Rainham - a Village in Essex, United Kingdom

Rainham in Essex is a small surburban village in the United Kingdom and is part of the London Borough of Havering. It was once a very small town that started to grow in population in the 1930's. Rainham is situated near the A13 road, which can take you into London very quickly. It is a ten minute drive to Lakeside shopping mall in Thurrock, Essex in the opposite direction from London and it is, also, a twenty minute drive to Romford and Hornchurch shopping areas.

I have lived in Rainham for many years previous to living in Cyprus. My children grew up here and went to the primary Catholic school called La Salette. In the grounds of where the school is situated is also a Catholic church and a Social Club.

Rainham has a great community spirit and it has become very popular to many families from London areas who want to buy property in Rainham. Of course, in the past, there have been a lack of properties for sale in Rainham, Essex, because property owners never want to sell once they move to Rainham.

What to See and do in and Around Rainham

Rainham village Fayres - The Rainham village fayres have been running for around 12 years. Fayres usually take place on the first May bank holiday and the first Saturday in December. There is an Art Exhibition at the Rainham Hall in the May bank holiday fayre and Rainham Village Library have a craft day in the December fayre. There are usually a variety of stalls all around Rainham village and going up Upminster Road South.

Hotels - In Rainham there is the Premier Inn, which is called Willow Farm. There is a restaurant and pub there too, which many residents of Rainham visit for an evening meal out or to meet family and friends. I have stayed at this hotel many times when visiting England from Cyprus and I would recommend staying at any of the Premier Inns throughout the United Kingdom, as they are all exactly the same as the one in Rainham. I know this as I have stayed in many others in England.

Shopping - There is a Tesco Extra in Rainham for supermarket shopping or to buy practically anything, as Tesco Extras now sell everything from food to furniture. For a wider range of shopping you can visit Romford market or the shopping center there. There are lots of shops to choose from in Romford. There is also Lakeside shopping mall, which is not far from Rainham. There are three floors in Lakeside. Two floors are full of shops, (go to the Lakeside UK website for more information) and the top floor is equipped with eating places. There are a complex of cinemas at Lakeside and outside is the river area where restaurants and pubs can be find.

Theatre - Nearby Rainham is Hornchurch where the Queen's Theatre is situated. There are many fantastic theatre production plays and musicals to see at this amazing theatre. For more information on what is on there today, go to the Queen's Theatre website.

Rainham Social Club and Working Men's Club - These social clubs in Rainham are for members only. If you know someone that is a member, then you can attend with them as a visitor. The clubs have some live entertainment, a bar and dancing.

Transport From Rainham to London

The transport from Rainham to London is excellent. From Rainham Railway station you can get a train to Fenchurch Street that takes twenty mintues. There are tube stations nearby called Dagenham East, Dagenham Heathway or Elm Park that will enable you to take the District Line on the underground tube system and will take you directly into London Victoria or you can change to get to other places in London. To London Victoria from Elm Park it will take around thirty-five minutes.

Rainham in Essex is a good place to live or to visit if wanting to come to England for a holiday.