Some of the stores closed at 8pm when online closing times are 9pm so disappointing, a lot of empty retail units, and the centre lacks visual inspiration inside lots of the features have been removed, so it's all very bland, was also very hot, if you park at John Lewis when they close you have to find alternative way out Also fire exit doors are locked a huge safety concern I have visited many times over 25 years and find it's changed but not for the better on the positive side plenty free parking, shops and food outlets, toilets worth a visit

Great place for shopping, plenty of fashion shops, eateries and entertainment, Cinema, kids climbing, Ballerz, etc. easy parking and loads of disabled spots close the entrances on each floor of the multistories.

Me and my family really enjoy day trip to Bluewater Shopping Centre it’s beautiful and find great things many stores and food halls I really recommend to visit there your day will be amazing.☺️

Bluewater is good place to shop, eat or just walk around. It has all the shops you would expect of a shopping centre and has plenty of parking. So if you’re looking for a less busy version of Westfield Stratford jump on the A2 or get one of the many buses that come here.

One of the best shopping centres around! Bluewater is always a great day out — it’s clean, modern, and has an amazing variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options all in one place. The layout is easy to navigate, and there’s plenty of parking available. The staff throughout the centre are always polite and helpful, and it’s clear the place is well looked after. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a meal, or just having a wander, Bluewater has something for everyone. Love coming here every time!

First visit ever to Bluewater Shopping Centre. Had a great day out, thoroughly enjoyed it. The ambience was lovely. A bit like Lakeside but much posher, not stuck up though! Noticed a distinct difference of friendliness and helpfulness from staff in shops. Loved the outside spaces too, nice views to enjoy a relaxing lunch and coffee. Impressed that my favourite chocolate has it's very own shop there, Lindt, lots of varieties I haven't come across anywhere else. Bit early but made me start my Christmas shopping! Definitely going again at Christmastime to see how the centre decorates for the festive period. I'm optimistic, sure it won't disappoint from what was experienced from my first ever visit there. Highly recommend Bluewater for a nice day out. Oh, and easy to find with stress free parking too.

I always find something relevant for what I’m looking for here, but if you come close to Christmas be conscious it gets incredibly busy and parking can be a nightmare. When you go outside of the Christmas period parking is better but it can still get busy at peak times. The centre however is always clean and tidy and public transport links are good. If you don't mind busy shopping centres then this will be right up your street you will most definitely heal yourself if you need retail therapy!!

Visited this store and noticed it was very messy and the price tags on products were not placed correctly and staff very laid back. The shop needs a good turn around and cleanup which would improve the customer shopping experience.

Good quality items. some items are expensive and you can find better or the same one in B&m store at cheaper price. Good collection of mirrors and home decor. I would suggest to check Ikea, Home bargain and B&M before buying from Range.

Love the range and this is no exception, nice big store packed with everything you might want, bonus that it is surrounded by other good stores. Big carpark. Easy to maneuver also has an upstairs and there's a lift a bonus if you have bad knees like me

The range is a little expensive in terms of what I was expecting BUT fabulous choice of products.. this outlet also had a great cafe too...

My Christmas shopping started at the Range my sister and I had been recommended by our friends, and lived up to their reports. We were able to get all we went for and more lolol. Highly recommend a trip to the Range.

Brilliant shop and whilst I was there I bummed into the window cleaner who was doing an amazing job. His from SB window cleaning and does domestic cleaning too. Look him up if you need a window cleaner

A large range of house items including both cheap and slightly more in price to reflect the difference in quality. Something for everyone.

You can’t go wrong with IKEA! Also really great to just arrive there and have a ridiculously cheap breakfast before you walk around. I think it’s an absolutely wonderful idea and I hope they keep doing it for a long time. The place wasn’t too busy, even though it was a Sunday, and the checkouts were fast. It’s always an easy place to get around, and you always seem to find exactly what you want to fill in those little spots in the house.

IKEA is amazing invention. 90% of my furniture are from here, great quality, things last. Few days ago I also tried their kids Creche. 60 min free child care for 3-10 years olds ! It’s amazing. You get a buzzer thing to notify once your time is finishing. Had a lovely catchup with my friend while kids were playing

Bring your deck chair when ordering food at ikea your in for the long haul !! The queues are mental and your most likely not waiting for less then 30-40 minutes of which I waited This was my first time going to Ikea but also trying the food , the shopping experience was great and easy to navigate . But the food left a lot to be desired ! Was looking forward to the infamous meatballs but they was a bit meh if you ask me and pretty much a hype job With the cheap tasting meatballs , although I did like the sort of cheap synthetic gravy they top it with ! I did buy some of the frozen meatballs to see if I could sort of jazz it up at home . The star of the food show was that berry crumble cheesecake !! My god that was soooo good !!!!! I should of just had the pudding So overall you get a sort of okay value for money , but the quality of food doesn’t really reflect value . The other disappointing area is the selection of drinks from the drinks machine Many of which I’d never tried so I tried all of them and nearly all of them didn’t taste great , you can tell there watered down so much it was pretty much water , I think the only the one that tasted remotely any good was the lingonberry Gimme some cheap coke or lemonade any day of the week then that rubbish ! Drinks selection needs to be drastically improved For more food content follow me on socials @bigchefeats

The Good. Visited today with my 6 year old child to purchase new bedding. Started in the Café food wasnice and well priced. The lady at the checkout kindly pointed out the glass i had only enabled Blackcurrant, which was fine. Entered the store and asked for some directions and advice at the bed section. The lady gave me all the info needed and was well mannered. In the textile/bedding and young chap gave me the exact detail of the duvet pillow and covers i needed, which helped immensely. These stores aren't overly staffed, which helps to ensure competitive prices for us consumers but great help nonetheless. The Bad When convenient my way to collect the mattresses from the self serve area I decided it would be best to upgrade from the foam mattress to the sprung version as the additional cost of £90 offered great value once again. Found the foam version and assumed the sprung version would be in close proximity, which wasn't the case. Asked 3 members of staff for some assistance, and none of them could help. I was short on time and purchased the 2 foam versions begrudgingly. The Damn Right Ugly We were in desperate need of a toilet. A kind lady led us to a shortcut, and we hurriedly headed towards the WC in this checkout. WC, there was a significant change in the quality of staff customer service. My 6 year old was physically stopped from heading to the toilet as he had £65 of goods in a yellow basket. I explained to security to keep the basket, and we would collect it when finish the child was a little distressed, but nothing major. We still needed to collect the mattresses. Went back, retrieved the trolley from him, said thank you, asked if he knew roughly where Isle 65 was, and he pointed to the general vicinity. During this conversation, a female employee rudely interrupted, muttered something about Loomis, and turned around. I politely advised her that the way she spoke to him and interrupted was a tad rude. She completely agreed yet failed to offer empathy or apology. By the time I returned to the self-serve checkout, the staff were obviously monitoring me as a result of some sort of internal communication. They made that obviously clear. I looked different from every other shopper in that area and clearly fitted their ethnic profile of a shoplifter (I don't think I do) they just constantly glared at me. The 3 yellow baskets i now had crossed an imaginary unmarked geographical line (very odd). A young lady who had just joined the carry-on had good interpersonal skills and was very helpful (not sure if security had sent her too). Now surrounded and being glared at by security, I got a little flustered at breaking these unexplained imaginary lines, i thought it best to return these baskets before all hell broke loose went to grab the one behind be and the middle aged lady sitting at the checkout physically yanked it away from me. The child was looking round bemused during the whole debacle. Finally, I was given a shopping trolley by the pleasant lady who knew there was no need for this treatment and left having forgotten to pay and being politely reminded by her that I needed to do so which I did. Im not a shoplifter, and IKEA, your use of this profiling is offensive and disgraceful. To top it off, I was asked if I was a friend or family member - I almost choked. Close your stores and go strictly online as the walk-in customer experience is no longer a priority of value to you.

Big ikea shop, has everything and anything that ikea has to offer. The restaurant is great and the store is open until 10pm sometimes. I have been there a few times and it does get extremely busy on the weekends so the best time to go is during the week in the evening and you’ll find it’s very quiet

Great place to go for some fantastic ideas lots if walking around so be prepared 🤣

Good selection of all items for your home. Went for bedroom furniture and the choice shown in room set ups are very helpful. Chose our bedroom furniture and the young lady who helped with the ordering was so helpful and it was completed in minutes. The coffee shop was very impersonal but l just wont use that part again. Will use the shop again

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.

Fabulous fun and good food! Brilliant staff as well, honestly can’t complain!

Great way to spend a fun afternoon with friends. We had 2 games with time for a cocktail in between. Very imaginative course. Really need to think on some holes!

Me and my husband had a brilliant time at puttshack. The golf courses were very interactive and there is a wide range of courses available. Mote was brilliant, offering us great service and ensured we had a brilliant experience😊

great experience playing golf here. we also got some food. the pizza was amazing, and our server Reece was brilliant. His service was very attentive and helpful. couldn’t recommend more. thankyou!!:)

Amazing Experience for My Daughter’s Birthday! We celebrated my daughter’s 5th birthday at Puttshack White City yesterday, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly helpful, friendly, and attentive they really went out of their way to make the day special. The venue itself is fantastic spacious, vibrant, and full of energy. There was plenty of room to welcome all of my daughter’s little friends, and they had such a great time. The service was excellent, and the food was absolutely delicious both kids and adults enjoyed it! Most importantly, my daughter was over the moon. Her smile said it all! Thank you to the whole Puttshack team for making her day so memorable. I highly recommend this place for any celebration it’s fun, well-organized, and the perfect spot for a joyful, stress-free party.

Mote was very helpful and welcoming! He showed us around and made sure we are all set to go. He answered any questions we had with passion and great knowledge! He served us with great smile and always checked on us to make sure we are doing good

I had the most fun playing golf here. My only issue was party size, there was a group of 10 ahead of me which meant I waited 10-15 minutes for each hole. Other than this I had a great time!

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.

Definitely would not recommend, the place is very run down and dirty. The atmosphere is very dull too. We were told the heating is not working after we had paid, it was so cold the children were shivering. It was definitely more cold inside the play centre, than it was outside. The children were all shivering and sniffing their noses so we thought it’s better to leave. The staff seemed very unhappy to be there, not even smiles when walking past. In general, the play area is very outdated. Sadly it’s probably one of the (if not the worst) soft plays I have been to. Definitely not worth the journey or drive.

Partyman World Lakeside is the best place to have your kids party!!! We did there our 8th year old daughter Birthday Party and it was amazing experience!!! The play area is big and fun for kids! The room for party are clean well organised and with a lake view superb! The food was excelent and plenty for the guests to enjoy and fill great! For this I would like to say thank you to our COOK SIAN!!! But off course nothing was so nice and entertaining if we did not have a party hosted by JADEN !!! She made the kids so much happier and super active and involved in the activities through all the evening! JADEN is very nice and she knows how to manage a large grooup of kids and adults and keep them entertained at all times! Her games are the best and kids loved them! She is very smart, inteligent and well prepared for the party hosting with great skills to make the kids listen and involved in the activities such us dancing, make their own bears, drowings and during food times! Also thanks to the manager off the hall very plesant lady which made all my wishes for the party came through and made us feel very comfortably at the celebration! We will definetly celebrate our son birthday party at Partyman Lakeside with pleasure and joy!!!

I have visited a few times recently with my son and would like to praise and offer thanks to Kerrie-Ann and the team. Kerrie-Ann was especially brilliant, making the children feel welcomed and excited (more than they already were) for soft play. She took the time to ask their names, what they enjoyed and during a quiet spell in the centre, entertain them for a while. They loved her! She was also extremely helpful on another occasion when I made enquiries about a party. Thanks. They had a great time.

What an amazing time we had here with our daughter. A very safe, friendly fun environment! I’d like to give your staff member Kerrie-Ann! She was such a joy and was great with our daughter! Making us all feel welcome!! Will definitely be visiting again!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Great Experience at Our VIP Party! We had an amazing experience at our VIP party! The place was spotless, and the staff were absolutely fantastic. Huge thanks to Elijah, Bobby, and Tom for all your help — both the kids and adults had a brilliant time. We were really impressed with the organisation and how engaged the staff were throughout the event. The food was delicious too. Thank you for making our VIP party stress-free and fun!

We go there almost every week as we have a membership and we participated to a few birthday parties as well. You can only pay by card and you can only order food from them and their food is pretty bad and expensive. Also, if you leave the food on the table and go somewhere with your child to play, when you return you don't find it there anymore. We went there last Sunday afternoon and there weren't any tables left to sit, everything was booked for parties but the reception staff didn't tell us any of that and it was a waste of our time entering and trying to find a place to sit with no luck, if they are booked for parties they should at least tell us in advance and not receive more customers, but I suppose making profit is more important than having good feedback from customers. I wonder if i would have paid on the spot they would have returned my money. They don't have enough staff to put someone in charge for safety issues, especially when is very crowded, for example there are older children that climb on the slides and I cannot go and tell their parents to do something about that, but if they would have someone in charge they could enforce their own safety rules. The pictures are from this afternoon when it wasn't busy at all.

Celebrated my daughter's 4th birthday here in Lakeside.The party was great fun,well organised by Bobby,he was super friendly host, everything went smoothly,from a warm welcome to the entertainment, communication and engagement with children spot on. Thank you to Jenny who cooked meals for children,no mistakes,no delays.Had a great feedback from parents and kids. I recommend this place for a party!

Came for a childrens birthday party, really good service, you get your own room on the top floor, food options were ok, but drink menu was good. My kids love a Slush drink which had unlimited refills. The play area is mostly suited for kids 5+ age, but there is a small space in the corner for toddlers. Saturday can get incredibly busy so best come early in the day.

Such a great place to go with children 🌟 my son is 5 yo and he was so impressed by this place. He enjoyed jumping and climbing and going through the soft play area challenges. I am now thinking to buy a membership as we plan to visit regularly.

We had a great visit at Flip Out Lakeside! The arena is pretty big with a variety of sections. My brother mostly enjoyed the street football, ninja wipeout, and stunt zone. As there are so many different attractions we were spoilt for choice! This Flip Out caters to a variety of age groups from toddlers to teenagers, and even adults would have a good time here! What made this trip even more special was the member of staff Chris, who was so friendly, helpful, and very attentive. I was so impressed with his interactions with the kids. Safety is paramount in these spaces, and so I really appreciated how he communicated with the kids to keep themselves and others safe. I also observed Chris' interaction with a child who had additional needs; he was so patient and guided the other children to also be patient with the little boy. I was really blown away because I could see that Chris is young, but his maturity and professionalism was so impressive and heartwarming. Having staff members like Chris makes makes a huge difference to the overall experience in these spaces...it certainly did for us! Thank you Flip Out Lakeside!

Went to flip out with my little girl for the soft play area. Food was so good, Joe and Owen the chef were amazing! My daughter enjoyed it also 🥰 thank you so much! X

I had the pleasure of visiting Flip Out Lakeside for the first time for a birthday party, and I can’t speak highly enough of the experience, thanks to Chantai. Her hospitality, warmth, and incredible attention to detail made the day so special. She went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly, and her friendly, welcoming attitude instantly put everyone at ease. Chantai’s professionalism, energy, and genuine care truly made a lasting impression. It was an absolute pleasure being looked after by her — she made the whole experience even more memorable. Thank you, Chantai, for making our day so fantastic!

We visited flip out and the two girls at the front desk were so kind and helpful. Milena helped us with issues with our waivers and took such time explaining it all! Rinnah was also so helpful helping us sort best booking options and helping with the video. Kids has a blast and they both ensured everything was OK when we left!

We would like to leave our feedback about our daughter's party today. She really enjoyed it. The service was very good. The children really enjoyed it, the food was on time. We would like to thank Ms. Dhanika, who served us very well. She was very polite and attentive. Thank you

This is a large shopping centre with lots of shops opening onto a long continuous indoor walkway on 2 levels in the main. Free parking. However for users of public transport the train station access is located at the extreme southern end of the complex and the bus station at the extreme northern end! Why, as this makes it very difficult for travellers.

Well it's a bus station alright. It's honestly OK enough with a variety of bus services connecting Lakeside with the likes of Thurrock, Grays, Basildon, Upminster, Hornchurch and Romford. Lots of bus bays too with seating, shelter and live bus updates too. The only real downside I have is that there's no longer a direct walk straight into the shopping centre and you have to walk around for a few moments the long way round. Not clearly signposted either.

Very good to take your children

Easy access into shopping area is only provided via Debenhams entrance which is shut until 10:00. Useless design. Two rows of bus departures and each row clings on to its local departures do if you are in the wrong row then SOL. Stand H shows #22 bus departs but that's from J. The information point is an unwelcoming little club for bus crews. I suppose the site layout is all the fault of intu; not impressed. Think 1960s mindset but without any traditional ambience, lively characters or civic pride.

I love Thurrock Lakedode Shopping lots of car parking spaces and it's free lots shops😀 places to eat .

Lakeside bus station is a disgrace completely changed the buses used to stop right outside now stop at chafford hundred station no lifts working and one hell of a walk to get into shops no thought for people who rely on buses not everyone drives and dreadful fir elderly people who have trouble walking..... Please put it back how it was or put decent lifts in horrible experience

Lakeside has a great customer and family environment to shop in with parking.

Friendly staff, facilities are good, track has a very exciting layout, but the karts have a very big difference, performance wise. One heat you can do a 43.5 and the heat after you struggle to get a 45.9 in a different kart. That has nothing to do with skill. It has been like this for years and that's ashame. Use to come here very often, but 55 pound a session and then fingers crossed to receive a good kart, it's not correct.

First time karting at the tracks with my boys aged 10 and 14yrs. They both loved the experience and can't wait to go back. The track is really good, great for mastering karting. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

My son and his friends had a great time at the karting track. When I booked the party the lady was really helpful and gave me all the options. I’m glad we chose the party so the boys had the track to themselves. This was reassuring to the parents and some of the kids felt better about the experience too. The staff helped the boys with their suits and helmets etc. The racing was fun and we used the picnic benches to have good and drink after. The boys (10years) had never done it before and thoroughly enjoyed it. All of them wanted to go back and do it again.

Best karting in Essex. Really quick karts, great track with a few long straights. They need a cafe / bar though, not sure why they don’t unlike many other sites. Seemed pretty expensive (£67.50 each inc booking fee etc). Worth it though.

I always enjoy my racing experience at lakeside karting , helped bye very helpful polite and professional staff it's always an enjoyable experience and I always look forward to going. Even down to small details ie if I ring up and can't get through because there busy they always ring me back because ove a missed call shows they care and value u as a customer .

Have had 2 sessions here, one in Oct 2024, and one on May 29th 2025. The team there are very welcoming, personable and always helpful. My group loved it, and we'll for sure be coming back again. Special shout out to Becky, Honey, Lewis and Sam. Apologies if I've missed any names out, but thank you all for a great evening of racing

Easy booking, quick sign in, staff were friendly, other customers were chatty and friendly too. Found the live timing ok. Drinks were nice although we did expect a proper cafe and had travelled over 1 and a half hours so that would have been the only improvement for us.

🌿 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.

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.

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

Lovely walk, the visitor centre was closed when I visited. Steep hill down to the nature park as a pre warning, however once down there it’s flat grounding. Peaceful, lake area, there are little flies by the pond in the warm weather. Ducks and geese around which is lovely to see the wildlife and great for kids to see and feed. Dog friendly Free to visit

I walked here from the bus station at Lakeside which took about half an hour. There is a quicker route but I wanted to go to the high lookout on the other side. I also took the path that goes down to the centre from beside the closed visitor centre. The are picnic tables at the bottom with a number of paths to walk around.

I visited the Museum on its Family Open Day, on Sunday 27/07/2025. It was fairly busy with lots of children, I only saw it advertised the day before. There were many items on display, ranging from badges to fire engines. The volunteers were both friendly and knowledgeable. I spent an hour there, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Check online for days when it is open.

It’s extremely fun at Essex Fire Station today. The staffs are lovely, kind and there to protect safety. So much interesting antique collections to see. Free parking available at the front of the station (extras on grass). We pre-booking is needed via email prior to open day. Open day dates can be checked and found online.

lovely open day for the kids to get up close to fire trucks, learn about fire safety.

Came to the Essex Fire Museum open day on Sunday just gone was so lovely, so much to do for children and its a nice chance for the children to spray the hose, pop into a fire truck and get the history behind the hero's we have today in the service. My daughter loved the fact that there was toys on the ground for her to play, dress up opportunity, and of course glitter tattoos.

Excellent gem of a museum tucked away on a working fire station. Covers the history of the fire service in Essex and the second world war. Great entertainment for both children and adults.

Took my 2 year old grandson to the fire station open day, I didn't realise the museum was there but what an interesting place, I will definitely make a return visit. Spoke to a few of the serving fire fighters and was so impressed about the passion they have for the job, it makes you realise how grateful we must all be to have people like this in the service.

Lovely staff and volunteers. The kids loved visiting the fire station, enjoyed using the water hose and seeing all the meseum pieces. Enjoyed the hunted house.