Parks and Things To Do With Kids in Thurrock: Grays Beach, Chafford Gorges, Coalhouse Fort and More

Thurrock has a lot of green space for a borough with so much industry. This guide uses the council's pages and the venues' own pages, and says which town each place is in. Hours and charges change, so check before you set out.

How many playgrounds are there?

The council's playgrounds page says there are over 70 playgrounds and recreation grounds, free to use, and that much of the equipment is designed for children of all abilities. Grays Beach Riverside Park and Dilkes Park have equipment designed for wheelchair users. Play sites are checked weekly, and you can report damage online. Examples listed by town include Dilkes Park (South Ockendon), Gobions Park (East Tilbury), High House (Purfleet-on-Thames), West Thurrock Memorial Ground and Bulphan Park.

What are the main parks?

Grays Beach Riverside Park (Grays). On Thames Road (RM17 6JP), the council's playgrounds page lists a large sand pit, ball court and skate ramps. For anything else at the park, see the council's Grays Beach page.

Grays Town Park (Grays). Park Road, RM17 6RB, 2.5 hectares with a family play area, basketball court, tennis court, toilets and a large grassy area. The council says play equipment is inspected weekly.

Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park (Chafford Hundred). Drake Road, over 200 acres of former quarries run with Essex Wildlife Trust. The council lists a visitor centre with café, gift shop, accessible toilets and baby changing, free parking, well surfaced paths (some steep) and a geology trail. Dogs are allowed in most areas but must be on a lead in Lion Gorge. Check the Essex Wildlife Trust site for opening hours.

Coalhouse Fort Park (East Tilbury). Princess Margaret Road, RM18 8PB, a Green Flag park by the Thames with a free car park, picnic areas (no barbecues), a children's play area and the Engine Room Café, which the council says opens 10am to 4pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with extended summer hours.

Belhus Woods Country Park (Aveley). Romford Road, RM15 4XJ, open daily 8am to dusk with ancient woodland, grassland and lakes, a visitor centre with light refreshments and toilets, and day-ticket fishing. The council says parking charges apply for all drivers. Contact: 01708 865 628.

Langdon Hills Country Park. One of its two car parks, One Tree Hill, is in Corringham (SS17 9NH). The other is in Basildon, which basildon.co covers.

The council's full list of sites is on its parks and countryside page.

What can we do indoors or on a rainy day?

Thurrock Museum (Grays). On the first floor of the Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, RM17 5DX. The council says admission is free. Opening hours: Monday and Thursday 9am to 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm, closed Sunday and bank holidays. Phone 01375 413 965.

Grays Central Library is in the same complex; see our libraries guide.

Is there a historic site to visit?

Tilbury Fort in Tilbury (RM18 7NR) is run by English Heritage. Its page gives opening Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm), and describes exhibition spaces, Victorian magazine tunnels and ramparts with Thames views. Check the page for ticket prices. Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury, noted above, is another Thames defence site.

Where else can I find ideas?

The council's Discover Thurrock page links to nature reserves, historic sites and the theatre. See our markets and what's on guide.