Adventure Island is the large seafront amusement park immediately west of Southend Pier, occupying a long strip between the high street and the seawall. Unlike most British theme parks, entry is free — you buy wristbands or individual tickets only if you want to go on the rides, of which there are around 30. They range from gentle children's roundabouts up through the Rage steel roller coaster (a small but vicious shuttle coaster with a 73-degree drop) and several flat thrill rides.
It is busy, brash, loud and unmistakably a seaside amusement park; that is the point. Open daily in summer school holidays and at weekends through the rest of the year. The park's location, beside the pier and the seafront amusement strip, makes it the obvious anchor of a Southend day out for families.