Lakeside is the second closest shopping centre to my home, with Bluewater being the first, so I often take a trip there when I fancy a change to Bluewater. Lakeside is in West Thurrock in Essex and is literally surrounded by just motorways, so it's very easy to get to from either London or Kent, being just a few minutes from the Dartford Tunnel. Although the actual shopping centre isn't as big Bluewater, if you include the retail outlets that surround the shopping centre, the entire place is actually one of the biggest shopping areas in Europe. The large retail outlets include shops like Ikea, Toys R Us, and mostly furniture, home and sports shops. The ...  Read the complete review

Lakeside shopping centre is in West Thurrock, Essex. It is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe and was built in 1990. Lakeside averages 500,000 visitors per week. It is just off the M25 motorway near the Dartford toll tunnel, take exit 30/31; it is well sign posted from here. You can also access Lakeside from A13 and again there are ample directions. Around 70% of visitors come to Lakeside by car but for the other 30% there is a bridge that connects Lakeside with Chafford Hundred railway station and a bus station which services Essex, Kent and London. There is a main indoor shopping centre encompassing 3 floors with over 250 shops and restaurants. ...  Read the complete review

I have been going to Lakeside for years and years now and it is so much better than shopping on the high street or Oxford St in London - you don't have to contend with the weather for one thing and although yes it gets busy at Christmas and other peak times like that - it's not overly busy the rest of the time. A pleasant change to London! Lakeside Shopping Centre is based in Thurrock, near Grays in Essex and is off Junction 30/31 of the M25. It's signposted well from the motorway so is easy to find. It's also serviced by mainline train services at Chafford Hundred Station. There is a bridge connecting the station to the shopping centre which goes over a busy ...  Read the complete review

If you have a small child and you don't want to spend hours walking through a crowded high street, then one part of Lakeside is perfect for you. There is a great part of Lakeside that has self-standing shops. It has a large Toys R Us near to a mammoth-sized Mothercare. The car parks are usually busy but you can always get a spot. There is also a good Habitat and a European furniture shop in the same area called IVLA and this has a stylish restaurant. The food isn't amazing, but it's good for a quick meal. Ikea is very close too. We are not such big fans of the shopping mall though, which is on the other side. I can't really say why. It's just ...  Read the complete review

I live in Chelmsford in Essex and Lakeside is about a half hour drive for me located in Thurrock. It's open until 10pm every weeknight, 9pm on Saturdays and 5pm on Sundays and at Christmas and other busy periods it opens for longer - often til gone midnight. I always drive there and i have never had a problem finding a space although at Christmas you can sometimes drive around for a while. They have undercover parking as well if you prefer. If you don't drive then there are plenty of buses that go to Lakeside and a train service too which takes you about ten minutes walk away from Lakeside. It has a huge range of shops - ...  Read the complete review