Families in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, can take part in a new outdoor activity as FairyTrail-on-Sea runs along the seafront and town centre from February 2 until March 7, 2026, to help boost local shops and cafes. The month-long event, organised by Visit Southend (the tourism arm of Southend-on-Sea City Council) in partnership with Southend BID, features more than 20 artist-designed fairy houses and interactive checkpoints designed to encourage residents to visit the city during the quiet winter months. It provides a low-cost, free-to-access option for parents looking for entertainment during the school holidays.
The trail map leads people to various locations including the High Street, Southend Pier, Adventure Island and The Forum. By finding hidden fairy doors at independent businesses, visitors can collect codes to enter a prize draw for vouchers to use at local attractions such as Sealife Adventure and the Kursaal. The project is intended to support the local economy while providing a ready-made day out for children.
According to Southend-on-Sea City Council and Visit Southend, the initiative focuses on areas like Marine Parade and Chalkwell Esplanade to help retailers who often see fewer customers after the new year. Organisers hope the trail will lead to a 30% increase in visitor engagement compared to February 2025. This supports a wider plan to ensure the seafront remains a busy destination throughout the year.
The trail covers the school half-term break, which Essex County Council has set for February 16 to February 20, 2026. Families can use a physical guide or a downloadable map to find the fairy displays. The activity is free to join and runs daily until the event finishes on March 7, 2026.
