Go bird-spotting in Rainham
The London suburb of Rainham is a great base to explore the exciting east side of the capital, with the Olympic legacy at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park only half an hour away and great transport links to the city centre, plus the opportunity for further travel from Nearby London City Airport. On your doorstep head to Rainham Marshes for a relaxing stroll. These ancient marshes are run by the RSPB and are home to water voles and grass snakes. Boardwalks provide wheelchair-accessible trails around the area. Also Nearby is Rainham Hall, an elegant Queen Anne National Trust property which fully opened to the public in 2015 after a �2.5million conservation project. Visit for lovely architecture and peaceful gardens.
First stop: London
Rainham is well connected to the city centre via overground trains to London Fenchurch Street. Once here you're within easy reach of the Barbican Centre where you can catch the latest shows, concerts and films, or head over the river Thames for cutting edge art at Tate Modern and something a little older at Shakespeare's Globe.
Shop 'til you drop
Rainham is the stepping stone to shopping paradise with the delights of intu Lakeside and the renowned Bluewater Shopping Centre close by. Got youngsters (and adults) in need of burning of some energy? Jump Giants Trampoline Park in Thurrock should be just the ticket. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Rainham? Travelodge Thurrock M25 Hotel couldn't be handier for the motorway or Travelodge Thurrock Lakeside Hotel is right next to intu Lakeside.