We had need to visit Chadwell St Mary and saw a sign to "Grays Beach". It was one of those brown tourist signs. Those of you who know this part of Essex may well be surprised, like us, to find a beach so far down the Thames towards London (maybe it's the "last resort").

Intrigued, we followed the signs, and found a park by the river. The river shore itself was mud. But "land" side of the high sea wall was a large children's play area, with sand. Also a paddling pool and adventure golf, although this was closed due to tree roots growing in it! I'd have thought that would have just made it more adventurous!

As the large power station (or whatever it is) is to the east, it doesn't block the sun. However,it was pleasant enough. But we had to go to Basildon town centre so off we went. I must admit, until that moment, I didn't think I'd be saying we were going up-market to Basildon!

We parked in the multi-storey car park. The minimum rate was 90p. The machine had two notices on it:
"No change given"
"Overpayment accepted"

They could have been more honest and written, "You're bound not to have 90p in coins, so just pay us £1 and we'll keep the 10p!"

That's over 11% as a tip to NCP. (Yes, it is - work it out, it's 11.1% to be more accurate!)

But I DID have 90p in change! So, got you NCP!