What 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 showing a city, a garden and a pond

2. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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Tower Bridge showing a bridge, heritage architecture and a river or creek

3. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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Buckingham Palace which includes a castle, a city and heritage architecture

4. 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 featuring modern architecture

5. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night.
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Piccadilly Circus showing heritage architecture, a city and signage

6. London Eye

The 360-degree view from the top of the London Eye is a spectacular way to orientate yourself in London. Below, the River Thames meanders through the teeming metropolis, and on a clear day the views stretch to Windsor Castle, almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.
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London Eye showing a city, a skyscraper and modern architecture

What to do in Grays

Popular places to visit

Lakeside Shopping Centre

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 top-notch restaurants.

Lakeside Karting

Day trip destinations from Grays

Photo by Benjamin Willard

Upminster

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 kilometers away from downtown, while West Thurrock is 3 kilometers 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.