AN AUTISTIC CHILD

Riverside Country Park - Rainham

Ratings

Buggy - the main paths are all gravelled, and suitable for most buggies or pushchairs.
Carrier - good, level easy walking ground.
Walking - the waterfront location means you would need to be very aware, particularly if a child has an unhealthy attraction to water, like ours!
Wheelchair - the paths are relatively flat, and compressed gravel/slate mix. Some sections towards the end of Horrid Hill might be a little tricky. There is a relative slope from the car park to the waterside walks.

Things to note

Medway Council run this site. There is no charge for entry.

There are a reasonable amount of disabled parking spaces, and accessible toilets. It should be noted there is a height restriction on entry, with advice to call 01634 337432 to gain entry if you have an oversized vehicle.

There is a reasonably priced cafe, although wheelchair access might be a bit tight inside. The playground by the cafe area is good, with a nice mixture of equipment, much of which is suitable for those with additional needs. Our Little One particularly like the adult/child swing seat.

what3words:- ///barbarian.overruns.snoozing

Riverside Country Park

We visited Riverside Country Park, on the Lower Road near Rainham, Kent, after a period of rain. The compressed gravel paths are reasonably flat, but do collect puddles in places. Of immediate note, this is a VERY popular area for dog walkers. If you, or your child aren't keen on dogs, then this might not be the best place to visit.

Show me the way to go!
Show me the way to go!
Since we last attended Riverside the council have spent a far bit of time, and presumably money, making the place more appealing. New up to date signage has been added and other areas of the site have clearly been worked on and bits added, without taking away from any of the natural charm of the place.

Some things haven't changed - there is still the rusting hulk of the boat as you walk towards Horrid Hill and the mud flats are still the same when the tide is out. There are handy signs to tell you what birds you might see on your walk, too. The area makes pleasant and not too difficult walking. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, and mobility allows, you can walk through to another of Medway Council's waterfront sites, The Strand, with its saltwater lido - the pool re-opens from May 27th.

After a walk there is the option for a cuppa or ice cream from the cafe. They also do hot food, but I can't vouch for the cost or quality as I haven't tried. The ice-creams were reasonably priced.

The cafe seating area overlooks the large play area with equipment for all abilities and needs. Our Little One liked the enclosed swing seat and the adult and child swing, there are climbing frames for the more adventurous and able too.

There are seats dotted all round the country park, a small section of pebble beach for kids to explore and a large grass overspill car park where you can picnic if no seats or tables are available.

Riverside Country Park is an easily missed, slightly off the beaten track spot, but well worth a visit as it has lots to offer for those with and without additional needs.