Southend’s City Beach is home to a popular free family attraction on the seafront – the Splash Fountains. With 64 multi-coloured jets of water dancing in synchronised patterns, they have become a favourite spot for children and adults alike during warm weather.
The council also commissioned an LED lighting upgrade in 2022, linking the fountains to the seafront street lighting pillars.
A spectacular free attraction on Southend’s City Beach
The fountains are located at the eastern end of City Beach on Marine Parade. They shoot up in random and sequenced bursts, keeping children guessing and laughing as they try to predict the next spray. The feature includes:
- 64 dancing water jets, grouped in eights to rise and fall in a wave effect
- Safe, filtered water which is continuously circulated through a robust tank system
- Evening displays, with the fountains illuminated in a spectrum of colours against the backdrop of Southend’s seafront lights
The attraction is completely free to use, making it one of Southend’s most family-friendly seaside highlights.
Opening times and season dates
The fountains are now only switched on every day during the summer season, after Southend Council announced spending cutbacks. At other times of the year, the fountains are usually only switched on at weekends for the afternoon.
The Splash Fountains operate daily during the summer months from 10am to 8pm.
Other months: The Splash Fountains operate at weekends, from 12pm to 5pm.
Note: timings can occasionally vary during maintenance or special events.
Location and nearby attractions
The fountains are at City Beach, Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EJ. They sit among some of Southend’s most popular attractions, including:
- Adventure Island
- Sealife Adventure
- Southend Pier
- Traditional seaside arcades and cafés
This makes the fountains an ideal stop as part of a family day out on the seafront.
Tips for visiting the Southend seafront fountains
To make the most of the Splash Fountains:
- Visit on a warm day for the best experience
- Surfaces can be slippery, so supervise children closely
- Bring a towel or a change of clothes for kids playing in the water
- Expect busy periods during peak summer days and school holidays
Why the Southend seafront fountains are special
The Southend Splash Fountains combine playful water jets with technology that creates a mesmerising show, especially after dark. The lighting system synchronises with the surrounding area, tying the attraction into the wider seafront regeneration project.
For families, it offers hours of entertainment without spending a penny, while adding vibrancy to Southend’s seafront atmosphere.