Lakeside Centre, Essex

The Lakeside Centre is a substantial out-of-town shopping mall near West Thurrock. It forms part of a massive retail area, together with various other retail outlets; in all there is around 200 acres of shopping available.

The centre has recently undergone extensive renovation, providing even more retail outlets and a substantial entertainment area. Much of the entertainment facilities are in the new Boardwalk, alongside Alexandra Lake. Here you will find the new cinema experience. There are 9 screens available, including the state-of-the-art “Evolution Screen”. As well as current films, this area shows major sporting, music and gaming events, which can be watched from the comfort of easy chairs or bean bags for total relaxation. 

The children’s club, the Little Lake Monsters Club, provides special cinema viewings, as well as activities and events around the centre. They even have their own activities and quizzes on the centre’s website. 

The Alexandra Lake, which gives the centre its name, is the setting for a unique facility in a shopping area – watersports. From the diving and watersports centre, you can try surfing, windsurfing, kayaking or scuba diving. There are taster, instruction and training sessions available most days and some evenings – bookable in advance to be sure of a place. 

Alternatively take to the water in a power boat, rowing boat or pedalo. All are hired from the watersports centre. For something different, there are Waterballs; you are inside the ball and walking on the water. Take a ride on the banana boats or skim across the lake on a “Desert Buster” – a flat, two-person disc! On a quieter note, there is good fishing available around the lake.

Most sports and activities are available throughout the year, but check during the winter months as the weather may limit what is possible. 

The Lakeside Centre is easily accessible from the M25 and the A13 roads and is well signposted. With 13,000 parking spaces, all can be accommodated. There are bus services from London and a rail link to the nearby Chafford Hundreds station. From Southend there is a special hourly bus link Monday- Saturday.