Things to do in Thurrock for visitors

Thurrock is a place where the Thames meets history, and every pub door hides a story. Unlike neighboring London with its endless queues, here you can breathe freely without sacrificing the richness of your experience. Thurrock is worth a visit if only to see that there are still places in England where life still flows according to the good old rules.

Things to try in Thurrock:

  • A walk along the banks of the Thames at sunset
  • Lunch in a pub where the waiter knows everyone by name
  • A tour of the fort where military dramas were filmed
  • A quiet meal under the stained glass windows of a medieval church
  • British-style diving: in cold water, but with soul

Traces of the past

History buffs will find plenty to do. Tilbury Fort and Coalhouse Fort are ancient fortifications and an opportunity to touch the layers of time, smell the gunpowder, and hear the echoes of the footsteps of the Tudor garrison. These places are especially beautiful in cloudy weather. Very photogenic and atmospheric.

For those who prefer something quieter, Saint Nicholas Church is an ancient temple with centuries-old windows and tired stone walls. However, even the train stations in Thurrock, such as Ockendon Railway Station, retain an architectural austerity that makes a trip into the heart of Essex a little less prosaic.

Unspoiled Nature

Thurrock Thameside Nature Park is a nature reserve where you can take a moment to slow down. Bird watching, leisurely walks along the bay, and the smell of wet grass are the perfect way to clear your head.

Another option for a walk is Davy Down Country Park. Here, nature coexists peacefully with industrial heritage. Little Belhus Country Park and Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre offer a range of activities, from walking to water sports.

For the more adventurous, we recommend visiting DiveMania Scuba Limited. This is a well-reviewed diving club. Yes, diving in Essex sounds unexpected, but this is Thurrock.

Evenings like in an old novel

The real strength of Thurrock is that they know how to end the day right. And when London squeezes out another spectacle after sunset, Thurrock simply opens the doors of its pubs.

The Whitmore Arms Orsett, The Ship Pub, and Beefeater Haywain are the best places in town. They serve strong jokes, fried meat, and portions so large that you can forget about dessert. Miller and Carter Lakeside will delight those who love the classics, and at TGI Fridays, you can meet locals tired of the seriousness of the area.

Want something unusual?

Then head to the Upside Down House, a house that is, in fact, upside down. Or go to a concert at The Old Regent Ballroom, where the music of the 60s still plays.

Food speaks British

It’s hard to go hungry in Thurrock. Steaks at Feast Restaurant, curry at Kushi, lavash and kebabs at Hevsel Meze and Grill. There’s everything you need to beat a rainy evening. And if you just need a warm cup of coffee, Hope Coffee is always here to serve you.

Thurrock is England without a filter. It’s not a tourist attraction, but a real, low-key, welcoming suburb where you can still feel what it’s like to live in the counties.