Southend Airport

London Southend Airport is 60 miles from central London, primarily for people who live in suburban Essex and East London, Basildon or Maidstone. You arrive by train from London Victoria Station, a train every 10 minutes, and it takes a little less than an hour. In general, the train is the most expensive means of transport but also faster. Another train leaves from Canary Wharf, near the City and Liverpool Street Station. A little cheaper than other airports to reach, but still 26 euros return. Local buses also pass through the airport, but to get to London it is better to go by train. From the airport you can rent a car, and you return it to the airport when you want.

Which get you to your plan quickly with short queues and little waiting.