Southchurch Hall is Grade I Listed Medieval moated house located in the Southchurch district of Southend-on-Sea.
The Hall was home to farming families until the 1920s. In 1930 it was extensively restored and presented to the town of Southend by the Dowsett Family. The Hall has been listed in Jenkins' top 1000 houses in England.
The current hall was built c.1321 – 1364, and has a Tudor and a 1930s extension. The Great Hall is still presented in its 14th Century form. At this time, the Great Hall would have had a central fireplace and original smoke-blackened timbers can still be seen in the roof (although much of the roof was replaced in the 1930s restoration). At the end of the Great Hall is the cross-wing, housing the North and South Solars. These rooms reflect changing fashions for more intimate rooms; the South Solar is a late 16th or early 17th Century extension.
The hall probably stands on the site of a much earlier Saxon hall. The land on which it stands was given to the monks of Canterbury in 823AD and the tenants of the hall subsequently inherited the family name "de Southchurch". This custom survived until the death of Peter de Southchurch in 1309.
Getting Here
Frequently asked questions
Accessibility
Are the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible parking, drop off areas, change rooms and washrooms are available at each site. Submersible wheelchairs may be borrowed at the reception desk (based on availability).
Please select the site you plan to visit for more information:
Are caregivers required to pay for entry when accompanying an individual with a disability?
One caregiver may enter the hot springs free of charge when accompanying a paying individual with a disability who requires assistance using the hot springs. Swimsuit and towel rental fees will still apply to the caregiver if these are required.
If the caregiver and individual who requires assistance are travelling as part of a group, regular entry fees will apply to all other group members.
Are service dogs and emotional support animals permitted in the hot springs?
Certified service dogs are permitted throughout the Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs facilities including in the lobby, change rooms, café, spa, washrooms and the pool deck while on duty.
Per the BC Public Health Act – Pool Regulations and Alberta Public Swimming Pool Regulations, service dogs are not permitted in the water.
All service dogs must be certified per the B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog Act or Alberta Service Dogs Act. Staff may request the individual’s B.C. Guide Dog and Service Dog certificate or Alberta Service Dog Identification card.
Out-of-province and International visitors are encouraged to visit the Government of British Columbia or Government of Alberta websites for information on certifying your service dog prior to travelling.
Emotional support dogs and other animals not covered under either the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog Act or Alberta Service Dogs Act are not permitted in the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facilities.
Are submersable wheelchairs available for use at the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs?
Yes. Please ask cashiers for assistance at the reception desk. Submersible wheelchairs can be borrowed from the reception desk (based on availability).
Health and Medical Conditions
Is this a safe experience for women who are pregnant?
Water at Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs is kept between 37° C and 40 °C. Pregnant women should consult their doctor prior to visiting.
Can individuals with health conditions soak in the hot springs?
People with diarrhea, open wounds or who are feeling ill are not permitted in the hot springs.
Individuals with heart conditions, diabetes or other chronic health concerns or conditions should consult their doctor prior to visiting.
Can you over heat while soaking in the hot springs?
Water in the hot springs is kept between 37° C and 40 °C. To avoid dehydration and overheating, we recommend all bathers take breaks to cool off every 20 minutes and drink water while soaking.
Can babies and toddlers go in the water?
Can adults with disabilities go in the hot springs?
Yes, everyone is welcome at the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facilities regardless of race, gender, orientation or ability. Adults with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions should consult their doctor prior to visiting. Adults who are incontinent must wear a swim diaper while in the pools.
Trip Planning Information
Do I have to make reservations to visit the hot springs?
No. Visitors are welcome to soak in Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not available during regular business hours.
Limited reservations of the entire pool facility are available at each location during the hour immediately before and after regular business hours. Click here for pool rental bookings.
Do you have accomodations available at your facilities?
Parks Canada operates the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs as day-use attractions. Commercial accommodations, including hotels, campgrounds, and motels are available near each facility.
For more information about accommodations please visit:
About Your Visit
Where can I store my belongings while enjoying the hot springs?
One-time use lockers are available in all change rooms at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs. Unbreakable drink containers containing water and personal items such as cameras, sunglasses and towels are permitted on deck.
Street shoes, street clothes, winter coats, other belongings and bags must be stored in a locker.
How long can I stay in the hot springs?
Admission to the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs’ facilities is charged based on a per-entry fee. Within regular business hours, there is no maximum time limit per visit.
Visitors to Radium and Miette Hot Springs who wish to return to the pools on the same day may purchase a day pass.
Am I required to wear a swimsuit in the hot springs?
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- T-shirt and shorts
- Any other swimwear that allows them to feel confident and comfortable, whether for cultural, religious, or medical/health reasons or personal preference.
To ensure our aquatic environments are safe and free from any external contaminants, swimwear and clothing worn in the water must:
- Be different from the clothing the patron arrived in
- Be freshly laundered
- Not impair the bather’s safety or ability to swim, put their health at risk, or impair the lifeguard’s ability to perform a rescue in the event of an emergency.
Is partying allowed in the hot springs?
People visit the hot springs for peace and quiet and to relax.
Jumping, diving, running, portable music players and screaming are not permitted. Individuals who ignore warnings from lifeguards, or who choose to behave in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to leave.
Unaccompanied youth behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner will be asked to sit in the facility’s lobby until their parents can pick them up.
Are lifejackets available at the hot springs?
Youth lifejackets are available for rent at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Is smoking or alcohol allowed in the pool?
The Canadian Rockies Hot Springs are smoke-free facilities. Smoking and vaping of Tobacco or Cannabis are not permitted at the hot springs facilities, including in the pools, or on the pool decks, access walkways and outdoor terraces.
Alcohol and drugs, including those in edible treats, are not permitted at the hot springs facilities, including in the pools or on the pool decks and outdoor terraces.
For the safety of visitors and staff, individuals who appear to be intoxicated will not be permitted to enter the hot springs. Visitors who show signs of impairment once in the pools will be asked to leave.
For more information about the consumption of Cannabis in Canada’s national parks, and areas where Cannabis consumption is prohibited, please visit:
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Cannabis in Canada’s national parks -
Kootenay National Park important bulletins – Radium Hot Springs -
Banff National Park important bulletins – Banff Upper Hot Springs -
Jasper National Park important bulletins – Miette Hot Springs
Can food or beverages be brought on the pool deck?
Water is permitted on the pool deck in an unbreakable bottle. Alcohol, juice and soft drinks are not permitted.
Cafe facilities are available at Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs. Food purchased at the cafes may be consumed on the cafe decks or the designated picnic areas. Please ask staff for directions to these areas if required.
Is there a cafe or gift shop at the hot springs?
Fees
How much does it cost to rent a locker?
One-time use lockers are available in the change rooms at Miette, Radium and Banff Upper Hot Springs. A locker token, valued at $1, will be provided at the reception desk with each adult and senior paid entry. Two locker tokens will be provided with each family entry.
Locker tokens are one-time use only. Patrons should place all belongings that they wish to secure in their locker prior to locking it.
Annual pass holders and book of 10 ticket holders (purchased prior to March 26, 2018), or anyone requiring additional access to their locker, may purchase additional tokens at the reception desk for $1 each.
Why do I have to pay for youth to use the hot springs?
Youth entry to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada is free.
Regular fees for additional activities and services such as guided hikes and soaking in the hot springs still apply.
Age Requirements
Can children visit the hot springs without an adult?
Youth ages 8-17 are welcome to visit Radium and Miette Hot Springs without an adult.
Youth ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a person aged 12 or older.
Youth ages 14-17 are welcome to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs without an adult. Youth ages 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 year or older.
Are children required to complete a swim test to use the hot springs?
Non-swimmers and children aged five and under must be kept within an arm’s reach of their parent or guardian at all times.
Youth aged 8 and older who wish to use the deep end of the cool pool at Radium Hot Springs without their parent or guardian present must complete a swim test consisting of:
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Swim the width of the pool without stopping or resting, using any style of stroke -
Jump (feet first) into deep water, and -
Recover and tread water for 30 seconds, keeping their mouth and nose above water at all times
Misc.
Where may I purchase a heritage suit similar to the rental suits at the hot springs?
Heritage swim suits are available for purchase at the Banff Upper Hot Springs gift shop.
Are gift certificates available?
Gift certificates for Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs are available and can be purchased at each facility’s reception desk.
Covid-19
Are you/when will you be open?
Radium Hot Spring is now open. Please be prepared for your visit to be different than in the past in the following ways:
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Reduced hours to allow for additional cleaning by staff;
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The number of visitors that can be accommodated at one time has been adjusted to meet public health guidelines to enable physical distancing. This is likely to result in delays entering the pools at peak times;
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Increased safety protocols in place, including mask use being strongly recommended within the building, hand sanitizing stations, Plexiglas guards and signage to help visitors move safely through the building;
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Towels and swimsuits are not available to rent.
Banff Upper Hot Springs remains closed until further notice.
Miette Hot Springs, along with Miette Road, Pocahontas Campground and Miette Bungalows will remain closed for the 2020 operating season.
Parks Canada reminds all visitors to arrive prepared to visit the national parks. Every visit should start with a trip to Parks Canada's How to visit during COVID-19 webpage. Here you can find up to date information on what is open, what is closed and how to visit the park safely. When visiting national parks, only visit areas that are open, always adhere to the guidance of public health authorities, and be respectful of other visitors.
Will physical distancing procedures be in effect at the hot springs?
Yes. It is Parks Canada’s number one priority to keep all visitors and staff as safe as possible.
You will see modifications similar to those you will find in your local grocery store or bank. Clear barriers between reception staff and patrons, spacing, directional and expectations signage when on site.
What procedures have been implemented at Canadian Rockies Hot Springs due to Covid-19?
Hand sanitizing/cleaning stations will be located around the building.
There will be reduced numbers of visitors in the pools and in the buildings to allow for physical distancing.
While thorough cleaning procedures are already followed, enhanced cleaning protocols are being developed and high-touch surfaces will be sanitized frequently.
Rescue and first aid protocols are being modified in line with new guidance from the Lifesaving Society and staff will wear additional Personal Protective Equipment.
Visitors will be reminded to sanitize their hands upon arrival, shower with soap and water before entering the pool, cover coughs and sneezes then immediately wash their hands with soap. Visitors must not enter the facilities if they are feeling ill.
Towels and bathing suits will not be available to rent. Visitor's own towel and bathing suit should be freshly laundered.
Is the hot springs water chlorinated?
There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through chlorinated pool water. Public health regulations require that the mineral water at Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs is chlorinated, tested hourly and constantly refreshed to ensure the highest standards of quality and cleanliness. This Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection with chlorine should inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
How often are the change rooms cleaned?
Staff regularly check and clean the change rooms throughout the day.
The change rooms, wet halls, dry halls and lobby areas are deep cleaned each evening after the facility closes to the public.
SOUTHCHURCH HALL
Southchurch Hall Gardens
Park Lane
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS1 2TE
Telephone: 01702 467671
Email: museums@southend.gov.uk
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