Days out
Rainham Marshes
PurfleetClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesA peaceful paradise for wetland birds on the outskirts of the capital, where you can spot waders, wildfowl, warblers and owls.
About
Car parking charges will be introduced at the Purfleet Visitor Centre for RSPB Rainham Marshes from Monday 8 January 2024. Parking will remain free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders. From 8 January, entry to the nature reserve is free.
Not far from the bustling streets of London, Rainham Marshes is a haven for all kinds of wildlife – birds, Water Voles, dragonflies and more. Enjoy an adventure into nature, whether you explore this medieval landscape on foot or by bike. Even if you can’t visit Rainham Marshes in person, you can still soak up some of the peace and quiet of the reserve by taking a moment to listen to the dawn or evening chorus on our RSPB YouTube page.
Rainham Marshes is carefully managed to make sure it has the perfect conditions for its wildlife. We graze cattle and manage water levels to create a patchwork of clumpy wet grassland and semi-permanent pools. This is the ideal habitat for marshland birds such as Lapwings and Redshanks as well as for wintering wildfowl, waders and some birds of prey. The ditches are also looked after to help Water Voles, reptiles, amphibians and minibeasts thrive.
Some areas of the tall grass and scrub are left unmanaged to provide ideal hunting grounds for wintering Short-eared Owls as well as nesting sites for Reed Buntings. We take special care of some of our sandy areas, where some of our specialist insect life likes to live.
Click here to see live weather data from this reserve
At a glance
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.
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.
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.
See what’s here
Save nature while you staycation
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Contact Rainham Marshes
rainham.marshes@rspb.org.uk Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Rd, Purfleet, Thurrock, RM19 1SZ 01708 899840