Bluewater is an amazing place, easy to find and parking, plenty of. Shop for everyone, high end or "normal". Food from loads of different countries. Places itself is just nice. Now very Christmas style so warm and cozy. What else? Just go and visit the place. Worth it😊

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.☺️

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!

Love this place. Massive shopping complex with all retail shops you can think of - medium to premium. Food Hall is good with different options. The only issue is the parking, Not sure why people do not prefer parking in the parking building near John Lewis. There is plenty there.

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!!

Lakeside Shopping Centre is a beautiful place to shop, dine, and unwind. With a great mix of high-street and designer stores, there’s something for every style and budget. The scenic lakeside view adds a calm and charming touch, making your shopping experience even more enjoyable. A perfect spot for a relaxed day out!

Lakeside Shopping Centre is a truly impressive retail destination that stands out for its sheer size and immaculate upkeep. As soon as you step inside, you're struck by the sense of space and the bright, welcoming atmosphere. It's a shopping centre that you could easily spend an entire day exploring, with a vast array of stores to cater to every taste and need. From high-street fashion favourites to department stores, electronics retailers, and specialist boutiques, the variety of shops is outstanding. The layout is logical and easy to navigate, with clear signage guiding you from one area to the next. Even with the large crowds it attracts, the wide walkways ensure that the centre never feels overly cramped or chaotic. What truly sets Lakeside apart, however, is its exceptional cleanliness. The floors are spotless, the restrooms are well-maintained and hygienic, and there is no litter to be seen. It's clear that a dedicated team works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the centre in pristine condition. This attention to detail significantly enhances the shopping experience, making it a pleasant and comfortable environment to browse and relax in. Beyond the shopping, the food court and numerous restaurants offer a great selection of dining options, all of which are held to the same high standards of cleanliness. Lakeside isn't just a place to shop; it's a well-managed, expansive, and incredibly clean environment that makes a day out feel special. It's a credit to the management and staff and a must-visit for anyone looking for a comprehensive and enjoyable shopping trip.

It was Great shopping centre with 2 bus route connections from TFL 370 and 372 . There is lake between the shopping centre with Thurrock shopping centre at border of M25.

First visit since 2020. Sad that the two major department stores at either end were no longer there, but i was still pleasantly surprised by the range of decent large stores and independent shops within. I was even more impressed, if not out of my depth in Zara! No more are there staff at the tills/checkouts. Now you put your items in a weighing area, and it lists the items, then pay the total of the items within!! New one on me, and luckily, I had someone with me who knew what to do 😂

A big retail shopping 🛍 mall always love to go there multiple choices for shopping, Dinning etc Plenty of parking

It's a beautiful place to visit. I enjoyed my time there. I took beautiful photos too

Plenty of free parking, has similar shops to Westfields Stratford but, with a calmer atmosphere; less people to navigate and easier to find shops. Has some restaurants alongside the Lake, for the warmer months. Shops: Primark Next River Island Superdrug Boots HMV JD Sports Flying Tiger H. Samuel Schuh etc. Eating Places: Wimpy Las Iguanas Greggs Costa Coffee etc.

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.

🌿 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.

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!

Country park in Essex about a 10-12 minutes drive from Lakeside shopping Centre and the M25/Dartford crossing. The area is quite large and has numerous lakes,woods,meadowland and Wetland with plenty of paths plus marked trails to follow. The lakes are home to numerous water fowl and the woods have lots of small "Tweety" birds. You could walk for miles,it's quite busy near the car park but as you head out it gets fairly quiet. Sadly the noise from the M25 can be heard all over the area, some parts more than others. The paths are mainly natural but quite wide, I would imagine they would get muddy after prolonged rain. Near to the car park is a cafe serving drinks and light refreshments plus the toilets are situated in this area too! You will find benches here, some under cover. There is a map of the area by the cafe, I would recommend getting a picture of it on your phone. About a five minute walk from the car park you will find a huge kids play area with all kinds of apparatus for them to play on. Dogs are welcome and away from the geese and ducks etc can be off leads. Car park charges: I do think that the parking charges are too expensive. It was over £5 to park for 4 hours, most country parks charge £2-£3 to park all day.

This was my first time coming to Belhus Woods Country Park, and I was so impressed! I originally went looking for somewhere peaceful to walk my dogs, and I couldn’t have chosen a better place. It’s a beautiful park where families gather to enjoy quality time together, and nature lovers can take in the calming and peaceful surroundings. The families are so friendly, which really adds to the welcoming atmosphere. My dogs even made new dog friends and had a great time interacting with other dogs it was very nice to watch. The whole park has a really nice, positive vibe that makes you feel relaxed. There’s also a lovely café where you can grab a snack for yourself and even treats for your pups. They’ve thoughtfully provided outdoor drinking bowls for dogs, which I really appreciated. Just a minute’s walk from the café, there’s a beautiful large outdoor play set for kids even big teens which makes it perfect for families. Nearby, there are clean and well-maintained public toilets as well as picnic benches, making it easy to spend a few hours here comfortably. The park itself is very clean and well looked after. The lakes are absolutely stunning, with swans and birds that are a delight to see a real treat if you’re into photography or simply love nature. Parking is reasonably priced I paid £5.30 for 4 hours, which I think is a good deal considering how much the park has to offer. I would definitely recommend Belhus Woods Country Park if you’re looking for a lovely day out, whether it’s with family, friends, or your dogs. It’s the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and friendly community vibes.

Belhus Woods Country Park is a nice place to visit if you enjoy nature and outdoor walks. It has a mix of woodlands, lakes, and open spaces, making it good for walking, picnicking, and spotting wildlife. The paths are well-maintained, and there’s a play area for children. It can get busy on weekends, but it’s generally a peaceful spot for some fresh air and relaxation. Really clean place :)

A very big and well kept park. Very pleasing on the eyes, a big lake with ducks. Plenty of paid parking available. A visstor centre at the entrance which is nice Very good for anyone that wants to walk around the park as there are lots of trails, with good signage. Playground is very big, with lots of equipment snd it is kept well and tidy.

Visited with my granddaughter and she loved it, lovely park with lots to do, great kids play section which so much fun, lovely lake and lovely walking areas. Parking is very very expensive but thats only negative.

Belhus Woods Country Park is a peaceful and beautifully maintained spot, perfect for families, couples, dog walkers, and nature lovers alike. The walking trails are scenic and well-marked, passing through woodlands, meadows, and lakes — ideal for a relaxing stroll or a jog. The playground area is clean and safe, great for kids of all ages, and there’s plenty of open space to run around. There are picnic areas with benches and tables, making it a great place to spend the afternoon. The toilets are clean and conveniently located. The park is also very dog-friendly, with plenty of space for pets to roam and enjoy the outdoors. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, and the entire park feels well looked after. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape into nature or a full day outdoors with family, this place is a fantastic choice

Great park to visit with the kids, big play area and nice lakes full of wildlife. Clean toilets and nice cafe. Paid parking with good amount of spaces

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.