Always check for off-peak tickets. A family ticket to Southend on a Saturday can cost less than two rounds of coffee in town. Pack a blanket, a towel, and a waterproof jacket (this is England, after all). And don’t forget a spade – even adults deserve to dig a hole.
The vibe on these train journeys is contagious. Everyone’s in a good mood, smelling of sun cream and hope. By the time you see the sea, you’ll already feel lighter. It’s like a collective exhale.
So next time a Monday feels heavy, or the grey sky gets you down, buy a ticket. You don’t need to fly to Spain. You just need a train and a sense of adventure. The beach is closer than you think, and it’s always ready for you.
