I went there with my daughter in some spare time in December in hope to do a bit of bird watching and was very disappointed. The RSPB building appears to have closed now. Of the 2 Hides, one was locked up and the staff never offered a key, and the other Hide had no seating or information panels. The footpaths are unmarked and poorly maintained. We we unsure where we were and one grass trail was completely churned up by vehicles. We came across some Information panels about different kinds of aggregate, but it was so overgrown we couldn't see what it was about. The best thing we came across was the wooden statues (pictured). It's a real shame as the park is in a great location for wildlife; it just felt a bit run down. In the Wat Tyler building there appeared to be educational things going on for children, which is great. The gift shop is tiny, as was the Christmas Market.

Lots to see and do for all ages - Visited on Monday, 05th May 2025. A few years since my last visit. Not much had changed, bar the repairs to the disused miniature railway. Did a circumnavigation walk. Hides were in poor shape, but the paths were clear. There was a little tea room in the outbuildings, which wasn't well signposted.

Presently surprised. The wife said 'I've found this kids park' So we went to take a look and it's a lovely area. The park is a good size, lots to do. There is a cafe/hut next to the park, the coffee and hot chocolate they make is lovely. Lots of nice long walk around the area and the marina too 😀

Went with family and grandchildren. Our first visit. Very popular outdoor site. The miniature railway has recently been fully restored and was a very popular attraction with constant queues. It covers the whole site and at just £4/person is good value. There is a large visitor centre on site with a cafe. Nearby is a large children's play area too. This is unsupervised. Most of the equipment is in hood order, however some pieces of equipment are in need of maintenance. The children's roundabout was not usable as it was jammed. Two hanging circular pieces are in need of lubrication. There are many walking trails around the park. We didn't see much of the full site. We didn't see enough waste bins. There are some, but there could be more. Dogs are allowed. We didn't see and dog waste bins however and some owners were not picking up after their dogs... There is a marina, but we didn't get that far. We would return again. Its free to enter and park. Overall a good family site.

I love this country park. I've been visiting here since I was a little girl with my mum and then schools as I grew. It has a rich historic background which is incredibly interesting and I have recently introduced my children to its wonder. You can follow the path around the perimeter for a nice comfortable stroll and look out across the creeks, walk through the green areas to discover random statues and historic buildings or be more adventurous and walk through the trees and brush. There's the visitors centre and play area to visit as well as the green museum. This place has such a place in my heart and I strongly recommend a visit.

Visited this park in a typical hot summer afternoon. It has got walkways, kids playground, cafe, plenty of free picnic space. Wat Tyler centre has got a gift shop and toilet facility which closes at 4:30 pm. However the kids playground and park remain open till 7pm. Plenty of parking space at Green centre in the beginning then Wat Tyler centre in the middle and Marine centre at the end. There was a mini rail ride but it is not working for last few years. In the marine centre one can enjoy the view of water body but no option for boat ride. Some bring their personal boat towing by car. Overall okay but nothing special.

125 acres of country walks means you can spend some time here. There are 3 main walks, an explosives trail, WWII trail & a sculpture trail. Each have their own interest but I didn’t think they were very well signposted, so kept finding myself on another trail. Some wildlife spotting to be done along the way. There’s an adventure play for kids & the green has some old buildings to look at. Cafe was closed but a kiosk off the green provided some refreshments & food. Delicious 99

A large venue with a good setup. Food for kids and adults was not too bad, what you would expect from this type of venue. The children had lots of fun and there is a wide variety of play equipment for them. Staff seemed really good with the children too. There some aspects of cleanliness that needed working on. A nappy left on a table for a while not cleared. Quite a lot if food left on tables without being cleared away. It was fine though.

It’s a cozy place with friendly staff and plenty of fun stuff for the kids. Clean. The play area as well as the toilets. The play area is not so hug that the kids get lost or scared. Yet it’s enough for them to enjoy. It ha as separate area for under 3 children. All in all a good place for the kids to enjoy.

Awful! Hottest day of the year and air con not working. Slush machine out of action and prices for food absolutely exorbitant. Not even a reduction on the entrance price considering the conditions. The place was stifling hot.Would have not gone in but kids were looking forward to it.

Absolutely disgusting and very tired. I haven’t taken my little girl here for a good year or so and since then it feels so tired and run down, there is thick dust, dirt, food crumbs on top of every step inside the soft play frame. The thick dust along one of the bridge sections is shocking and quite frankly very unhygienic for the kids to be playing on. Everywhere felt sticky. The staff on reception were friendly, although they may want to be careful what they’re discussing behind reception as it backs on to the little role play area. All in all, very disappointed, not worth £10.95 for a just turned 4yr old.

The staff are lovely, the venue is very tired and has changed little in the last five years we have been going. We have annual membership but rarely go. I guess it's not the most expensive play place which reflects.

Staff are friendly, safe environment & fun for kids

We love bringing our grandkiddies here.....the staff are fantastic. Good facilities and amazing food and service makes this a hotspot of sheer fun. The menu is designed with kids in mind and the prices are very reasonable.....The staff are brilliant with the kids (I am sure they are chosen for their child friendly skills) showing unlimited patience and encouraging all of them to have fun. Even the kitchen staff and cleaners are cheerful and everyone is always happy to see you. Would highly recommend this venue.....for adults and kids alike

Popped in here yesterday to collect fuel for our generator for our worksite, for Basildon Council, the staff were very helpful and cheerful, and very friendly, after being turned away from M&S 5 minutes away , for not letting me fill my containers, I was thankful, well done...

Good all-round shopping centre for basic goods. Not much variety and not the most aesthetic shopping centre. However, it's getting better every year with bigger names setting up shop

First ever shopping mall I ever visited where’s they charge for using W/C. When you pay for the service you expect better. However it not clean. Has got some ladies wear shops. There’s small food court too.

Review Jan 2024: I cannot comments too much as I have only visited at the moment due to attending dental appointments. I have also used the MacDonald on the 1st floor. But from what I have seen and tried: (1) Car park access is good and wide (2) lots of parking spaces and seemed properly lit every time I went there. (3) paying car park: the yellow tokens have now disappeared. This is now automatic through cameras recording your number plate. Don't forget to pay at pay machine on each floor before leaving. Screen touch sensitive and if not work go to other side. (4) lots of shops (various) and facilities (5) on the outside there are coffee shop Costa and banks and etc All good from my point of view.

It is sad to see this slowly decay from amazing shops, lots of the big names have gone. There should be a campaign to make this great again. The car park is probably the best in the country

Excellent array of shops. Westgate centre is best for shops as it’s inside. Outside looking very tired as it’s mainly from the 1960’s but new shops and flats should be here within the next decade or so.

Lovely shopping centre... with lot quality shops...friendly service....place to eat and relax.... you Can park in asda car park free for 3 hours....and visit all town centre shops....

Brilliant night at the Mirren Studio watching So True - Spandau Ballet Tribute Band who were awesome

The show was amazing. Easy parking which is very close to the theatre and is inexpensive after 6pm. The theatre itself seemed very well organised with a nice foyer for waiting. A couple of bars where you can get snacks and drinks. Order for the interval if you want to have a drink then too. We were in the dress circle on the front row. Seats were fine but we are not very tall so sitting here was a little disappointing as there is a safety wall around the edge which does impact on the views. Fine if you lean forward but this made me ache after a while. There were empty seats behind us so after the interval we sat there and it was much much better. Overall a good night out

Cafe review. Food and coffee is so so, don't expect Barista quality. Could do with a re vamp. Staff are friendly enough. Something different from the usual cafe chains in the precinct. Not so hectic, even though the piped music was a bit loud when I was there.

Saw Rocket Man Tribute tonight. 26/10/24. Brilliant show. Very funny man & interacted with his audience. Really enjoyed

This is a fairly modern Theatre situated in Baz-VAGES (Basildon,Essex). 2 fairly intimate stages at the venue. Over the years I have been to several production for shows and pantomimes and largely enjoyed them all. As you walk into the main foyer there is sales and information desk to the right, if you bend round to the left there is a fully licensed bar where you can order pretty much most thing including, coffees, teas and food. Staff at the bar and the entrance to the stage check tickets are pleasant, helpful and quick to support those with any additional needs. Pleasant decor, modern in appearance. I would recommend visiting for a show. Can get busy in the main foyer.

The dress circle and upper circles have limited leg room and the view is spoiled by the barrier in front. Sound system is OK as is bar and general location and parking. So if you're a 6 footer best to have seats on the ground floor area.

Great local theatre which hosts a variety of shows from sporting legends, tribute acts to local dance groups, located in the town centre. Went to see 'Bowie Experience' on 20/01/24. An excellent Saturday night, great friendly crowd, lovely staff and cheap evening parking in Westgate. Special mention to Oliver (Bowie) a top bloke and brought back many special memories...

A great place to get into nature. Free parking great walks, a large lake and a couple of steep climbs if you fancy getting out of puff. Really nice visitors center, reasonable priced drinks and food. Great place to take children on a budget.

If your looking for a quiet walk this is ideal, a pleasant small garden to walk, or a couple of longer walks available, we did a walk around the lake and headed back to have a coffee via the "haven house" this walk did involve a steep climbing hill and took approx 35/40mins(we are 65yrs old) There's no children's play area that we see, maybe a good thing🤔 although a couple of safe tree swings would be a nice addition Cafe was nice, 2x coffee £6 Car park is free 👏donations accepted. We went to Lower Dunton Rd entrance

Can't say enough about this place, and on the other hand, I'm speechless!!! Nature silence wildlife!!! Just amazing discovery! The garden is so beautiful! A lot of trails 👣 for walking through the woods and around the lake, I enjoyed every second... At the end, you can take a tea/coffee break and eat in. There is a gift shop, where you can buy food for wildlife. Recommended!!!

I want to love the Essex Wildlife Centre, but for the simple reason I can’t have my best friend with me in here (my dog), I just feel for a ‘wildlife centre’ it really has missed a very important part of its being. It is positioned in a nature That Cafe is very basic in its offering and again could be so much better than it is. If footfall and donations via purchases was the aim here they need to make some changes. 🤞🏻 The centre itself is in a gorgeous spot though. Gorgeous walking and views across to london from the top.

I might be slightly bias because I know the area but the reserve is extensive, you can walk for literally miles if you know the routes. You also get an awesome view of the London skyline from the top of the hill. Don’t forget to check out the sensory garden in spring/summer it’s lovely and only a short walk away from the car park! Oddly enough it’s not listed anywhere on signage. There’s a very modern looking the newly built centre which is alright(but a bit of an eye sore in my opinion!) you can get some food and gifts in the shop.

A lovely day out with my 3 kids today at the Peter Rabbit Trail. Followed by a well earned rest with an ice cream & coffee in the lovely cafe & a browse in the little shop too. The kids really enjoyed the sensory garden too. We will definitely be back & would recommend the park for an afternoon with the family.

Lovely place to walk with 2 lakes on site. A small timber roughcast bungalow which is a museum of older times. Lovely café on site with toilets inside. £2 parking fee paid in café.

Good time every time. Large playground, with all kinds of crawling, swinging, sliding activities. A lot of sitting space for parents and companies. Descent food and refreshments. Kids meal around 4.50 main 8.50. Clean toilets and amenities.

As far as soft plays go, this is one of the best for quality and value for money. Like most soft plays it’s a little rough around the edges, but it’s always clean, it feels safe and the play spaces are well thought out. I appreciate that, in addition to the baby soft play and the giant “big kid” play area, there’s a middle area suitable for 2-4 year olds which has low height climbing frames that feel safe but are challenging for that clumsy walking stage. The food there was surprisingly adequate and they have various birthday party packages.

As a retired children’s specialist, I wanted to scope out venues to bring my young grandson. Clearly my professional background enables me to makes accurate assessments. I arrived at their almost deserted car park. I entered the building and arrived at the reception desk, there was a female staff member maybe 12 feet away with her back to me, two others in the office, one who could clearly see me. After waiting a few minutes with no response, apart from the female who could see me glancing a few times, I left! Absolutely not recommended, as, if that’s their level of observation, can one be confident of the inside safety?

Celebrated my daughter’s birthday party there. Kids had lots of fun playing in soft play area. Kelly was my party host. She was super friendly and polite to kids. I appreciate her attentiveness and kindness. Thank you!

My daughter had a wonderful time today at the Festival Party! Great value for money and the entertainment was fab! 100% Recommend, was a great day🎉🥳☀️💓

Lovely play area to brings the kids. They all enjoyed it. Ages 7,5 and 3

My two little girls really enjoy Monkey Madness. The play area is huge with loads of different obstacles. The staff are excellent and their cleaning regime is the best I’ve seen. They close after every session and clean the equipment before the next two hour slot starts. Prices in the cafe are a little high but that’s standard for places like this. Great way to kill a few hours, plenty of free parking. Would recommend