On the eastern edge of the city, Rainham Marshes provides Londoners with an easy way to access a unique nature reserve. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is responsible for the marshes and has done an amazing job making the reserve accessible for everyone including families with young children.
The many hides around the nature reserve include descriptions of the most common types of wildlife that can be seen, making it easy to identify birds. Don’t forget to bring binoculars since the animals are often very far away from the hides! The marsh frogs are well camouflaged and difficult to spot! The kids had lots of fun competing who could find the most!
6 Activities for Kids at Rainham Marshes
You’ll find a small play area for young kids next to the RSPB visitor centre
Watching wildlife, particularly birds – look for Marsh Harriers, Little Egrets and Bitterns
Within the reserve, there’s a more challenging adventure playground with boulder climbing
Several cycle routes around the marshes (see below)
You can choose from three different nature trails which are marked with signposts:
Circular trail: 3.8 km walking trail taking you past several hides
Woodland trail: 0.8 km walk close to the visitor centre
Riverside trail: 2.4 km along the River Thames
Bring a camera (with zoom!) and take advantage of the hides to photograph birds without disturbing them
Rainham Marshes and Nature Reserve. Following the many signs like pictured here, you can choose between 3 main trails: 1) The circular route, 2) The woodland walk and 3) The riverside walk. We too the 2.6 miles long circular route which took 3 hours (with lots of breaks). One of the great things about Rainham Marshes is how accessible it is with boardwalks almost and flat paths making it easy to take the 2.6 miles route with a pushchair. We were really impressed by how well maintained everything was – kudos to RSPB for all the hard work that has gone into this reserve.
Family friendly cycling experience i natural surroundings
This is RSPB’s recommended 8.5 km cycle route which will take you along the Thames and the edges of the marshes. Note that you are not allowed to cycle within the nature reserve itself, but will be cycling around the edges. If you want to enter the reserve run by RSPB, you’ll need to park your bike and pay the entrance fee at the gate.The cycle route from Rainham to Purfleet is flat and traffic-free making it great for family cycling. Pay attention to the Towpath Code giving priority to pedestrians.
By cycling around the reserve you get to experience one of London’s few remaining ancient landscapes, with marshes dating back to medieval times. Make sure to take a break on your route to watch the wide range of birds along the reserve and look out for seals and old barges in the Thames!
This is an example of one of several hides discretely dotted around the landscape.
Rainham Marshes is a great place for family cycling, we recommend the 8.5 km “Reserve Loop” with great views of the Thames
Mountain bikes and bike buggies can be hired from reception at the visitor centre
Cycling maps are also available at the visitor centre with routes ranging from 5 km to 25 km
We spotted this beautiful white Little Egret from one of the hides. Most of the birds were standing quite far away though, so we recommend bringing a camera with zoom or a telephoto lens if you’re planning to get some nice shots. A regular wide angle smartphone camera won’t get you very far.
