Grays Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Grays, a charming town located in the England region of the United Kingdom, offers a delightful mix of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, this town is a gateway to exploring the scenic landscapes of Essex and the vibrant city of London.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Grays. The town is home to the impressive Coalhouse Fort, a Victorian coastal defense fortification that offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside. Step back in time as you wander through the fort's tunnels and discover its fascinating military history.

For those seeking a tranquil escape, the Thurrock Thameside Nature Park is a must-visit. This vast nature reserve spans over 120 acres and is home to a diverse range of birds, insects, and plants. Take a leisurely stroll along the park's walking trails, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.

Grays also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. The Thameside Theatre is a hub for performing arts, showcasing a variety of theatrical performances, music concerts, and comedy shows throughout the year. Whether you're a lover of the arts or simply looking for an evening of entertainment, the Thameside Theatre is sure to captivate you.

Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary offerings in Grays. The town is home to a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and traditional British pubs, serving up delicious fare from around the world. Indulge in a hearty Sunday roast, savor authentic fish and chips, or sample the flavors of international cuisines - the choices are endless.

With its convenient location, Grays provides easy access to the bustling city of London. Hop on a train and within a short time, you can find yourself exploring iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, or the British Museum. Experience the vibrant energy of the capital city before retreating to the tranquility of Grays.

Alternative names: Population: 89.8 thous.Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°29'2"N, 0°18'8"E

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Grays Top Attractions

Grays Attractions - What to See and Explore

Grays offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Arena Essex Raceway, St Mary's Church, St Clement's Church, 400 kV Thames Crossing. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Racetrack • Sport venue • Sport
Arena Essex Raceway
Arena Essex Raceway was a stock car and speedway racing track located near Purfleet, Essex. It opened in 1978 and closed in 2018. The Lakeside Shopping Centre was built alongside the venue.
Church
St Mary's Church
The Church of St Mary is a Church of England parish church in Chadwell St Mary, Thurrock, Essex. The church is a Grade I listed building. Together with Emmanuel Church, it forms the Parish of Chadwell St Mary in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Church
St Clement's Church
St Clement's Church is a Grade I listed building in West Thurrock, Essex, England. It is the church for one of the traditional parishes in Thurrock. The building featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Tower • Swanscombe
400 kV Thames Crossing
The 400 kV Thames Crossing is an overhead power line crossing of the River Thames, between Botany Marshes in Swanscombe, Kent, and West Thurrock, Essex, England. Its towers are the tallest electricity pylons in the UK.
Area
Chafford Gorges Nature Park
The Chafford Gorges Nature Park is a 200-acre nature reserve located in Chafford Hundred, England and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. It includes two Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Grays Thurrock Chalk Pit has been designated for its biological interest, and Lion Pit for geological interest.
Memorial
Hangman's Wood
Hangman's Wood and Deneholes is a 3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Little Thurrock in Essex. The deneholes, which were created by medieval chalk mining, are a Scheduled Monument.
51°28'45"N • 0°19'32"E
Bairstow Eves Sales
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51°28'60"N • 0°19'60"E
The Dell
The Dell is a house in Grays, Thurrock, Essex, built in concrete—one of the earliest houses in Britain to be built in this material. It was built on the instructions of Alfred Russel Wallace, who lived in Grays from 1872 until 1876.
Neighbourhood
Thames Gateway
Thames Gateway is a term applied to an area around the Thames Estuary in the context of discourse around regeneration and further urbanisation.
51°29'10"N • 0°18'58"E
Tiptree Heath
Tiptree Heath is a 25 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south-west of Tiptree in Essex, England. It is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust together with the Friends of Tiptree Heath.
51°29'10"N • 0°18'58"E
Grays Thurrock Chalk Pit
Grays Thurrock Chalk Pit is a 17.3 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest in Grays in Essex. It is part of Chafford Gorges Nature Park, which is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
51°28'44"N • 0°20'20"E
Globe Pit
Globe Pit is a 0.4 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Little Thurrock in Essex. It is a Geological Conservation Review site.
51°28'50"N • 0°18'4"E
Lion Pit
Lion Pit is a 2.5 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Grays in Essex. It is a Geological Conservation Review site, and part of the Chafford Gorges Nature Park, which is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
51°29'24"N • 0°21'36"E
Terrel's Heath
Terrel's Heath is, in spite of its name, an area of woodland in Chadwell St Mary named on the 1938 six-inch Ordnance Survey map.
51°29'49"N • 0°18'11"E
Stifford
Stifford is an area and former civil parish in the unitary authority of Thurrock, Essex, England. The traditional parish of Stifford is divided by the A13 trunk road into two communities known respectively as North and South Stifford.
Universities and schools
Palmer's College
USP College is a further education college located in Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, and Grays Thurrock, England. Approximately 4,500 students attend the college. The Seevic campus name was originally an acronym for South East Essex Sixth Form College. The Thundersley campus opened in September 1972.

Day trips

Grays – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Grays, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Oxford Street (London), Palace of Westminster (London), Regent Street (London).

19 milesW
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Oxford Street, London
Oxford Street in London, United Kingdom, stands as a bustling epicenter of contemporary retail, a shopping district that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Stretching approximately 1.9 kilometers through the heart of the city, this vibrant thoroughfare boasts...
18 milesW
Iconic home of UK parliament
Palace of Westminster, London
The Palace of Westminster, with its iconic clock tower known as Big Ben, stands as a monumental piece of Gothic Revival architecture on the banks of the River Thames in London, United Kingdom. This palatial complex is not only a tourist attraction but also the meeting...
19 milesW
Shopping, Street, Edwardian architecture
Regent Street, London
Regent Street stands as one of London's most prestigious shopping districts, renowned for its historic Victorian architecture and an array of high-end retail stores. This bustling thoroughfare, designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, has evolved into...
19 milesW
A historian's treasure trove
British Museum, London
The British Museum, located in the heart of London, United Kingdom, stands as a cornerstone of cultural heritage and is one of the most expansive and comprehensive museums in the world. This venerable institution, founded in 1753, opened its doors to the public in 1759...
16 milesW
Medieval castle housing the Crown Jewels
Tower of London, London
The Tower of London is an iconic fortress situated in the heart of the city of London, United Kingdom. With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a royal palace, an armory, a treasury, the home of the Royal Mint, a public...

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Best Time To Visit Grays

Learn when is the best time to travel to Grays weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April, May, July and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, April and July. Most of it rains in January, September, October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Grays?

The top attractions to visit in Grays are:

What is the best time to visit Grays?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April, May, July and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.