What's here? at Rainham Marshes
Available on site
RSPB members and Blue Badge Holders - FREE
For 1 hour - £1
For 2 hours - £2
For over 2 hours (whole day) - £5
£15 per coach/minibus
Payment for parking is made through a downloadable mobile app ‘Pay by Phone’ – entering location number 809101 or by calling 0330 400 7275.
FREE for RSPB local groups and school trips (please book a space before arriving by contacting the visitor centre).
They are located on both the ground and first floor of our visitor centre.
Our baby changing facilities are located in our accessible toilets on the first floor.
The level, circular walk around our trails makes Rainham Marshes the perfect place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair.
You and the little ones can see ducks and other wildlife, taking in the stunning views across the reserve and fresh air as you go.
A mix of flat gravel surface paths and boardwalks.
Trails start at the visitor centre across a short section of non slip grill with a short steep section.
You can leave the reserve part way round and along the River Thames. Use the one way turnstile or gate (Gate key code available from reception).
They are located on the ground floor of our visitor centre.
Our Visitor Centre opening times vary seasonally.
Ground floor shop, slight slope to heavy door with 10 mm lip, normally open. Non-slip tiles. Reasonable lighting. Some display units tall or deep.
Bird seed bins are outside the shop.
The visitor centre is accessed via a ramp from the car park (ramp entrance is next to the four blue badge bays). Visitor Centre doors are heavy, but have power assisted opening.
The visitor centre and cafe are on first floor, accessed by a long ramp next to the Blue Badge parking. Entry by two sets of double heavy doors with power assisted opening, opening outwards. No threshold. Step-free, level access throughout and non-slip tiles. Lowered counter section. Good lighting.
Pen and paper available. Binocular hire. Staff available to assist.
You can choose to dine indoors, in our outside seating area, or you can takeaway.
Café on first floor. Good lighting. Non slip tile flooring. Self-service. Menus are clear print. Staff available to assist.
Our shop is open and our friendly team are on hand to serve and advise you.
You are welcome to bring a picnic with you to enjoy on your visit.
Our picnic areas are located near the visitor centre and we have a number of other benches around the reserve. There are five tables with wheelchair spaces, on soft and hard surfaces, on level ground behind visitor centre.
Please note that our indoor café seating (when available) is for visitors who have purchased food and drink from our café only.
Help keep this place safe and special for wildlife and people by taking your litter home with you.
Our popular RSPB binoculars are available to hire on your visit:
£5 RSPB Puffins
£7 RSPB Avocets
Guided Walks
We have 4 hides - Purfleet hide, Butts hide, Ken Barrett hide and Marshland Discovery hide.
All level entry either adapted for wheelchair spaces or designed for everyone to gain the same great views.
Marshland Discovery Zone has touch interpretation.
Shooting Butts Hide has 14 stairs and a lift.
A mix of flat gravel surface paths and boardwalks. Information boards in large print.
Trails start at the visitor centre across a short section of non slip grill with a short steep section.
You can leave the reserve part way round and along the River Thames. Use the one way turnstile or gate (Gate key code available from reception).
Circular route - This is the main trail around the majority of the site. Allow a couple of hours, our 2.4-mile (3.8-km) for this circular walk.
Woodland walk - This is a half-mile (0.8-km) trail. Allow yourself at least half an hour.
Riverside walk - this is a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) walk. Make sure you allow yourself an hour.
All routes are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The good paths and boardwalks mean that Rainham Marshes is a good place to walk at all times of year.
Toddler play area located by the Visitor Centre. Loose bark chip surface accessed by a grassy slope. The adventure play area is grassy, but flat.
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Restrictions
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on most of the reserve, except assistance dogs, due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.