Westcliff-on-Sea

Westcliff-on-Sea is a town in southeast Essex, England, within the boundaries of the Southend-on-Sea unitary authority. It is at the mouth of the Thames Estuary, on its north side, and about 34 miles (54.7 km) east of London.

Related Topics:
Town - Essex - England - Southend-on-Sea - Unitary authority - Thames - Estuary - London

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The London, Tilbury and Southend Railway line arrived in the 1880s, connecting the town with London and shortening travel time to and from that city. The Westcliff railway station in Station Road is now managed by c2c.

Related Topics:
London, Tilbury and Southend Railway - 1880s - Westcliff railway station - C2c

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Primarily a seaside resort, the shingle and pebbles along the stretch of beach have been covered with imported sand. A notable landmark is the 1.3 mile (2 km) Southend pier, lying just to the east of Westcliff-on-Sea, which extends out into the Estuary and is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It has been restored with a railway for those who do not wish to walk it.

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Along the top of the cliffs are spectacular views over the Thames Estuary towards the distant Kent coastline. Not far from the Royal Mews are the beautiful Prittlewell Square gardens and farther along is the Beecroft Art Gallery in Station Road, which is just opposite the famous Cliffs Pavilion and its variety acts. In London Road is the Palace Theatre and a wide range of restaurants, while the New Empire Theatre is in Alexandra Street.

Related Topics:
Kent - Prittlewell Square - Beecroft Art Gallery - Cliffs Pavilion - Variety - Palace Theatre

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The main shopping area in Westcliff-on-Sea is Hamlet Court Road, with many boutiques, antique shops and speciality stores. Once referred to as the 'Bond Street of the East Coast,' it underwent a £1 million regeneration in the early 2000s to bring back some of its former glory. With 24 eateries in 500 metres, this road has become the place to eat-out.

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Westcliff-on-Sea is also home to the Thames Estuary Yacht Club and the Westcliff Casino, which is the largest provincial casino and the second largest in Great Britain.

Related Topics:
Thames Estuary Yacht Club - Westcliff Casino - Casino - Great Britain

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Hotels include the Erlsmere in Pembury Road, the Welbeck, a Victorian structure in Parmerton Road, and the Westcliff in Westcliff Parade.

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The British actor Michael Wilding was born in Westcliff-on-Sea, as was the philosopher Professor Sir Bernard Williams, the writer Dick Clement, the racing driver Rupert Keegan and the actress Emma Chambers. The town has also been home to the trade unionist and religious administrator Sidney Hart.

Related Topics:
Actor - Michael Wilding - Philosopher - Bernard Williams - Writer - Dick Clement - Racing driver - Rupert Keegan - Emma Chambers - Sidney Hart

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