Explore Dagenham Dock Station and Surroundings

Author

Reads 4.7K

A woman smiles on a ferry with historic London buildings in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman smiles on a ferry with historic London buildings in the background.

Dagenham Dock Station is a great place to start your exploration of the area. It's a railway station located on the London, Tilbury and Southend line, with regular trains to London Fenchurch Street.

The station is situated near the River Thames, offering scenic views of the waterway. You can take a stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.

The surrounding area is relatively quiet and residential, with a mix of old and new housing developments. Keep in mind that it's a residential area, so be respectful of the local residents and their properties.

If this caught your attention, see: 1889 London Dock Strike

History and Location

Dagenham Dock is situated on Chequers Lane in the Dagenham Dock neighbourhood.

You can easily get to the station by taking London Buses route 145, which serves the northern side.

History

The history of Dagenham Dock is a fascinating story that spans over a century. The railway through Dagenham Dock was opened on 14 April 1854 as part of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway (LT&SR) main line to Tilbury.

Free stock photo of city buildings, city living, dock area
Credit: pexels.com, Free stock photo of city buildings, city living, dock area

The railway was initially separated from the River Thames by Dagenham Marshes, which made it difficult to establish a dock. The marshes were eventually drained and a deep water jetty was built on the river in the late 1800s.

The station was opened on 1 July 1908 by the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway, built on land owned by Samuel Williams and Co (SW&CO) to serve the growing industries in the area. The station had two platforms, with the station buildings located on the up side.

The railway changed hands in 1912 when the Midland Railway bought the LT&SR, making Dagenham Dock a Midland Railway station. This change had a significant impact on the local economy and industries.

After World War I, a private wagon works operated by Wagon Repairers Limited was opened south and east of the station, which had access to the up sidings.

Location

The station is located on Chequers Lane in the Dagenham Dock neighbourhood.

If you're planning to visit, you'll be happy to know that London Buses route 145 serves the northern side of the station, making it easily accessible.

Travel to Dagenham Dock

Credit: youtube.com, DAGENHAM DOCK Rail Station (2022)

Travel to Dagenham Dock is relatively easy, with a regular bus service connecting the dock to Dagenham Heathway Tube Station.

The bus journey takes around 10-15 minutes and costs approximately £2.

You can also walk or cycle to the dock from surrounding areas, with various bike paths and footpaths available.

The dock is situated near the River Thames, offering scenic views of the surrounding waterway.

There are no direct trains to Dagenham Dock, but you can take a train to Upminster Station and then transfer to a bus or taxi.

The dock is open to visitors during daylight hours, and there's a small parking area available for those who prefer to drive.

It's worth noting that the dock's small size and limited facilities mean it's best suited for short visits or as a stopover on a larger Thames Estuary tour.

Station Facilities

Dagenham Dock has a small boatyard where you can find various facilities to support your visit. The boatyard is a hub for local sailors and boat enthusiasts.

Expansive coastal view with distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Expansive coastal view with distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

You can find a slipway at the boatyard, which is a gentle slope leading into the water, making it easy to launch or retrieve your boat. The boatyard also has a small chandlery, which sells essential supplies and equipment for boat maintenance and repair.

The dock's café and restaurant offer a range of food and drinks, providing a convenient spot to grab a bite or meet with friends and family.

Buy London Fenchurch Street Tickets

You can buy tickets from Dagenham Dock Station for a day out in London Fenchurch Street. c2c trains offer a quick, convenient, and affordable way to travel between the two destinations.

From Dagenham Dock Station, you'll pass through different destinations with their own charm and plenty to discover. Along the route, you'll see coastal views, city streets, and peaceful countryside.

If you're traveling solo, with family, or with friends, the stops along the c2c line are full of things to see and do.

Check Station Facilities

Caution manatee area sign with boats docked at a busy marina under cloudy skies.
Credit: pexels.com, Caution manatee area sign with boats docked at a busy marina under cloudy skies.

Most stations have a ticket office where you can buy tickets or ask for information about your journey.

Some stations have a waiting room with seating and sometimes refreshments.

You can usually find a ticket machine at the station that allows you to buy tickets and print your own tickets.

Some stations have a café or restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat or have a coffee before your journey.

Many stations have a left luggage facility where you can store your bags while you're away.

Some stations have a taxi rank where you can catch a taxi to your destination.

You can usually find a noticeboard at the station with information about train times and delays.

Stations often have a lost property office where you can report lost items.

Nearby Developments

Dagenham Dock is situated in a rapidly changing area, with several nearby developments that are worth mentioning. The London Resort, a major theme park, is currently under construction just a few miles away, and is expected to bring a significant influx of tourists to the area.

Credit: youtube.com, Dagenham Green Development Progress - September 14, 2024

The nearby Lakeside Shopping Centre has undergone significant renovations in recent years, with a new extension adding more shops and restaurants to the complex.

The London Resort is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the area, which could have a positive impact on the local economy. The theme park is also expected to attract visitors from all over the world, which could bring in significant revenue for local businesses.

The M25 motorway is also nearby, providing easy access to the rest of London and other parts of the country.

For your interest: Custom House, City of London

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Dagenham famous?

Dagenham is famous for its historic significance as the home of the largest car plant in Europe. This industrial legacy played a major role in the area's growth and development.

What is the history of Dagenham Dock?

Dagenham Dock was built on a site that was repeatedly flooded in the 18th-century due to a breached sea wall. The dock's history began with failed attempts at development in the 19th-century, including a jetty and railway built by Sir John Rennie in 1865.

Jessie Smith

Senior Writer

Jessie Smith is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in travel and aviation, Jessie has established herself as a go-to expert on air travel procedures, providing readers with valuable insights and practical advice. Her articles are a testament to her dedication to helping others navigate the complexities of air travel, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.