Things to do in Grays

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Paul Devall
Photo by Paul Devall
Photo by kim barber
Photo by kim barber
Photo "Grays" by Tansy Forrest-Takano (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tansy Forrest-Takano (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Grays" by Peter Scrimshaw (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Peter Scrimshaw (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Grays" by Glyn Baker (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park featuring a pond, a city and a park

2. Piccadilly Circus

Lying at the junction between Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, Piccadilly Circus is one of the busiest spots in the whole of central London. A hub for traffic of all kinds, it connects the key areas in the heart of the city, including Trafalgar Square, Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square.
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Piccadilly Circus featuring street scenes, signage and heritage architecture

3. Buckingham Palace

Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the home of British royalty. During these years, the palace walls have been the backdrop to political change and have seen many advances in society, as well as being used to welcome guests from all over the world. But the palace itself has remained constant as an emblem of the monarchy, admired by guests who flock here. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most visited spots.
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Buckingham Palace featuring heritage architecture, a city and a castle

4. Tower Bridge

As many as 40,000 vehicles cross over Tower Bridge every single day, making it a key player in the city’s transport infrastructure – as well as a popular attraction for visitors, famed for its iconic Gothic towers.
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Tower Bridge which includes a river or creek, a bridge and heritage architecture

5. O2 Arena

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.
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O2 Arena showing modern architecture

6. Big Ben

When you spot Big Ben standing proud beside the River Thames, you couldn’t be anywhere else in the world other than London. One of the city’s best-loved icons, it is an immediately recognisable fixture of the London cityscape next to Westminster Bridge.
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Big Ben showing heritage architecture, a river or creek and a monument

What to do in Grays

Popular places to visit

Lakeside Shopping Centre

4/5(27 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Lakeside Shopping Centre during your visit to West Thurrock. Stroll along the area's marina or simply savour its lively bars.

Lakeside Shopping Centre

Arena Essex Raceway

Catch an event at Arena Essex Raceway and enjoy other activities in West Thurrock such as sailing.Make time to visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Arena Essex Raceway

Lakeside Karting

Enjoy a trip to Lakeside Karting and popular activities such as sailing in Grays. Stroll along the area's marina or simply savour its lively bars.

Lakeside Karting

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Photo "Stanford-le-Hope" by Robin Webster (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Robin Webster (CC BY-SA)

Stanford-le-Hope

Frequently asked questions

Is Grays worth visiting?
Grays offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Grays?
When you've checked off top attractions like Festival Leisure Park and Hollywood Bowl Basildon, spend the rest of your day experiencing Grays's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Grays?
Don't go home without exploring Festival Leisure Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Grays.
Is three days enough to stay in Grays?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Orchard Theatre, FA Premier League Hall of Fame and The Backstage Centre with a three-day trip to Grays. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to London.
Is Grays a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Grays. Several key sights, including Mardyke Valley Golf Club and Lakeside Shopping Centre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Grays's neighbourhoods, Thurrock is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while West Thurrock is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Grays with kids?
Planning what to do in Grays with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Grays for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Grays for adults including Meopham Valley Vineyard and Pegasus Country Club.
Are there free things to do in Grays?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Grays is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. FA Premier League Hall of Fame is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.