sea?
Yes — UK-wide, including Southend-on-Sea, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Is Southend Pier really the longest pleasure pier in the world?
Yes — at 1.34 miles (2.14km), it's recognised as the longest pleasure pier in the world, with a history dating back to 1830.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Southend-on-Sea?
Not from the seafront or the pier — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Southend-on-Sea addresses instead.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.