The 15 best parks and gardens in Thurrock

Great location on the banks of the Thames, free parking and good cafe and shop but for children brilliant park area with swings and various play apparatus the best zip wire ever according to my grandchildren Various length paths provide excellent walks with a number of bird hydes.

This place it is pure bliss!!! Amazing place to go for a walk alone ( although it is nature, u feel safe ) or with your dog , chill for a coffee and unwind from the busy life. It is a bliss!!! I could have not enjoy the time spent there more 🤩🤩🤩 There's a parking, playground for children, a coffee shop, clean toilets inside and a souvenir shop. The view it is amazing. Especially from the roof top which you can access it via the coffee shop. Apparently after 5pm the place it is closed. So not sure if you can access the grounds as there is a gate at the start of path that leads to the coffee shop.

A lovely countryside park next to the Thames, lovely gentle walks ands a small park for young children. I wish they would improve the initial access road into the park, it is absolutely dreadful, potholes everywhere, not ideal for low profile tyres so take note. Apart from this minor problem the rest is wonderful.

An amazing place, open footpaths that are used and suitable for walkers, dog walkers (on leads), runners and cyclists. As you can see from the photos the views are great and the nature information are useful and interesting for kids and adults. The main building has a viewing platform on the roof and a cafe, with shop. There is a viewing hide with benches that I imagine would be popular with bird watchers. We are lucky to have this and I really hope people enjoy it for years to come, please use the cafe and they accept donations

We stumbled across this place whilst out exploring one Sunday and it's a real find. It had a good cafe, friendly staff, well stocked shop, and fantastic views. The nature reserve was peaceful, and we will definitely be going back.

Wonderful play area for kids having an amazing zip line that the kids loved. Nice cafe and gifts shop with amazing views from the rooftop. Free to visit, can donate if you want to help conserve nature. There are walks around the place and an area for bird watching too.

This really is a hidden gem I'm Essex! Stunning views of the Thames and a beautifully kept wildlife reserve. The centre offers gifts and hot drinks and snacks. It has incredible views from the roof platform. There is plenty of parking and great walks, from short to long, all on well made paths. Finally, the outdoor play area caters for all ages of children. Great for a family day out.

The masts on the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery were due to be removed this year. One minor problem, live Bombs have been discovered on the seabed where they were going to site the crane. Hopefully, each resident of Sheerness and Southend has access to a pair of waders !

mmmm popeyes sandwich yum yum yum

Unbelievable value for the price.

Good estuary, not great.

Always get the answers

Tilbury fort is an English heritage property , at the edge of tilbury port. It is a fascinating place, lots to see and great views down the Thames. It gives a great insight in what must life must have been like in the fort. There is a very small cafe on site. And a car park is near the entrance (though its quite small)

Went here as a morning out. A few artillery pieces on view, some very rusty. A small exhibition about the place. Downside was bad for people with motobility issues, I understand it's a historical place, but you have to have facilities for elderly or disabled people. Nice place for a walk if you can.

An enjoyable couple of hours spent here at the Fort whilst enroute down to Rochester. There is parking right outside the fort no need to park on the carpark outside The Worlds End Pub, pull onto the car park and drive over the cattle grid, this will lead you to the entrance. This is an English Heritage site with a small shop and toilet facilities on site. This was the filming set for the BBC series with Taboo.

Great place to spend a couple of hours exploring. Plenty of parking available, polite staff provide a warm welcome. The tunnels are amazing, such a clever solution to avoid a spark, seems obvious once you know but genuinely genius! Really interesting history to the place.

Tilbury Fort was not busy on this weekday, which meant my group had the place to ourselves. It’s a reasonable half day’s exploration into a bit of war history on a pleasant Autumn day. The staff are helpful and there’s a little shop. You can get into an officer’s house to see how they lived in war time.

Nice and peaceful visit to this English heritage site , there ia an entrance fee £6:80 for adults and £4:50 for kids but there is a discount for families , you also need to check what days they are open , very few visitors when I was there( none in fact ) mind you it was a rainy week day , so probably explains it , military and sort of domestic history , plenty to see and explore , they have a tiny café where you can get a drink . The great thing is they sell beer , mead and wine in the gift shop 😀. Getting there if you do not have a car is easy , get c2c train to Tilbury town and get the bus which runs every half hour to Tilbury ferry port and the Fort is just a short walk from there .

A Fascinating Slice of History – Great for a Day Out! Tilbury Fort is a hidden treasure that’s steeped in history and well worth a visit. Managed by English Heritage, it offers a compelling look into England’s coastal defenses, dating back to the time of Henry VIII and playing a significant role through to World War II. Informative displays and impressive architecture bring the past to life, especially its connection to the Spanish Armada. The grounds are ideal for a picnic, and the riverside location provides some stunning photo opportunities. Just down the river, you’ll also find Coalhouse Fort, another historic defense site—making it easy to turn your visit into a full day of exploring Thames-side military history. It loses a star only because a few areas could use more interactive features or restoration, but overall, it’s a great outing for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful spot rich in heritage.

What a disappointment and all i get told by the manager after spending an 45minuts/ hour there is: ohhh all other familys liked and spent more time here😩😓 Ive travelled hours to get to this place after so much advertising saying it was a good place to entertain kids and stay hours, 1 of my kids is only 2 years old but loves lights so i brought here, called as well to get deffo confirmation before going that would be enough to spend at lesst 3h and all confirmed so we went on the trip here And yes it looks great from outside and some stuff inside but softplay is quite bad very empty not very entertaining not even for a 2 year old And other bits or dont work or are so simple using that even kids after a try gave up of how boring it is…paid quite a lot for 1h of staying here And will never recommend and never go back And no point to complsin to managers because they dont do anything!!! Even staff members understood me and were on my side

4 of us went, Two adults and Two 3 year old boys. We really enjoyed it here and spent 3 hours in total. There was loads to do and the boys were happy just looping back round and going on the same things, the soft play is small but they where more then happy running around playing. I didn’t catch a day but the guy who was taking pictures with Patrick Star on (19/09/25) was amazing, his attitude and energy was just amazing and you can tell he loves his job and is amazing with kids. On the over hand the lady in the restaurant seemed as if she didn’t want to be there and has better things to do, I never a never understand why people work with children if they have such a miserable and unhappy attitude. There was a few things that wasn’t working, the paw patrol cars have loads of buttons but unsure what they did as nothing noticeable happened when you pushed them. Overall we loved it here and would definitely return.

This is fun not just for the kids but the parents too as most of the displays are interactive. We are a family of 3 and only had to pay less than £30 unlike other places that is £20-30 per person. It has soft play, unlimited rides, 4D mini movie theater, character meet and greets, a cafe and life size Paw Patrol cars and tower the kids can actually slide on it! My daughter had so much fun! It was worth it. I highly recommend! 💯

Our son is a huge Paw Patrol fan, so this was the perfect place for him. He absolutely loved it and the Upside House was such a fun bonus surprise……and the information provided online made our visit smooth. Highly recommend it for families looking for a fun day out!

I took my daughter for her birthday and she was thrilled to see the Paw Patrol characters.it was a magical experience for her. The place has a decent food area and several small attractions, making it ideal for children aged 2 to 7. However, it’s quite a small place overall and better suited for younger kids, as older children may find the rides too simple. I recommend visiting early in the day for the best experience.

*5/5 Stars* "We had an absolute blast at Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside! The kids were completely enthralled by the SpongeBob and Paw Patrol experiences - meeting the live characters was a highlight of the day. The play areas were spacious and fun, with plenty of interactive elements to keep the little ones engaged. The themed zones, like Paw Patrol Adventure Bay and SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, were a hit with the kids, and the rides, such as Donatello's Ninja Flyers, were a thrill. We loved the 4D cinema experience too! The staff were friendly and helpful, and the venue was well-maintained and clean. We'll definitely be back for more Nickelodeon adventures! Highly recommended for kids who love SpongeBob, Paw Patrol, and other Nickelodeon favorites."

Great stress buster for the grandkids,chasing the toddlers around the various themed areas is better than any workout! Own cafe and staff to assist if required.

Although it’s definitely not a real beach and it needs a bit of TLC, the riverside park was good for a nice walk. It’s dog-friendly and I could see the small kids were having fun on the rides and in the sand. Nature does a good job of making it pleasant and there are some great views overlooking the water.

Very nice playground for our 2 and half year old son to play around in. Plenty of rides to go on and a fun atmosphere . Our son loved the ducks and geese and he enjoyed feeding them . There were also people racing toy boats on the lake which was nice to observe We will definitely head back soon.

Took my 3 year old and was pleasantly surprised plenty to do here, lots of space, parking charges ok and the cafe was nice. Would definitely recommend it if you are in the area and want to give the kids a run!

Very nice place for children to go and have fun .

Never been before, popped down outside of paid parking hours (after 6pm) to have a look and see if it was worth a daytime visit. Lovely walk along the river path, and the play area looks lots of fun for the kids. Will be back.

Better than we expected for a short day out with the kids. Plenty bouncy fun, splash zone, and large sandy play area all within the park. And a cafe which serves plenty and those hot sugar ring donuts 😋. Recommend 👍 enjoy and relax

Amazing place, you better buy parking for at least 3 hrs. There is so much to explore here. Advised to take a few sets of change of cloths and shoe which is easy to remove as sand will go everywhere, better remove it. About the park, there is a toddler area which is fenced so the little ones can’t just run off. It has a small slide and little things to enjoy. In the giant sandpit there is thinks to do for all ages and there is wheelchair accessible play area too. Outside of the sandpit there are swings, and also wheelchair accessible play stuff. There is plenty green area to do your own games too. There is entertainment this time of the year, small train, big train, water play, mini golf - these you have to pay for around £2 or a bit more. There is a cafe and toilets.

This is a really good place for a dog walk. It’s not too busy, good views, established walk ways and an excellent cafe where amongst other things, you can get a good cappuccino. Plenty of free parking too.

A lovely place to visit for free, have a very pleasent walk along the Thames and visit the history (have to go on specifc days to actually go into the Fort itself). Lovely coffee shop, free car parking, great for taking the dog for a walk and seeing the wildlife. A lovely few hours relaxing with some nice coffee. We were very impressed by the Engine Room Café at Coalhouse Fort. We'd walked there from Tilbury Town Station, quite a long way already, and were on our way further along the Thames Path. It was a drizzly grey October day. The staff at the café were friendly and cheerful, let us eat our own sandwiches and provided first-rate coffees and teas in real mugs. They are extremely dog-friendly, too. Really exceptional. The food looked good, but we did not sample it, so I can't comment.

Found this place because somewhere else was closed, nice relaxing place, fresh air, nice views. Good cafe, didn't go into fort, just walked around. Good way to spend time.

No access to the inside of the fort but externally the grounds are nice and you get a good idea of the size of the fortification.

Lovely open space, kids can fish with buckets, enjoy walks, play in the park and learn about history. Free toilets onsite, free parking, and a cafe.

Unfortunately fort was closed for visitors to go inside. Around it is a nice park n benches to sit.

Great place to visit for exploring the old Fort and surrounding buildings including the radar station. Also if you dont know, there are some hidden gun placements and other buildings just up and beyond the church. Look at Google maps and you will be able to make them out. We'll worth checking out if that is your type of thing. Bit overgrown in summer time but worth the effort getting in to see.

Nice discovery centre where you can learn a little history. Free public toilets inside.

Plenty to see and do. Nice cafe too. This park is great for walks and riding your bike. You can follow rote 136 which takes you to Rainham RSBP.

Great spot! Beautiful bird watching area and venue. Nice staff. Very nice little museum (room) about RAF Hornchurch. We come here often from the city.

This is one of the nicest country parks I've ever visited. Plenty of hard standing parking. It is very well maintained, and kept very clean and tidy. Lovely for all, Wether you are cycling, walking the dogs, or jogging. The most of the park is nice and flat, with a nice fishing lake during the season. Great visitors center, with a cafe, offering basic foods and drinks at a reasonable price.

Nice facilities at the cafe. Wonderful open spaces & woodland walks!

Nice coffee, but expensive. Just offers ordinary bought in sandwiches and the packets of biscuits are expensive. OK if you just want a coffee.

Very good visitor centre. Food and drinks available, spacious with a shop and a little section telling the story of the former RAF Hornchurch site.

A pleasant 2.4 mile walk around the reserve. The path has been tarmacked so no mud. Saw a variety of water birds but nothing rare. There is a visitor centre but the cafe in it has been closed which was disappointing. Plenty of parking.

The entry is free for visitors with no car, the nature reserve plot size is 2.4 square miles, the cafe is seasonal so it might be open / closed, amongst seeing wetland wildlife we also saw an infant deer and a large family of cows, at the big building called the Educational Centre there were telescopes, there was a boardwalk that covers the route to the first viewing point called Purfleet Hide.

A wonderful reserve! It is free to enter. Volunteers are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean and convenient. The cafe has been closed since February, but there's a lovely tea and coffee bar for a small donation. The reserve has clear signs and lots of cool birds. A real oasis near London.

A tranquil nature reserve. Free entry, low cost parking. A great outing for all ages. Lots of wildlife to spot several historical artifacts along the way.

Located just a short distance from the lively streets of London, Rainham Marshes near the A13 serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including birds, water voles, and dragonflies. The sounds of nature, such as the cheerful chirping of birds, create a delightful atmosphere as you observe various species. Rainham Marshes offers ideal conditions for its inhabitants, and walking through the tall grass transports you into a serene wilderness, providing an exhilarating experience. My children had a fantastic time there, and the tranquil surroundings added to the overall enjoyment, granting a sense of peace. You can also admire the riverside and watch the gentle flow of water. I highly recommend visiting this place if you need a break from the stresses of life; it’s a wonderful escape. Additionally, it serves as an educational experience for children, allowing them to learn about wildlife. Entrance is free, although parking now costs £1 per hour, which I still find quite reasonable as the fees contribute to the maintenance of Rainham Marshes. There is a café on-site for food purchases, but I prefer to bring my own, as café prices can be high. I have visited Rainham Marshes numerous times, and each visit has been rewarding. It remains one of my favorite spots to unwind from my hectic lifestyle.

Great centre and reserve. Knowledgeable staff, fab to have long distance gear set up from centre and saw some godwits! A lovely walk along a stretch of Thames new to us. Highly recommended

A fantastic day out, surrounded by nature with a fun route to follow. We got to see so many birds as well as frogs, and other critters! Wonderful!

🌿 4-Star Review – Chafford Gorges Nature Park 🌿 Chafford Gorges Nature Park is a beautiful and serene haven right on our doorstep. Once an industrial chalk quarry, it has been wonderfully reclaimed by nature, transforming into a thriving sanctuary teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re out for a peaceful walk, a refreshing run, or a lazy afternoon picnic, the park offers a perfect escape from urban life. The gorges are rich with biodiversity — from elegant dragonflies resting on nettles to flocks of geese, ducks, and other water birds gracing the lakes and marshy edges. Every visit brings a new sighting, and it’s especially lovely for birdwatchers and families with young nature lovers. The attached photos barely scratch the surface of how vibrant and alive this space is. It’s such a treat to have this kind of natural retreat in our local area. The walking trails offer stunning views across the gorges, with winding paths, open water, and pockets of woodland all blending together beautifully. That said, it’s a shame that the council has let some parts fall into neglect. The once-welcoming visitor centre shop and café have sadly closed, and the picnic areas are now in poor condition and could really use some attention. These touches used to make the park feel more inviting and supported. Still, the core of Chafford Gorges remains a gem — a testament to how industrial landscapes can be reborn into spaces full of life. With a little more care and community support, it could easily be a 5-star destination. 🦢🦆🌿

This is a very peaceful place to go most of the time. I've visited a couple of times when the swans and ducks were very noisy, have no idea why this was. I use go jogging 3 times a week and the views are quite stunning. Whether you want to walk around the reserve, go jogging or just sit and watch the swans and ducks it's still the best place to go regardless of the weather. There are picnic places and enough car parking spaces, the only drawback is the cafe closed about a couple of years ago and has not reopened.

Tucked away in Thurrock, Chafford Gorges is a hidden gem for anyone looking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from urban life. This woodland and lakeside haven offers a peaceful escape with stunning natural scenery that feels worlds away. The walking trails are well-maintained and suitable for all levels, winding through lush woodlands and alongside serene lakes that reflect the sky like glass. One of the true highlights is watching the ducks swim lazily across the water – a calming sight that adds to the tranquil atmosphere. You might also catch glimpses of swans or other birdlife if you’re lucky. The cliffs and exposed chalk faces offer dramatic views that contrast beautifully with the stillness of the lakes. Whether you’re walking alone, with a dog, or bringing children for an outdoor adventure, there’s plenty to enjoy here. Benches are thoughtfully placed so you can pause and take in the views, especially at sunrise or sunset when the lighting over the water is especially magical. Chafford Gorge is not just a walk, it’s an experience – one that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Highly recommended for nature lovers, casual walkers, or anyone in need of a quiet place to reflect.

Fascinating place, not as hard a walk down to the ponds as you would think, lots of bird life, steep chalk cliffs, makes you think of the timescale that chalk took to form

CLOSED! So sad. It's such a lovely place.

Very comfortable walk, plenty resting and picnic spots

I used to love walking around the fishing lake, but unfortunately it is closed off now. This is for the safety of the anglers who had been targeted by idiots who have now spoiled it for everyone. It's such a shame but I understand why they had to do it. The rest of the nature park is nice, but the fishing lake is the real gem in my opinion.

Hot day. Was competing in area. Needed a shady walk for dogs. Beautiful memories of my childhood

Really nice open space with great views to the Thames.

I’ve travelled all over the world and I think this is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I walk for miles and miles with my dog here. So many routes you can do. I don’t think people realise how beautiful Basildon can be. 🤣 Check it out if you like woodland, nature and stunning landscapes. Great views towards the Thames.

Beautiful area for walking and some lovely views. There are paths around the green and trails through the ancient wood. Big open spaces for families and friends to enjoy. Also great muddy puddles:) New photos added. Does anyone know if this area is protected by a body of such...ie #essexwildlifetrust I hope people continue to protect this country side.

Lovely country park with beautiful deciduous woodlands and large meadows to come for a long stretch with family, friends or your furry friends. There are lots of benches to sit, relax and enjoy the views of the lands below. There are good views of the Thames estuary and only five minutes to the centre of Basildon. The main attraction for us was of course the Vange well No.5. Vange well No.5 or commonly known as Mr Edwin Cash's well is situated on the Langdon Hills ridge at the edge of Martinhole Wood, off One Tree Hill, just inside the parish of Fobbing. This area is part of the Langdon Hills Country Park. It took us about 10 min walk to get there. Mr Edwin Cash, a retired publican of the Angel Pub, Islington, ran the Vange Mineral Water Co., from 1919 to 1924. Edwin Cash, former licensee of the ‘Angel’ in Islington. His company Vange Water Co. Ltd. bottled the water which had been tested and shown to have a high mineral content. The business unfortunately has stopped due to believed possibility of spring water could be affected by the West Ham TB Hospital. Since that time, sadly, it has been left to fall into decay and the woods have now engulfed it. Even though it is now a ruin, it is easy to imagine it in its heyday when it resembled a small, domed, classical temple. There are also two cars parks, open from 8am to dusk and they are free of charge, toilets facilities with disabled access, picnic area, horse and cycle rides and of course viewpoints. Walks are mostly well signposted. Definitely recommend it!

Perfect park, different carparks and different access routes, today went to the park behind the Miller and Carter steakhouse, just like the other side there is a toilet block and car park, lots of dog walkers and due to the time of year and weather boots and warm clothes recommended Update as you can see from the latest photos which are from One tree hill after the snow, its very muddy and wellies are essential and even with those it's pretty difficult to walk safely over some of the entrances and exits to wooded areas and fields, my advice is stick to the paths at the bottom that run parallel to the fields

Lovely place, this car park has toilets conveniently placed. You can walk in most directions, away from cars with lovely views.

One of our favourite dog walking locations. There are no toilets, no cafe, the car park is tiny with potholes BUT it’s a great place to start your mardyke walk from. Lots of possibilities- you can end up under the M25/A13 and see deer, the woods are great to explore, cross the road and follow the mardyke path along the river . The meadow is great for fetch or a picnic ( no tables ) Lovely photo opportunities. I wish there were more Pooh bins as not everyone that visits bothers to clean up 🤬

Great space - a bit of woodland area to walk through from the car park. Spacious land by the old water works. You can walk by the River Mardyke. There is some interesting wildlife in terms of birdlife. The river side from the car park is fairly litter free. Could do with a few more benches so you can rest or take in the view.

With plenty of well maintained space to explore, and an extremely old slow moving river attracting wildlife, this is well worth your time. The visitors centre was closed, but they had clear paths and plenty of maps, with statues to find dotted about, each denoting the diverse creatures in the area... How many can you find?

Lovely place to visit with your dog or just for a decent walk, lots of wildlife and birds to spot.. saw glo worms last year. The dipping pond is in a bit of a sorry state which is unfortunate. The children used to love finding frogs, fish and insect larvae, but not anymore. Still it's a lovely place to picnic.

A hidden park off A13 🤔☺! A large open green space surrounded by higher grounds and lower valley river - Hillside Wood, Pilgrims' Copse, River Mardyke and Mardyke Valley! A beautiful countryside walking Trail for all abilities and all ages! Sculptor Ptolemy Elrington created 6 sculptures from recycled items including shopping trolleys, motor bikes etc that were recovered during the Mardyke Valley restoration project in 2008. Sculptures include fish, dragonfly, heron, Avely mammoth, kingfisher, and stag beetle! Dragonfly sculpture on the tall water tower can be seen from distance! Wetlands, low-lying lands, lower valley - the Davy Down is a very welcoming corridor for many habitats including Marsh Frogs, Kingfishers and many more interesting creatures! Really pleased and amazed to find out the source of the loud quacking and chuckling by the pond and the River Mardyke - it is the Marsh Frogs - the largest European Frog - thanks to the Information ℹ Display Board! The view is spectacular and cinematic perception! The Viaduct over the River Mardyke going in and out of the woods, large grass area, Pumping Station and Visitor Centre on a hill - a brilliant panaromic Picturesque view! Walking, running, relaxing whatever it is - it is perfect! However, there are very limited number of benches around the park! It would be good to install some benches at intervals for all the visitors! Because of low lying land, some parts of the Park are prone to flooding, muddy puddles and muddy soft grass or trail! Walking Trail is very good and resilient to muds and puddles but some stretch of the trail are fully under water even with little rain ☔! The trail becomes particularly difficult for people with mobility needs, wheelchair ♿ users and may well be pushchair users! A Visitor Centre and historic Stifford Pumping Station and a small car park can be found by the main entrance of the Park on Back Lane off Pilgrims Lane! Across the River Mardyke, Davy Down is well connected with the Mardyke Valley and Mardyke Woods through a footbridge with a fabulous sculpture made from recycled items from this very area! The whole park is well connected with interpretation Texts and maps - a perfect way of ensuring the visitors are on track while getting the knowledge of the area! However, the visitor centre and Pumping Station do not have any opening hours displayed. It would be good to know which days or dates these are open for visitors!

A green oasis amidst the bustling A13, if a bit neglected. The waterways are thick with algae and much of the green space is overgrown with nettles which is a shame. Some lovely spots and walking paths, and the viaduct is picturesque, but the 'advertised' visitor centre is just as abandoned as the old pumping station. Had a walk around but didn't feel as enamoured here as at other local reserves and green spaces I'm afraid.

It has a small car park, plenty of woods to explore, a small pond, green field for picnics and ball games, a bridge for trains.... Kids really enjoyed this place.

Great place for a walk (the outer circuit is 2.4m) even if you're a non twitcher like me. Nice and flat with plenty to see and hides to shelter in if necessary . Lovely cafe at the end too

Staff in the visitor centre were very helpful and accommodating. Shame the shop/cafe isn't here anymore, but supply and demand I guess. The reserve is excellent. We didn't get to spend as much time as I'd hoped due to 28 degree heat but will definitely be going back

Good place to visit, for wildlife. There’s foot paths around, however be warned, it’s a long walk around the site. The only downside is, they have taken out the small cafeteria where you could get tea/coffee and various other things. It would have been nice to have a tea/coffee or something to finish the day. RSPB, bring back the cafeteria.

Lovely visit to Rainham Marshes. Misty start but turned into a warm sunny day. Very good range of small brown birds, waders, ducks. Diverse ground cover, mature trees, footpaths. Enough hides and even toilets midway. Play areas too. Helpful volunteers along the route and twitchers happy to share location of a pair of Snipe being very still. Historical references along the route and good cafe foods and comfortable seats back at base invite leisurely rest. Smiling chatty staff to assist at both ends of the journey. Return trip planned.

Vast expanse of nature This nature reserve has lots of different habitats, including marshland, reservoirs, woodland and canals attracting a whole host of wildlife. On our first visit we found many species of butterfly, an abundance of marsh frogs, grey herons, shovellers, grebes, avocet, marsh harriers and hobbies to name a few. So close to the m25 for easy access yet so peaceful and serene once inside.

Has abundance of wildlife all year round. A great place to meet like minded people with the same hobbies. A great cafe and visitors centre and with wheelchair access all around the site. Rspb is were my love for wildlife started

Lovely area full of birds, good place to take your camera