Rainham Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Rainham, Kent, in the United Kingdom. Our comprehensive travel guide features must-try activities, outdoor adventures, and cultural landmarks.


Introduction to Rainham

Nestled in the county of Kent, South East England, Rainham is a small town rich in history and surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Despite its relatively small size, the town offers a variety of experiences, from cultural attractions to outdoor activities. It is an ideal destination for a short weekend break or a longer vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Rainham

Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s cultural landmarks or immersing yourself in the great outdoors, Rainham has something for everyone. Here’s our list of must-see attractions in Rainham:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Manor House Museum - A beautifully restored 14th-century manor that once belonged to the Benedictine monks. The museum showcases the local history of Rainham and Kent;
  • St Margaret’s Church - A stunning grade II-listed 12th-century church with unique architectural features, located at the heart of the town;
  • Upchurch Roman Villa - A well-preserved Roman villa, its mosaics and remains of heated rooms and underfloor heating with its main features on display in the small museum.

Natural Attractions of Rainham: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve - A large nature reserve that is home to a variety of endangered birds and other wildlife;
  • Barge Pier Interpretation Board - A great spot to witness the Thames barges going up and down the river Thames;
  • The Riverside Country Park - Perfect for nature lovers who enjoy walking, cycling or picnicking in the great outdoors with the river Thames nearby.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rainham

  • The Saxon Shore Way - A beautiful coastal trail that runs from Gravesend to Hastings, passing through the town of Rainham along the way;
  • Medway Valley Walk - A scenic walk that follows the River Medway from Tonbridge to Rochester, with a section passing through Rainham;
  • National Cycle Network Route 1 - A route that stretches over 1,300 miles, passing through many towns in Kent. The stretch from Rainham to Canterbury is particularly scenic.

Best Things to Do in Rainham: Activities and Tours

  • Medway Queen - A unique attraction, a royal Navy Auxiliary ship converted into a passenger ferry now museum, offers visitors a chance to explore the river Thames and the nearby area;
  • Kent Ballooning - A hot air balloon ride over the beautiful Kent countryside and enjoy the views.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing from the Riverside Country Park - Hire a kayak or canoe from the Riverside Country Park and explore the River Thames and Tankerton Creek.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rainham

Day 1 - Arrival in Rainham, walk around the town centre and visit St Margaret’s Church and the Manor House Museum.

Day 2 - Spend the day hiking the Saxon Shore Way or Medway Valley Walk.

Day 3 - Visit the Upchurch Roman Villa and take a walk through the Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve.

Day 4 - Take a hot air balloon ride with Kent Ballooning to see the scenery from a new perspective.

Day 5 - Explore the Riverside Country Park and rent a kayak or canoe for a fun day on the water.

Day 6 - Visit the Medway Queen Museum and take a river Thames tour.

Day 7 - Departure from Rainham.

Food and Drink Scene of Rainham

Rainham offers its visitors a variety of dining options, from historic inns to cozy tea rooms. Here are some excellent food and drink places to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kentish pies - Made with locally grown ingredients;
  • Whitstable oysters - Local, fresh, and delicious oysters from Whitstable.
  • Kentish cider - Made with Kentish apples

Local Beverages

  • Chatham Naval Rum - A traditional rum produced in nearby Chatham Dockyard;
  • Kentish Ale - Brewed with Kentish hops and barley.

Where to Stay in Rainham: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rainham offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from modern hotel chains, cozy bed and breakfasts, and charming guesthouses with historic architecture.

  • Parkwood Hotel Rainham - A 3-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and excellent breakfast options;
  • The Golden Lion Hotel - A bed and breakfast with historic architecture and a cozy atmosphere;
  • The Bull Inn Hotel - A guesthouse located in the heart of Rainham, with a great bar and dining area.

What to Buy in Rainham: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rainham has a variety of locally made products and souvenirs to take home. These include:

  • Kentish Fudge - Locally made with high-quality ingredients;
  • Kentish honey - Pure, raw, and delicious honey, made in Kent;
  • Souvenirs from the Manor House Museum - A great way to remember your visit to Rainham.

Local Culture and Customs of Rainham

As a small town located in Kent, Rainham has a rich cultural heritage. It’s known for its historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Rainham

The best time to visit Rainham is during the summer months, from June to August, as the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are enjoyable. However, the town is beautiful all year round, with each season offering unique experiences.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rainham

Do:

  • Respect the historic architecture and natural landscapes of the town;
  • Take advantage of the outdoor activities;
  • Patronize local businesses and support the local community.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment;
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions;
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Rainham is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take standard safety precautions. In terms of health, visitors should be up to date with standard vaccinations and seek medical care services as needed.

Safety in Rainham

  • Take care when walking or cycling on the roads;
  • Avoid walking alone at night;
  • Keep your valuable items safe and secure.

Health in Rainham

  • Visitors should have up-to-date routine vaccines;
  • Ensure food and water are safe to consume;
  • Seek medical care promptly if needed.

Getting to Rainham: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rainham is easily accessible by several transportation options, whether you’re traveling from nearby locations or coming from further away.

Airports Near Rainham

The closest airport to Rainham is London City Airport, which is 25 km away. Other nearby airports include Gatwick Airport (50 km away) and Heathrow Airport (60 km away).

Bus Stations Near Rainham

Rainham is served by several local bus routes to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  • By Car: Rainham can be accessed by the M2 and M25 motorways.
  • By Train: Rainham train station is serviced by the Southeastern railway line.

How to Get Around in Rainham

Rainham is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. Visitors can also rent bicycles or a kayak/canoe to explore the region by water.

Where to Go Next from Rainham: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rainham is surrounded by many attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring the region. Here are some nearby destinations to visit:

  • Canterbury - A historic city with a stunning cathedral and charming streets (40 km away);
  • Chatham - A maritime town with a rich history and many cultural attractions (14 km away);
  • Rochester - A town with a Norman castle, cathedral, and many historic buildings (8 km away).

Conclusion

Rainham is a hidden gem in Kent, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures and a warm welcome. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local history and architecture or immersing yourself in the great outdoors, Rainham has something for everyone. We hope you’ve found our travel guide to Rainham useful and that it helps you plan your journey to this beautiful town.

Lower Rainham Road Lower Rainham Road Rainham station in 2004 Rainham station in 2004 Looking across the Medway from Horrid Hill, Riverside Country Park. Looking across the Medway from Horrid Hill, Riverside Country Park.