Lakeside Shopping Centre

Also referred to as the Intu Lakeside, the Lakeside Shopping Centre is a massive out-of-town shopping facility within Grays, England. It was constructed in the 1980s on the same site where a chalk quarry once stood. The shopping center eventually opened in October 1990, and today, it houses more than 240 stores and services. With around 33 acres of retail floor space, Lakeside Shopping Centre grabbed the 11th spot at Britain’s largest shopping centers. When combined with the surrounding retail parks, the shopping facility boasts of almost 60 acres of retail space on a 200-acre land area.

Within a four-minute drive from the shopping facility, you can reach the Arena Essex Raceway, which is a mere 14-minute drive from Horndon-on-the-Hill. Before this speedway-racing track was permanently closed in 2018, it was the annual venue for the National World Final Championship that was held in September and featured 35 to 174 racing cars. The Coalhouse Fort in the eastern section of Essex County is also worth visiting. Dating back to the 1860s, this artillery fort served as defense from seaborne attacks to the lower Thames. It was in use up until the mid-1940s.

To make your stay more convenient, check out the Best Western Thurrock Hotel that is located within a 24-minute walk from the raceway. This suburban hotel features eight meeting rooms, a restaurant, and two bars in the property. If you prefer staying close to the shopping center, the ibis London Thurrock M25 is only a half-hour walk away. Guests staying at this hotel can enjoy an in-house breakfast and a laundry service.