10 healthy things to do in 2026 around Southend on Sea
Here are 10 healthy things to do in 2026 around Southend‑on‑Sea - with activities to boost your physical and mental wellbeing
- Join a Health Walk Along the Seafront
Head along the beach and around local parks for a health walk. These guided strolls offer fresh air, social connection, and fitness—all proven to lift mood and support heart health. Check out the Health Walks Southend schedule and contact information here: Health Walks Southend
- Visit the Free Outdoor Gym at Garon Park
Use their outdoor gym equipment - like pull-up bars, benches, and spin bikes - for a full-body workout anytime. It is open 24/7. Ideal for a full-body or cardio session outdoors.
- Cycle the Coastal Routes
Explore designated cycling paths like Chalkwell to Shoeburyness (6 mi) or Prittle Brook Greenway. Ideal for family rides or serious gravel adventures along scenic routes. Find new cycle routes on Love to Ride and Komoot.
- Get Mental Health Support via Livewell
Looking after wellbeing? Check out our mental health page for free services and how to access them (e.g., Trust Links, REACH), and counselling referrals.
- Explore Southend’s Parks & Gardens
Take mindful walks in beautiful spots like Cliff Gardens, Belton Hill, and Prittlewell Square - perfect for grounding, reflection, and light exercise. Southend-on-Sea City Council have more information on their website about parks and open spaces.
- Try the Southend Stop Smoking Service
Quit smoking with Smokefree Southend, offering:
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Up to 12 weeks of one-to-one or group support
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Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy
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Easy self-referral via Everyone Health
Call 0333 005 0095 to start your journey.
- Claim a Free Day Pass!
If you’re ready to jump back into a more active lifestyle, you can claim a free day pass to any leisure or swimming centre run by Freedom Leisure. Show them this page to claim your free pass. Visit their website or call:
- Belfairs Swim Centre – 01702 712155
- Shoeburyness Leisure Centre – 01702 293558
- Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre – 01702 613000
This offer is valid between 2nd January and 28th February 2026.
- Join Southend parkrun
A free, timed weekly 5K at Gunners Park every Saturday at 9 am—walk, jog, or run, plus a post-run coffee meetup. There is also a weekly parkrun at Chalkwell beach every Saturday at 9am.
- Bouldering at Indirock
A friendly indoor climbing wall in the Victoria Centre—no ropes, great coffee, and chill vibes!
A not-for-profit programme offering fun, inclusive fitness sessions across Southend for all ages—children, families, adults, older adults, and carers. Activities include:
- Fun fitness for kids
- Yoga, seated exercise, aerobics
- Legs, Bums & Tums, Dance Fit, Zumba, Hula
- Nordic walking, and life-skills advice
Available at various venues throughout the week. Pre-book via their website.
Whether you’re into exercise, mindfulness, or community engagement, Southend in 2026 offers plenty of ways to improve your health and Livewell Southend is a great companion on that journey.
To keep updated with health and wellbeing news from around our city, sign up to the monthly Livewell newsletter. To do this, visit the Southend-on-Sea newsletter page, add the email address of your choice, then select "Livewell; What's New"