Thurrock, Essex is part of the London Commuter Belt and an area of regeneration within the Thames Gateway Re-development Zone. Whilst Thurrock is home to much large Industry and well known retail outlets there is so much natural beautiful countryside to be discovered. Whether using the hotel for a base to visit an Exhibition Centre, the local areas and the South Coast or to simply relax after a days' work - you will find many of the following attractions just a short drive away.
The hotel is closely located to junction 30/31 of the M25 making easy access to Dover & Folkestone. Lakeside, Docklands, London City, Grays, Purfleet, Brand Hatch and Southend can be reached within minutes.
A haven for all kinds of wildlife. Bird Sanctuary and Modern Visitor Centre with a cafe, picnic areas and the hire of bicycles. You will spot birds, water voles, dragon flies and so much more...
Explore the medieval landscape on foot or by bike - an all year round peaceful delight.
Stroll around the romantic ruins of this Royal Castle. The Barbican and the two striking towers of 1200s can be reached by walking down an undulating lane - Free Entry to the ruins (English Heritage) which over look the marshes.
For the more energetic there is a lovely walk from the top of the Castle down a steep gravel path and then at the bottom take a left to walk to Southend on Sea - wellington boots required in damper weather!
A fine example of a 17th Century Military Estuary Defence Building now belonging to English Heritage. Explore the Magazine Houses and the Bastian Magazine Passages of this magnificent Fort on the Thames Estuary that has protected London's seaward approach.
Gift Shop, Parking, Stories and Tales, Activities.
Hosting a whole range of shows from Public Sporting Events to Tribute Nights. A large 1100 seater venue, with nightclub. Home to major Boxing Events (IBA & LTP), World Senior Darts Championships and a whole lot more.
Click below to find out more and to see the full event programme.
Located just 1 mile from the hotel.
Not just for the children! Less than a 15 minutes drive (4 miles) away, you will find an Urban Beach! Large sandpit, several climbing structures, skate ramp, zip wire, splash park, ball court, walking trails, a cafe, grassy field and picnic areas to keep all ages entertained. A free day out for the family!
Open from 8am til dusk March - October.
You can be in the city in under an hour by driving 10 miles to Upminster Station, parking the car and taking the District Line to Tower Hill or even Westminster.
Getting off the underground at Tower Hill (which is in Zone 1) will allow you to explore Tower Bridge and The Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels. Why not take a Thames River Cruise for a spot of leisurely sightseeing.
A large retail park built on the site of a former Chalk Quarry.
Over 250 outlets from Boots to Zara and many Food and Beverage Restaurants and Take-a-ways. Open 7 days a week with plentiful free car parking just a 2 minute drive from the Best Western Thurrock Hotel.
Another out of Town Shopping Centre with Leisure Complex. Just over the QE Bridge. Over 300 stores, a cinema complex and Pirate Cove Adventure Play Area. Open 7 days a week with plentiful car parking.
Westfield is located at Stratford Olympic Park. Movies, Dining and many Stores all under one roof. Parking is payable; however, you can combine a trip of retail therapy with some site seeing of the Olympic Park & Village and even test your head on the London Arcelomittal orbit sculpture slide (longest in Europe)
Over 125 acres of Country Park just south of Pitsea which is free and fun!
Inhabited from the Bronze Age and was the former location of Pitsea Explosives Factories. There is a Cafe and Kiosk on site and a minature railway that runs around the outside.
Belhus Park has a Green Flag Award for its 300+ acres of ancient woodland and diverse countryside from flowering meadows, open grassland to lakes for fishing.
The park has plentiful parking (payable), WCs, Childrens play areas and a Nightingale Cafe.
Just SE of Tilbury you will find this Victorian Coastal Defense Site. Renowned as one of the most interesting open spaces to visit in Essex and has been awarded Green Flag status. The Fort was built in the 19th century to help protect the Thames Estuary.
Take a quiet Riverside walk, have a picnic, play with the children in one of the children's parks or relax with a coffee or some lunch in the Engine Room Cafe. Free Admission and Parking.
Barleylands is a farm park where the whole family can get up close and be involved in grooming and feeding animals. As well as the farm animals there are exotics, birds of prey and small creatures.
At the site is the Village which is home to many specialised business from Spas, Cake Makers, Dress designers, Glass Blowing, Crafts etc.
Entry is free - but booking is essential
Small and fascinating Museum taking a look at the history of the fire service. A collection of engines, uniform, fire fighting equipment and photographs with demos make this enjoyable for the young to the old!
Located at Brentwood. One of the biggest and deepest cold war bunkers preserved and open to the general public. Discover what's underground and take a virtual tour and a foot tour around.
Also on site are high ropes and other thrill activities. Booking is essential.
One of the world's more iconic sporting venues for 2 and 4 wheel motorsport. Hosting many prestige events throughout the year from motorbikes, cars, trucks and outfits.
Also hosting many corporate events, track days and young driver experiences.
Just a 20 minute drive (10.5 miles away)
Ultimate Karting Experience for all ages.
Longest Track, Fastest Karts, Biggest selection of karts and speed suitable for 3+ years to 103 years!
Booking is essential
Enter the stylish wine-coloured house located in the amphitheatre (just opposite House of Frazer) at Lakeside Shopping Centre. As you go through the rooms and touch the high end classy interior decor be prepared to feel light on your feet!
An inverted photo experience with mind boggling images to take home.
£4 - £5 per person (under 3's FOC) - Approx 1 hour experience
Exhibition Halls ans International Convention Centre in the Royal Docks area of Newham, East London. 100acre Site on Royal Victoria Dock between Canary wharf & London City Airport. 14 miles away from the hotel (20 minutes drive).
Versatile venue for private and commercial use/hire. Many events throughout the year. Sprung wooden dance floor, Splash Zone at Grays Beach, FootGolf Adventure and Par69 Golf course at Belhus Park.
10 minute drive from hotel (4 miles)
An huge Arena hosting concerts from the World's top stars and elite sporting events. A capacity to hold 20,000 fans.
Leisure complex with exhibitions, food and drink from around the world, cinema and the chance to walk over the dome.
A 30 minute drive from hotel (18 miles)