Lakeside (Thurrock)

...from a day trip to Lakeside Shopping centre in Thurrock. It had taken me all day to browse my way around the hundreds of shops, and my purse (well debit card really) was feeling considerably lighter. Although many of the shops are the same as can be found on any High Street, the fact that they are all under one roof and the addition of quite a few shops that can't be found locally, mean that Lakeside is the place for me to go for Christmas shopping.
...relatively short distance away from Lakeside (in Basildon). Being car-less means that I have two modes of public transport at my disposal, the bus or train. The C2C service runs half-hourly on the Tilbury line of the Fenchurch Street service, with the nearest station being Chafford Hundred (which is connected to Lakeside via a bridge). I've always chosen this route, as it's quicker than the bus as well as being more comfortable and virtually the ... more

'Ouch my feet ache', this was my first comment on returning from a day trip to Lakeside Shopping centre in Thurrock. It had taken me all day to browse my way around the hundreds of shops, and my purse (well debit card really) was feeling considerably lighter. Although many of the shops are the same as can be found on any High Street, the fact that they are all under one roof and the addition of quite a few shops that can't be found locally, mean that Lakeside is the place for me to go for Christmas shopping.

---Getting There Pt 1 (without a car)---

Now I don't have a car, and I live a relatively short distance away from Lakeside (in Basildon). Being car-less means that I have two modes of public transport at my disposal, the bus or train. The C2C service runs half-hourly on the Tilbury line of the Fenchurch Street service, with the nearest station being Chafford Hundred (which is connected to Lakeside via a bridge). I've always chosen this route, as it's quicker than the bus as well as being more comfortable and virtually the same price. The buses do, however, run from all of the surrounding areas, ranging from Southend to Bluewater in Kent, I strongly advise that you check the website for details of departure points and times.

---Getting There Pt 2 (By Car)---

Getting to Lakeside by car is a doddle, either take the M25, exit at junction 30/31 and follow the signs, or take the A13 and again follow the signs. I'm not so sure about the M25, but I do know that the route via the A13 is very clearly marked. Once you've arrived there are a total of 13,000 FREE parking spaces, just remember where you've parked, because it's (apparently) very easy to loose your car in amongst all those thousands.

---The Shopping Centre---

Lakeside is set out over three levels, with plenty of escalators between levels, but fewer lifts than I felt would be necessary. The whole centre is bright and airy, and is beautifully decorated in the run up to Christmas. Although there are quite a few benches, and even some comfy chairs dotted around, I really don't think there are enough, this centre is big and you will want to take a pit-stop or two (or three or four).

The centre is virtually non-smoking, what I mean by this is that although there are a few areas where smoking is permitted (strangely most of these seem to be in the restaurant areas) it is not permitted in the majority of places. This means that at any time you will find several people hanging around outside the majority of the exits, having a quick fag.

The disabled are reasonably well catered for, there is a shopmobility centre (located in car park 10, level 1), from which you can hire wheelchairs and powered scooters. It is a good idea to book these in advance though, otherwise in busy periods you might turn up to find they've just lent the last one out. As well as this, the majority of shops are on one level (with the exception of the department stores and a couple of major retailers), entrances to the stores are large (with no doors to open /electronic doors). I have no difficulty pushing a wheelchair around the majority of the centre, there are only a very few shops that present any problems.

For such a large centre there are remarkably few toilets, with there only being three sets that are actually part of the centre. There are others within major shops (and fast food outlets), but still I continue to be amazed that there aren't any more. What toilets there are, appear to be well maintained, clean with plenty of toilet paper and soap, but I have only checked out the ladies, so I have no idea if what the condition of the gents is.

There are customer service points dotted around the centre, the majority of which are not manned, but rather interactive maps. Believe me, you'll need these, if only to find out exactly where you are, it's so easy to get turned about and lost. At the manned customer service desk, you can purchase Lakeside gift vouchers that can be used in the majority of the shops. Other facilities include : Baby changing areas, a crèche/play area, cash points and a personal shopper service.

---The shops---

Now I don't intend to tell you about every shop, I'd be here all day, instead I'll give you an idea of what to expect. Well firstly all the major chains are represented, Marks & Spencer is there, as are Boots, Superdrug, Argos, Primark, Next, House of Fraser, Woolworths, WHSmith……you get the idea all those shops you'd find on any High Street. Along with these there are a good spattering of more unusual shops, for the sporty among you there are several sports shops, ranging from the predictably cheap Sports and Soccer, to the more unusual West Ham shop (selling West Ham merchandise, doh). If fashion is your thing, then there are loads of shops to choose from (at least if you're skinny), ranging from cheap and cheerful BeWise (and Primark), to the more risqué collections of Anne Summers, up to the more designer looks of French Connection, along with a few little outfits I'd never heard of before.

If it's a bit of pampering you're after, then as well as the standard Boots and Superdrug there are a few other shops worth a visit. For all things smelly (in the nicest way) there's The Body Shop, Virgin Vie and best of all Lush. If your skin is feeling a little pale there's The sun Studio, with sun beds, spray tanning and false nails, and if it's your hair that needs pampering there are a couple of hairdressers.

Maybe technology is more your thing, if so there are plenty of shops for you too. All the mobile phone operators are represented, you'll be hard pressed not to find the mobile of your dreams. There is also a wonderful shop selling all those must have gadgets, that you never knew you needed, I love spending time in there, plasma lamps, and remote control toys galore. Of course if you prefer the chain store approach, there is also Argos, Dixons and a Robert Dyas (sells electrical bits and bobs).

If you're buying for the young (or young at heart) then there are a couple of toy stores, The ELC shows it's face in this category, along with a shop I've never seen anywhere else, The Entertainer, which sells good quality toys at low quality prices. For all things Disney there is The Disney Store, although I find this shop to be very expensive. Finally if you want your gift to be a little more personalised, then pay The Bear Factory a visit, there's cuddlies here for every occasion.

Obviously these aren't all the shops, but I hope I've given you an idea what to expect if you're thinking of paying Lakeside a visit, for details on every single shop on site feel free to visit the centre's website (details at end of review).

---Eating and Drinking---

There are numerous eating establishments on site, ranging from fast food outlets such as McDonalds, Burger King and Pizza Hut, to those that would suit more refined tastes. For coffee lovers there are a few establishments such as Café Nero and Costa Coffee, not that I've ever used them, I just don't see the point in paying that much for a cup of froth (but that's just me). In the food court (on the third floor) there are several eateries, that seem rather expensive, but the quality is reasonable. Most do seem to cater for children as well as their parents, and some have amazingly healthy children's menus.

---Other Facilities---

Amazingly, Lakeside has it's own Post Office, this is however only a very small shop, but still handy for sending out any cards and gifts you may have bought. There is also a training centre (that I've never used),a diving centre (sounds strange but it is there) and a chapel. Those of you that like to surf the web while relaxing with your coffee (or lunch) will be pleased to know that the entire centre is wi-fi enabled, again I've never tried this, but it's nice to know. Finally there is a seven screen cinema, I've never had time to pay this a visit, but if you've dragged your other half (or teenagers) shopping with you and got fed up with their moaning then it's a nice place to drop them off so you can spend in peace.

---In The Area---

If you still feel the need (and are able) to visit yet more shops after you've spent most of the day browsing the main centre, there are a number of other mini retail parks in the area. In these you'll find Ikea and PC World (among others), but a word of warning, they are quite difficult to get to without a car, my poor feet will never let me walk that much further.

---Opening Hours---

Weekdays : 10am - 10pm
Saturdays : 9am - 7pm
Sundays : 11am - 5pm

Bank Holidays : 10am -7pm

(For Christmas/New Year opening times please check website)

---Contact Details---

Website : www.lakeside.uk.com
Shopmobility : 01708 869 744 (for booking wheelchairs)

---Final Words---

I love visiting Lakeside, the only trouble is, that it takes me all day to get around the place, I spend too much money and my feet always ache. There are shops to suit everybody in my family, and I am almost always able to find what I was after. The only real problem, is that while there are plenty of fashion shops catering to the skinny half of the female population, belonging to the somewhat larger half, I have trouble finding clothes that I like (at a reasonable price), but I have this problem no matter where I shop. If I lived a little closer, I would definitely use Lakeside as my major shopping centre as it beats my local High Street hands down. 

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