Get outdoors and enjoy a lovely walk, fresh air and stunning views!

The reserve is a great place to visit all year round – bring your family, your camera, binoculars or telescope, or just yourself and get ready to explore the reserve and get close to wildlife. You can stop off in our cafe for lunch and a cuppa, and stock up on your nature friendly products, optics and gifts in the shop.

Exploring the reserve throughout the year is easy via a network of good paths and boardwalks. Don’t worry if you have not been here before – come into our RSPB Purfleet Visitor Centre and we can give you a map, show you where to go, and tell you about the recent sightings.
Why not visit our adventure play area, enjoy a nice cuppa and homemade cake in our cafe, or join one of our fabulous family activities or events.



And of course there’s the wildlife – lots of wildlife! Butterflies, dragonflies, bees, birds, very cute water voles, marsh frogs and lots more!

What’s at Rainham?
Visitor centre
Hides and viewing areas
Car park
Accessible toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Cafe and shop
2.5 miles of nature trail
Picnic areas
Wildlife garden - you can learn how to give nature a home in your garden
Bike hire and guided cycling rides
Climbing boulders (they are graded V0-V5 so suitable for all ages - adult or child, and all abilities absolute beginner or a climber!)
Adventure play area
Toddlers play area
Weekly Running Club
Nature Orienteering for families available every day
Events all year round
Lots of wildlife

We run curriculum linked courses for all age school groups - just ask for details.


There is something for everyone. You don’t need to bring anything – just you, your family and a sense of adventure! Look on our website for dates, times and more information.

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