Browse the site
The penguin's have arrived!
From 11th July - 3rd September, Southend will have some special guests! Waddle on sea is a fundraising event, raising vital funds and awareness for Haven's hospice.
31 large penguins and a huddle of baby penguins with flip-tastic designs have been placed in different locations around Southend and Leigh-On-Sea. Each penguin has its own unique design created by local and national artists, plus schools and community groups.
Here's everything you need to know about the trail
- You can download the 'Waddle on sea' app from the App Store or Google play for £1.99 and use the map to navigate your way through the trail. Collect unique 4-digit codes from each sculpture to unlock rewards! The app also shows you what penguin sculptures are nearby.
- If you would like a trail map, you can get one at the following locations for a suggested donation of £1.50
• Waddle HQ - (Located in The Royals Shopping Centre)
• Havens Hospices Charity Shops
- You can start anywhere you like and of course, it doesn't all have to be completed in one day
- Large penguins are accessible at all times however small penguins are located indoors so check opening times beforehand if you want to see the small ones too.
Getting around
As the trail is spread from Leigh to Southend, it is likely that you will either use public transport or drive between the trail. Particularly with young children, we decided to separate the trail into four/five areas which we will visit whilst out and about in the holidays.
Southend Town - The penguins are spread out across the high street and down towards the seafront. The further towards Westcliff being outside Rossi's ice-cream parlour and in the other direction, near Sealife Adventure. We used our Southend parking pass to park on the seafront so we could have a visit to Adventure Inside on the way back but there are plenty of car parks to choose from here.
Whilst you're there...
- The Forum - More baby penguiues in here and why not tie in with a quick stop in the library for the summer reading challenge!
- Ye Olde Chippy - You'll find 'Bird bath' just over the road and a great place to stop for lunch along with a bit of free soft play! (Read our review here)
- Indie Rock - Stop for a little bit of soft play/rock climbing or even just in the coffee shop and let the kids play in the play area. (Review here)
- Adventure Island/Adventure Inside - If you go on a rainy day like we did, take shelter in Adventure Inside soft play, ideal for all ages.
- Rossi's ice-cream
- Grumpy's diner - A family- friendly restaurant offering Food, Drink, Desserts and colouring in!
- King Pins Bowl - Eat and play!
Leigh-On-Sea - These are mostly dotted around The Broadway, Leigh Road and Old Leigh so once you have parked (if driving), you can easily walk to see them all in one go. If you are longer than a couple of hours, you may want to park in Elm Road car park, located behind the Community Centre. This is a Southend City council run car park and you can use the Southend Parking pass if you have one.
Where to stop on the way
- Library Gardens - Perfect for a picnic and a play in the park
- Leigh Library - Another opportunity to stop off for the summer reading challenge
- Piggy went to market - Perfect place to stop on the Broadway for a coffee or bite to eat
- Mini & me play cafe - A new play cafe for under 5's in Leigh although activities are provided for older children. Perfect spot to chill for an hour or so but booking is advised for each slot on the hour.
- Wilma's Bakery - With 'Kai the Recycled glass penguin' just around the corner, I highly recommend a visit to Wilma's. Serving the best cupcakes, brownies and drinks and one of the must visits in Leigh
- Create 98 - Pop in for a coffee and crafts. They they a great crafts menu or just some simple colouring/water painting for the kids
- The Phabulous Cafe - Located on Leigh Road, you'll find 'Penguin' 'Eco-flipper' Sandy Sunset' and others nearby. They also have some great activities on for kids over the summer.
- Paloma - A new lunch spot hidden in Leigh-On-Sea, serving lunch and BBQ with a children's play area.
- The Hatch - Stop off in Old Leigh for a coffee or an ice-cream and find lots of baby penguins inside!
- Trail Cafe - A new 'outdoorsy' cafe in Old Leigh serving up wholesome food and drinks!
If you are using the app, you can upload your photos or tag Waddle on sea on Instagram. We would love to see your pictures too!
Waddle on sea is supporting Havens Hospices, raising vital funds for your local children's and adult's hospice. The money raised through Waddle On Sea will help Little Havens to support families to make every day of their lives count.
