Rainham town centre has a unique mixture of well-established retail businesses serving the local community.
Situated on the busy A2 London to Dover coaching route, the town centre has seen many changes over the decades. Rainham itself was traditionally famous for its fruit and hop growing businesses and an area of great importance to the farming industry. In 1856 a local fruit and hop farmer established the Rainham Cricket Club and series of special matches and events will be taking place in 2006 to mark its 150th anniversary.
Dominating the skyline of Rainham town centre is St. Margaret's Church, built from Kentish ragstone, flint and limestone. The church's square tower was once intended to be used as a beacon, connected with a line of other churches from London to the coast. In 2001 the church opened its new Millennium Centre - providing an ideal location to hire for meetings and private functions.
Many of the businesses located in the town centre are well-established and family-run - including butchers, florists, bakers, quality furniture and household supplier Gerald Lukehurst and Kent's largest independent book suppliers, Rainham Bookshop. Other brand name stores that can be found in the town centre include Tesco Metro and Iceland.
Every Thursday, shoppers can also enjoy browsing around the general market that takes place in The Cricketers' car park.
There are many places to eat and drink in Rainham. From pubs with cosy beer gardens, ideal for families, to a fine selection of cafes and restaurants, offering anything from a quick snack to mouth-watering Indian or Chinese cuisine or large steaks at reasonable prices at the Manor Farm - part of the famous Beefeater chain.
Just a short distance from the town centre are Splashes Leisure Centre - an excellent indoor swimming pool with slides, fountains and a wave-making machine, Riverside Country Park and Berengrave Nature Reserve.
The area is well served by buses and trains to the surrounding areas.