Just 52 minutes from Central London, with a modern, purpose-built train station only 100 steps from the terminal, London Southend Airport proves that small really can be speedy. It's a compact, single-terminal operation built around quick, hassle-free travel, flying almost exclusively with easyJet and offering more than 20 destinations across Europe and North Africa, making it a firm favourite with travellers across Essex and East London.
Spain remains the top pick for sunshine seekers, with direct flights to Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Ibiza covering everything from lively resorts to quieter island escapes. Portugal, Malta and Turkey are also available for those looking for a beach holiday. City break fans are well catered for too, with regular routes to Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest and Paris, while those looking for a bit of winter sun can fly to Tunisia, Morocco or Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt. Fancy something a little different? Southend even runs a magical seasonal service to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, complete with a visit to Santa Claus, making it a genuinely unique option for a festive family trip.

