Find Beach Resorts in Grays

While Grays isn't directly on the coast, the best area to stay for convenient access to beaches and a pleasant coastal experience is Tilbury, located just a short distance east along the Thames Estuary.Tilbury offers a nice base with some local amenities and good transport links. You'll find a few local shops and eateries around the High Street area. The real draw here is its proximity to the Tilbury Riverside Gardens and the Tilbury Ferry, which connects to Gravesend across the river, offering a different perspective of the estuary.Couples looking for a relaxing escape near the water will appreciate Tilbury. From here, you can easily drive to nearby coastal spots like Southend-on-Sea, which boasts a long pier and traditional seaside attractions, or explore smaller, quieter beaches further along the Essex coastline.

The most popular time to stay in a beach hotel in Grays is during July and August, when the weather is warmest and the school holidays are in full swing. Temperatures typically range from 18°C to 22°C, creating ideal conditions for enjoying the local beaches and seaside activities.During these months, you'll find the beachfront areas bustling with families and holidaymakers, all making the most of the long daylight hours. It's a fantastic time for traditional beach days, building sandcastles, or taking a refreshing dip in the Thames Estuary. Many local attractions also extend their opening hours, and there's often a lively option with events geared towards summer visitors. Families in particular will appreciate the vibrant energy and the array of activities available for children.For a great alternative, consider visiting in June. While still offering pleasant weather, with temperatures often in the high teens, it can be easier to secure reservations at popular beach hotels and local eateries.

One Key™ —Expedia's free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Grays beach hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. But, if you're feeling spontaneous, check out the last-minute deals.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

The best beach activities to do in Grays revolve around enjoying the Thames foreshore and the local nature reserves.For families, exploring the foreshore at Grays Beach Riverside Park offers a relaxed day out. There's a sandy area for children to play, and at low tide, you can often find interesting shells and pebbles along the water's edge. The park itself has play equipment and open spaces for picnics, making it easy to spend a few hours here.Couples might enjoy a walk along the Thames Estuary Path, which passes through Grays. It's a nice way to take in the views of the river and the surrounding landscape. You can walk east towards Tilbury Fort or west towards Purfleet, enjoying the changing scenery and the wildlife, particularly the birdlife, in the nearby wetlands.Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to visit the Grays Chalk Cliffs nature reserve, which is right by the river. While not a traditional beach, the unique geological features and the plant life here are worth exploring.