Visitor Information

Opening Times

* The Boardwalk restaurants and Vue cinema are open on Easter Sunday, see restaurants/cinema or click here for opening hours. 

Getting Here

Getting to Lakeside

Getting to Lakeside is easy. We have loads of transport links, a railway station right on our doorstep, and we're just off junction 30/31 of the M25. Whether you're travelling by bus, coach, car, train, bike or on foot - getting to Lakeside is easier than ever.

To find out the latest bus routes and services please click here to view our Transport Guide.

By Bus

There are many bus routes servicing the centre from Essex, Kent and London.

Lakeside's bus services are run by Ensignbus company.  It's control centre is located by the bus station outside Debenhams.  For more information check out Ensign's official website.

To plan your journey by bus, please use one of the links below. We’ve already set Lakeside as your destination, so just enter your starting point to find the times.

For your nearest local services for bus travel, you can check out the First Group website. Alternatively try these websites: Transport Direct / Traveline.

Bus timetables are available from the Information Office at the bus station and also from Thurrock Council offices and libraries.

If travelling by coach then please follow the directions for travelling by car. However, at Christmas follow the AA signs to coach parking.

THERE ARE NOW EXTRA SATURDAY LATE NIGHT SERVICES RUNNING ON ROUTE NO.73, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE.

By Car

We're clearly signposted from junctions 30 and 31 off the M25 or from A13.  And with over 13,000 dedicated FREE parking spaces, Lakeside is a quick and convenient place to visit.

The A13, A1306 and West Thurrock Way also provide direct access to the centre.

To plan your journey by car, please click here.

Sat nav reference: RM20 2ZP

By Electric Car

Two electric car charging points are available and are located on level 1 of Car Park 10 (also known as Car Park Blue). These are part of the Source London network. If you are not a member of Source London, an access key is available from Lakeside's Shopmobility Service which is located at the entrance to Car Park Blue. A photographic form of ID is required as a deposit when collecting the access key.
 

For more details of Source London please click here.

By Motorcycle

We're clearly signposted from junctions 30 and 31 off the M25 or from A13.  And with over 13,000 dedicated FREE parking spaces, Lakeside is a quick and convenient place to visit.

The A13, A1306 and West Thurrock Way also provide direct access to the centre.

You can park in any of the ground-level outdoor car parks, or alternatively in Car Park Green, Yellow and Mauve which have no barrier.  All our parking is FREE.

By Train

Chafford Hundred train station is a few minutes walk from the Centre via a covered pedestrian bridge.

C2C trains run direct services from London Fenchurch Street, Limehouse, West Ham, Barking, Upminster, Ockendon, Southend Central, Westcliff, Chalkwell, Leigh-on-Sea, Benfleet, Pitsea, Stanford-le-Hope, East Tilbury, Tilbury Town and Grays.

At most times, trains run every 30 minutes.

To view timetables, buy tickets and view departure and arrival boards, as well as travel news visit the c2c website.

You can also visit National Rail Enquiries, click here.

Got an Oyster Card?
You can now travel to and from Chafford Hundred using your Oyster Card. 

By Bike

Cycling is good for you, and good for the environment - it's fast, it's convenient, it gives you freedom and independence, and takes you from door to door.

There are cycle routes into Lakeside from Chafford Hundred and Grays and we are working with Thurrock Council to make these links even better.

Covered parking for your bike is available at a number of entrances around the centre.

To view local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network, (set up and co-ordinated by Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity) click here

To find out more about cycling in Thurrock and to download Thurrock Council’s cycling map click on the link below...

Thurrock Council Cycling Map

On Foot

Walking is a healthy form of exercise and generates no pollution.  If you live close to Lakeside then why not consider walking?

It’s free, a great way of getting some exercise and you can cover a mile in just 20 minutes at average walking speed.

Chafford Hundred is less than a mile away via the pedestrian bridge at the train station, or via Fenner Road.

Customer Facilities

We want to make sure your visit to Lakeside is an enjoyable one

Please see below for the range of facilities and services that we offer:

Information Points

Our friendly, helpful staff offer a first class service and handle lost and found property, including wandering children! And if you're looking for that elusive gift, this is where you can buy Lakeside Gift Cards.

With so much to see and do at Lakeside, it's good to be organised. That's why we've introduced interactive information pods at key points around the centre. You can use them to search for any store or facility in the centre. Alternatively, our Customer Information Desks are situated in the following places:

Level 1 - Outside Boots.

Level 2 - At the end of Brompton Walk, in front of the escalators.

Rest assured, here one of our friendly Customer Service team will be able to assist you.

Shopper Lockers

Lockers are available in 2 convenient sizes:

• Medium - ideal for most items of shopping, and will take a large carrier bag or two with ease.
• Large - when you need that extra space for multiple items, or for storage of a rucksack or roller suitcase - great to share.

Lockers can be rented for 2, 4 or 10 hours (sorry - there is no overnight storage permitted). Once rented, the locker can be accessed as often as required for no additional cost.

All rentals include up to £500 contents insurance cover (terms apply).  All lockers are remotely monitored, covered by CCTV and alarmed for your piece of mind.

Fees as follows:

• Medium - 2hrs: £2, 4hrs: £3, 10hrs: £4
• Large - 2hrs: £3, 4hrs: £4, 10hrs: £5

Find our Shopper Lockers in the Locker Room just off the Food Court on Level 3 and at the entrance to the Green Car Park just off The Boardwalk on Level 2.

Parents Corner

Lakeside has a range of facilities and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Partyman World Creche - Brompton Walk

Leave your children in a safe and supervised area at Partyman World on Brompton Walk. Visit our Play Centre page for more information.

Free Family Fun 

Throughout the year we put on free events for you and your children to enjoy.

Things we've hosted in the past include dance and model workshops, t shirt design workshops, meet and greet your favourite cartoon characters and lots more!

Please click here to visit our events page to find out what's going on in centre!

Kids cinema

Vue Cinema, Thurrock has 9 screens and 2024 seats. It offers lounge style seating, a new 'evolution' screen with bean bags and couches, and both DTS and Dolby surround sound systems.

Vue has excellent disabled access to all screens and a loop system for the hard of hearing. They also host 'Kids AM' - special screenings on Saturdays and Sundays where kids and their parents can enjoy a family film together at the weekend.

Tickets are £1.50 per child and one adult goes free with every child - check out the latest releases at http://www.myvue.com/

Family food

The Boardwalk is the ideal destination for families. With some restaurants open for breakfast and all restaurants open until late there's sure to be one to suit the whole family.

Choose from Partyman World, La Tasca, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Giraffe, Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Wagamama, Strada, Old Orleans, Nando's and Spur.

You'll find The Boardwalk at the end of Brompton Walk, on level 2.

Within Lakeside there is also PizzaExpress, Taco Bell, Ed's Easy Diner, Burger King, Café Giardino, McDonalds, M&S Kitchen, GO, Pizza Hut, Quiznos, Spreads Cafe, Millies Cookies and more...

Identity Wristband

Most parents occasionally experience the terrible feeling at the very pit of their stomach when, during a trip out, their inquisitive child wanders off.

Thankfully, there is often a happy reunion once the parent has spent several frantic minutes of searching. To shorten this time and to ease the worry for parents, Identikids have developed a Wristband for children to wear. You can write your mobile number on so you can be contacted if you were ever to be separated.

Stockists include Boots, W H Smith and range from £6 for a pack of three.

Parent & baby rooms

Our award-winning parent and baby changing facility on Level 3 is one of the largest in the UK, with changing, feeding and playing facilities all laid on especially for you and your kids. We've also made sure it's separate from the womens loos - after all, Dad is just as likely to be left holding the baby.

Pushchairs & Tiny Taxis

Pushchairs are provided free of charge from our Customer Service Desk outside Boots on level1.

You'll find Tiny Taxis for hire at the centre (under the escalators by Debenhams, Level 1); these are miniature cars which are great for keeping the kids smiling while you shop. A form of ID will be required.

We advise all customers to call Customer Information on 01708 869933 to check pushchair availability before your visit.

Children's Parties

Celebrate a birthday at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Pizza Hut, Wimpy and McDonalds. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Pizza Hut
01708 865686

Wimpy
01708 866900

McDonalds
01708 861650

Build a Bear Workshop
01708 861706

Childrens Shops
Choose from the following: Boys Base, Choice, Primark, The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre, H&M, Pineapple, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser, BHS, Next, Monsoon, Zara, Lacoste, and Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Child Safe Zones

Lakeside is a family friendly and safe place to visit, shop and have fun. However, losing a child, even for a few moments can be very distressing and our Child Safe Zones Shopping scheme can help reassure and get help fast.

Helpline window stickers

Look out for the bright orange smiley balloon stickers - these carry our helpline number: 08444 48 42 28.

If you lose a child or need to report an incident look for the nearest sticker and ring this number and talk directly to our security and customer services team.

Mums & Dads

Teach your child that if they are ever separated from mum, dad or a guardian, not to panic, but to look for the nearest smiley balloon sticker. They can then either look for a security guard or parent with children and ask them to ring the number, or go into the shop and find an assistant to help them.

Also make sure teenagers know they can also use the number, should they need help.

Free Wristbands

A mobile number on a wristband is the simplest and quickest way to help a lost child.

On entering Lakeside a wristband can be collected from the Customer Information Desks on Levels 1 & 2.

These wristbands are bright, waterproof and tough, so as well as shopping they are ideal for other days out or journeys into busy towns and cities.

Public toilets & baby changing facilities

Our clean, spacious toilets (and disabled toilets) can be found on Levels 1 and 3 of the centre.

You'll find them on Level 1 beside House of Fraser and Debenhams at either end of the centre.  You'll also find them on the Food Court on Level 3 next to Primark.

Our award-winning baby changing facilities are on Level 3, next to the ATM cash machines.  It's one of the largest in the UK, with changing, feeding and playing facilities all laid on especially for you and your kids. We've also made sure it's separate from the womens loos - after all, Dad is just as likely to be left holding the baby.

Click here to check the exact location of the toilets and baby changing facilities on our interactive store map. 

ATMs & Bureau de Change

Cash dispensers are located in the following locations:

• On the outside wall of the main entrance by Car Park Green, Level 1
• On the external wall of HSBC, Level 1
• In Marks & Spencer, Level 1 & 2
• On the outside wall of the main entrance by Car Park 12, Level 1 
• In Debenhams, Level 2
• On the external wall of Abbey National, Level 2
• On the external wall of Barclays, Level 2
• On the external wall of Halifax, Level 2
• Outside Kanoo Financial Services, Level 2
• On Brompton Walk, near Dove Spa, Level 2
• Near baby change facilities in Food Court, Level 3
• Next to WH Smith, Level 2

Foreign Exchange is available from two Thomas Cooks on Level 1, Thomson on Level 2, Kanoo FES on Level 2, and Marks & Spencer on Level 2. 

Other facilities

From bottle warming to buggy hire, Lakeside's got it covered

Bottle and baby food warming
Bottle and baby food warming facilities are available in the baby changing facilities and at the baby food warming station on the Food Court.

Breast feeding areas
There are breast feeding areas within the baby changing facilities.

Public telephones
Public telephones including low-level boxes are located on Level 1 outside The Works and La Senza, and on Level 2 opposite BHS.

First Aid
Our security staff are trained in first aid skills, and will assist on request.

High Chairs
High chairs are available in the Food Court on Level 3.

Lifts
Public lifts are conveniently located to assist movement between the three levels and are at the Central Atrium, next to House of Fraser, and next to Debenhams.

Lost children
The meeting place for lost people is our Customer Service Desks on Levels 1 and 2. If customers are worried or concerned they can approach one of our many centre staff, who will advise and assist.

Nappy dispensers
Nappy dispensers are available within the baby changing facilities on Level 3.

Lakeside Chapel

A friendly ear - whatever's on your mind, your Chaplain is always here to listen.

We all need someone to talk to sometimes, so it's worth remembering the Lakeside Chaplains are always here and ready to listen.

The Chapel is a quiet place of worship, away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre - and offers people of all religions somewhere quiet to reflect, pray or simply relax.

The Chaplaincy service is available to everyone at Lakeside and caters for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Find the Chapel on Level 3 near the public toilets.  It's open throughout Lakeside's normal shopping hours, so feel free to visit any time you like.  Alternatively, call the Chaplaincy Office on 01708 450083 (if there is no answer, please leave a message). 

Car Parking

With 13,000 free parking spaces, you'll always find a safe place to leave your car at Lakeside.

All of our car parks have been given the secure car parks awards. We have mobile car park assistants who are on hand to help, and help points located throughout our car parks. 

Visit the Park Mark website for more information.

Parent and Child
All our car parks provide easy, safe and direct access into the centre for shoppers with little ones. There are 38 Parent and Child spaces in Car Park Red, over levels 1 and 2, plus 8 more spaces in Car Park 5.

Shopping trolley parks
If you're food shopping at Marks & Spencer, you'll find trolley parks throughout the car parks to return your trolley to once you have unloaded your shopping.

Remember: you will need a £1 coin.

Disabled parking
We also have 305 spaces reserved especially for disabled shoppers in Car Park 10 (also known as Car Park Blue), and other dedicated spaces in car parks 3, 9 and 11.

Electric Car Charging

Two electric car charging points are available and are located on level 1 of Car Park 10 (also known as Car Park Blue). These are part of the Source London network. If you are not a member of Source London, an access key is available from Lakeside's Shopmobility Service which is located at the entrance to Car Park Blue. A photographic form of ID is required as a deposit to use the key.

For more details of Source London please click here.

Car Valet UK

Car Valet UK is a nationwide car valeting service with more than 15 years experience in the field. If you'd like to have your car cleaned while you shop at Lakeside, leave it with our Car Valeting service. Situated in the Blue (Debenhams level 2), White (opposite Lakeside level 1) and Red (House of Fraser level 2) car parks as well as car park 6 (bus station, ground level) there are several bays available. For more information visit www.carvaletuk.co.uk or call 01920 444 344.

There are signs throughout the car park directing customers to the valeting service.
Car Valet UK offers a full range of services starting from £7.00 and will be open seven days a week in accordance with centre opening times; currently Mon to Fri 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday 09:00 to 19:30, Sunday 11:00 am to 17:00 pm.

Gift Cards

Lakeside Gift Cards make the perfect present

Our Gift Card is available in any denomination of your choice up to the value of £1,000 (max. £650 online) and the balance can be spent a little at a time, or all at once, just like a debit card.

Gift Cards are accepted across 250 shops, cafes/restaurants, Spa and cinema throughout Lakeside, including some stores in the retail park.

For more information, click here for the dedicated Gift Card section.

To purchase a Lakeside Gift Card please visit our Customer Information Desks on Level 1 and 2 or purchase online here.

FAQ

No question is too weird or wonderful for our Customer Services team!

Here are some of our visitors' most common questions:

What's the easiest way to get to Lakeside?

We've got excellent transport links, whether you're travelling by road, rail, bus or bike. Take a look at our Getting Here page for all the information you could possibly need!

Where can I stay that's close to the centre?

There are hotel and B&B options close to Lakeside to suit every budget. Check out the Accomodation section on our Travel and Tourism page for all of the details.

What time does Lakeside open and close?

Lakeside is open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 9pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday. However, on Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period these times change. For a full breakdown please visit our Opening Times page .

If you can't find the answer to your question on the website, please contact us.

Shopmobility

Access all areas with Shopmobility

Lakeside has a dedicated Shopmobility centre and over 300 disabled parking spaces. You'll find Shopmobility in Car Park 10 (also known as Car Park Blue) on Level 1 - just follow the signs.

Please note: You don't have to be registered as disabled to use the service, and it doesn't matter if you're young or old.

You can take your pick from a range of standard and powered wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters.

It's a good idea to book in advance by calling 01708 869744.

Shopmobility is open:

Monday - Friday: 10am to 10pm
Saturday: 9am to 9pm
Sunday: 11am to 5pm

*Please note that two forms of identification are required when registering for membership and when hiring powered equipment for a one off visit. Customers will also be asked to complete a disclaimer form when hiring powered equipment. The two forms of identification must include the person's name and current address. Examples of the forms of identification accepted include driving license or utility bill.

Retail Park

Spoilt for choice

If you've still not found what you're looking for then why not pay a visit to the retail park which is right next door to Lakeside.

American Golf
01708 689655
http://www.americangolf.co.uk/

Arena Essex
01708 890719
http://www.arenaessex-speedway.co.uk/

Argos Extra
01708 860688
http://www.argos.co.uk/

ASDA Living
01708 685130
http://www.asda.co.uk/

B&Q
01708 682700
http://www.diy.com/

Blacks
01708 864210

www.blacks.co.uk 

Brantano Footwear
01708 861576
http://www.brantano.com/

Burger King
01708 861072
http://www.burgerking.com/

Car Craft
0870 1646444
http://www.carland.com/

CarpetRight
01708 860938
http://www.carpetright.com/

Carphone Warehouse
01708 890329
http://www.cpw.co.uk/

Comet
01708 866972
http://www.comet.co.uk/

Costco
01708 860557
http://www.costco.co.uk/

Currys Megastore
0870 6097448
http://www.currys.co.uk/

Dansk Design
01708 866606
http://www.dansk.co.uk/

Decathlon
01708 895650
www.decathlon.co.uk

Dreams
01708 682888
www.dreams.co.uk

Essex Auto Ford & Mazda
01708 892650
http://www.essexautogroup.co.uk/

Frankie & Benny's
01708 252 551
http://www.frankieandbennys.com/

Furniture Village
01708 899420
http://www.furniturevillage.co.uk/

Gap Outlet
Tel: 01708 865818
www.gap.eu/outlet

Halfords
01708 862980
http://www.halfords.co.uk/

Harveys
01708 863521
http://www.harveys4furniture.co.uk/

Homesense
01708 869507
www.homesense.com

 Ikea
0845 355 2262
www.ikea.com

Multiyork
01708 891220
www.multiyork.co.uk

Next Clearance
01708 681130
www.next.co.uk

Odeon
01708 860268
www.odeon.co.uk

Paul Simon
01708 863933
http://www.paulsimon.co.uk/

Pizza Hut
01708 869155
http://www.pizzahut.com/

The Range
www.therange.co.uk

SCS
01708 864396
www.scs.co.uk 

Tesco
01708 791400
http://www.tesco.com/

TGI Fridays
01708 861123
http://www.tgifridays.com/

TK Maxx
01708 860296
http://www.tkmaxx.com/

Tony Le Voi (Vauxhall)
01708 681800
http://www.tonylevoi.co.uk/

Other Retailers...
GAME, Sports Direct, Costa, Subway, Toys 'R Us, Next Home, Boots, The Furniture Gallery and M&S Outlet.