Thameside
Thameside Nature Discovery Park is situated on the Thames Estuary and is fantastic for family days out, bird and ship watching, historical interest and getting away from the hustle and bustle.
The Nature Discovery Centre has a café with full length windows for viewing the estuary, gift shop, toilets with baby changing and a bird hide with wheelchair access which overlook the SSSI mudflats a short walk away. We have a wonderful natural play and picnic area for families to enjoy. Dogs are welcome on leads and events are held throughout the year with free parking.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Winter opening hours:
10am-4pm, 1 November – 15 Feb
Summer opening hours:
10am – 4.30pm, 14 February – 31 October
Christmas opening hours:
Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve 10am – 2pm
Where to find us?
Address:
Mucking Wharf Road, Mucking, Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex, SS17 0RN
Telephone:
01375 643342
What3words:
///equal.shares.supporter
Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
Car parking is available at the Nature Discovery Centre but in order to keep us running, we suggest a donation of £5 per car. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Thameside and across the county. Our members are incredibly important to us and make a real difference to wildlife in Essex. You can join Essex Wildlife Trust at Thameside or online.
There is a coach drop-off space, if you are planning on bringing a group, please ensure you have pre-booked your visit.
Cafe
We serve a selection of hot items, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, toasties, soups, a selection of salads, iced coffee, smoothies, packaged snacks, ice creams and delicious handmade cakes; including gluten & dairy free, toasted teacakes and seasonal homemade bakes.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available daily.
Shop
The Nature Discovery Centre has a well-stocked shop including binoculars, wildlife books, bird food and feeders, gifts, greetings cards, children’s activities, local honey and jams.
Accessibility
Disabled parking. There is a toilet within the centre for disabled visitors which is fully accessible. Some walking trails are wheelchair friendly. Ramp access to the viewing area on the roof.
Visitors with dogs
Please stay on the permitted trails on the nature reserve and keep your dog on a lead where required. Assistance dogs only in the Nature Discovery Centre.
Nature Trails
Walking Trails
Various routes around the reserve and reservoir, please call in to the centre and ask for details or purchase a trail guide.
Adders are on the reserve and they are the UKs only venomous snake. please stick to the paths and wear suitable footwear. Please do not touch them, they are shy creatures and will only bite if they feel they are in danger.
Site map
Photo: Downwell Group
What to do
Explore
With miles of nature trails to explore and some stunning viewpoints, the reserve is a great place to visit all year round.
Events and activities
At Thameside we run a host of activities from early years groups to adult workshops to encourage all ages to connect with nature.
What to see
The site which was once landfill and has been given back to nature is 120 acres at present and will eventually be 845 acres, it is a tremendous habitat for coastal and wetland wildlife, as well as very important grassland flora and fauna species.
The Nature Park is important for many species including barn owls, short eared owls, water voles, harvest mouse, skylark, cuckoo and shrill carder bee. However, these are not the only beneficiaries, local cattle also graze the grassland during the year.
The area is an avian hotspot and throughout the year there are overwintering and migrant bird species residing at the park and in the River Thames. There are internationally important numbers of ringed plover and avocets and nationally important numbers of grey plover, dunlin, black-tailed godwit, redshank on the adjacent mudflats as well as a treasure trove of butterflies, moths and bees on the Nature Park grasslands.
Volunteering at Thameside
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Thameside.
Types of volunteering could include: office, shop, cafe, education or work parties.
Birthday parties
We offer a variety of fabulous themed birthday parties set in beautiful outdoor locations at our Nature Discovery Centres.
Schools and colleges
We believe in nurturing a lifelong love of nature at every age and stage of life. Our Wilder Learning programme offers opportunities for children, educators, adults and families to connect with the natural world. Designed to inspire curiosity and conservation, our programs are suitable for all ages.
Venue hire
Thameside Nature Discovery Centre offers a flexible space for meetings, workshops, and small events. The room accommodates up to around 40 people and is equipped with tables, chairs, WiFi, and an HD screen with HDMI connectivity. It can be arranged in theatre or table layouts, making it suitable for small group sessions and workshops.
