West Thurrock is an area in the unitary authority of Thurrock, Essex, on the north bank of the River Thames. The area developed around agriculture, river trade and later heavy industry, becoming an important industrial zone during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Modern West Thurrock is particularly associated with logistics, manufacturing and large-scale retail, while fragments of the historic landscape survive along the Thames.
West Thurrock: Historical sights and information
Facts about West Thurrock
- Latitude:
- 51.476513
- Longitude:
- 0.274820
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°29' N, 00°16' E
The historical and tourist importance of the area
West Thurrock's riverside landscape and surrounding marshes provide important habitats for birds and other wildlife. The nearby St Clement's Church is a historic landmark associated with the area's earlier rural community. Lakes and wetlands created through former industrial activity now provide opportunities for walking and wildlife observation. Lakeside Shopping Centre is the area's principal modern attraction and one of the largest retail and leisure destinations in the region. The wider Thames Estuary landscape also offers views of the river and major transport infrastructure.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Lakeside Shopping Centre provides an extensive selection of restaurants, cafés, food outlets and shops, with British and international cuisines widely represented. Additional dining and retail facilities are available in nearby Grays and Thurrock. Late spring through early autumn is particularly pleasant for exploring the wetlands and riverside surroundings, while Lakeside's shopping and entertainment facilities make the area active throughout the year.