RSPB Rainham Marshes

I visited here in October 2022 as part of walking the London Loop route around London. This was a nice nature reserve by the Thames. It is quite peaceful and good for spotting birds. It is quite easy to reach by public transport (despite its name the main entrance is closer to Purfleet station than Rainhan), and has a shop and cafe.

We had a free pass to visit the RSPB Rainham Marshes and went to check it out with my avid bird spotting friend. We took a long stroll to the marshes from Rainham station which was nice apart from the rubbish and stench from the landfill site.We got to the RSPB site and entered the beautiful visitors centre and was greeted by friendly staff. A nice place to have a snack and drink, vegan options available.We then went on our not so circular walk around the place. Before writing this review I did go through other people's feedbacks to see if they shared similar experiences. The place was a bit dilapidated as mentioned by others and also a bit unkempt and overgrown, brambles growing across walkways etc , a bit if a hazard for elderly and young at times. Like a lot of reviews parts were blocked off and unreachable which has been mentioned a lot of times .The most frustrating part was that virtually all the sign boards/ information boards had nothing on them. No directions or advice what way to go, no informative boards describing possible habitat and it's birds or insects that could be spotted. This really let the site down and is easily rectified and yet a few reviews have highlighted this issue before.If I would have paid the £6.50 for non members I would have been a tad disappointed as I cannot fathom, apart from the visitors center, what I would be paying for. I think the RSPB do great work and a lot for the protection of our birds. However this experience has not inspired me to take out a membership with them as I have done with a couple of other animal/nature societies. I just feel the visitor experience needs to be appreciated a bit more to entice us to take out supporting memberships.This is my opinion only and based on one visit to this site.

A wonderful place to visit with informative staff and volunteers.We visited after crossing the river at Dartford. After the chaos after traffic we visited this oasis of calm.There was so much to see including, raptors, martins, bird boxes filled with sparrows, butterflies, bees, whitethroat, little grebes (to name some highlights) and many more delights including hearing a cuckoo call. The circular path was closed due to being repaired/replaced but we still had a great time.I highly recommend visiting this place: great cakes too!

What a lovely afternoon I had with my parents and made all the better by the lovely, friendly, helpful volunteers and staff. My Dad is currently walking on crutches following a recent hip replacement. We were just planning to have lunch in the cafe and view the birds and wildlife from there. The centre's wheelchair, however, was available (they also have a motorised buggy but this was being used) so I was able to wheel my Dad the whole way round the reserve in the lovely sunshine. We had such a lovely afternoon which well exceeded our expectations and made all the better for the kind-hearted and helpful volunteers and staff. Would definitely recommend a visit for people with mobility issues. Book ahead if you need the buggy.

An oasis of tranquility, and a safe space for wildlife, so close to large urban centres, the London Orbital motorway/M25, and the Dartford Crossing. A very nice visitor centre/cafe. Good views of Kent across the Thames. Well worth checking out

Great place to take the miss they might not even get too much because there is a good circular path suitable for wheel chairs too. Plenty of birds can be seen from the path but there are hides as well. Lovely just to studio around. Strange the store so close to am industrial area which certainly is not easy on the eye or the nostrils. The cafe is good for a snack and a drink with good views across the reserve and to the feeders and bird/bug house. Clean toilets.Went again for a BHF charity naked walk. Saw lots of birds on a fine sunny evening.

It's a lovely place to go for a peaceful walk. We enjoyed it and will be regular visitors. There is also toilet facilities a cafe and shop. parking is also free

Great place to come to see a variety of birds over the year. Even if you are not a bird watcher like me the walk around the reserve is nice. They have hides dotted around the marshes with lots of information and pictures to identify what you are looking at. They have moved the shop up into the main reception/cafe area, the café a nice place to stop for a cuppa and something to eat on a cold day. At the moment the circular walk is missing a section so you walk one way and then come back and do the rest . If you are a seasoned bird watcher or just getting into it then I would suggest coming here as there are often plenty of experienced people around who can give you advice and help.Even once you finished in the reserve you can have a wander along the Thames and if you are lucky you may see a seal along the shore.

Lovely place to experience a bit of nature for everyone living in East London. The lady at the reception was extremely helpful. Unfortunately, hard to get there by public transport. However, by car it’s quick drive.

RSPB Rainham Marshes is a great place to visit for a relaxing walk and some birdwatching. The entry fee is £7, which is very reasonable for a 2-mile walk with plenty to see. There are a number of bird hides around the reserve, so you can get up close to the birds without disturbing them. I've seen a wide variety of birds at Rainham Marshes.I've also noticed that there are a number of serious birdwatching hobbyists who visit Rainham Marshes. This is a good sign, as it means that the reserve is well-managed and that there is a lot of wildlife to see.At the information point there's a lovely cafe which serves a variety of food. Also they sell lots of binoculars and give you expert advice about them.