Thames Road,
Grays Thurrock,
Thurrock,
EssexRM17 6JP,
Tel: 01375 386759.
We discovered another great place to take the kid’s – Grays Riverside Park. It’s very similar to the Promenade Park at Maldon although the sand play area is much bigger with lots more for the kids to play on. Although the weather wasn’t great (a bit drizzly) they absolutely loved it. There is a fantastic range of activities for all ages.
When we first arrived in the car park we were a bit disappointed because we could not see very much only high rise flats and the Grays industrial area but as we had made the journey there and to avoid disappointing the children we decided to venture out of the car. We were so pleased that we did as the park was much better than we expected.
This would be a great day out if you wanted to pop into Lakeside first because Grays is just down the road. You just go past the Lakeside turnoff on the A13 and head for Grays, Go through the town centre following the brown tourist signs to Grays Beach. The pay and display car park is situated in Thames Road. The Park cannot be seen from the car park as it is behind the trees to the left of the car park entrance.
The Park boasts a massive sand play area (much bigger than the one at Maldon), A play galleon (which they claim is the biggest in Britain). Splash Pool (this was definitely a lot smaller than the one at Maldon).
As the weather wasn’t so good on Saturday the splash pool was closed. There is also a BouncyCastle and air maze (also depending on weather). Pedal go-karts, crazy golf, nature trail, Café and toilets. The Café sells a variety of hot and cold refreshments including, sweets, crisps and ice cream. Also, the shop sells buckets, spades, bats and balls.
Unlike Maldon, the splash pool and some of the other activities are not free. If you purchase a wristband for £3.50 this allows the kids to enter the crazy golf, splash pool, bouncy castle, air maze and go-karts all day.
As a few of these activities were closed on Saturday the children just played on the beach and that was more than enough for them. Their ages range from 1-7 years so had they been any older they may have been asking to go on the golf and go-karts.
Grays Riverside Beach has retained its Green Flag status, making it officially one of the best parks and open spaces in the country.
If you are planning a day out there then it might be best to ring first to find out what activities are open. Tel: 01375 386759.