Southend-on-Sea Landmarks Listed
Two of the most recognised seaside landmarks in Southend-on-Sea have been protected at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
The historic Shrubbery Garden and distinctive curved Sun Shelter at Cliff Gardens have been recognised for their cultural and architectural significance in the development of Southend-on-Sea as a popular seaside resort.
Dating back to 1794, the Shrubbery Garden (registered at Grade II) is one of the earliest features of Southend-on-Sea, created when the town was establishing itself as a fashionable destination.
The garden retains its original layout of paths where, in the late 18th century, guests of the nearby Royal Hotel would socialise, along with a grove of trees planted in 1809, by arrangement of local property owner Lady Langham, to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III.
Surviving elements can be seen of the fantasy ‘Never-Never Land’ attraction that drew thousands of visitors in the mid-20th century. The themed area referenced JM Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ and featured cartoon characters, goblins, smoke-breathing dragons, fairies with magical castles, thousands of multicoloured lights and a model railway running through the park. Today a small remainder of the fairy castles and landscaping around them remain.
The Sun Shelter at the Cliff Gardens (listed at Grade II), built in 1928, is the largest curving seaside shelter in the East of England. Its striking design blends classical architectural elements with the emerging moderne style of the 1920s and 1930s.
The Shelter is reminiscent of the heyday of the English coastal resort when day-trippers flocked to enjoy Southend’s attractions.
Between 1945 and 1957 a series of railway posters advertising Southend as a resort were produced with the Sun Shelter as a prominent feature at the top of the cliffs.
Our seaside heritage tells a fascinating story of British leisure, culture and social history. Recognising landmarks like the Shrubbery Garden and Sun Shelter ensures we celebrate not just physical structures but the shared memories and experiences they represent. These special places connect generations through their continued use and enjoyment, which is why they matter so much.
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