I am going up to see dearest darling friend who lives in Corringham! Been travelling up there for a few years now. Was about to write more but might 'out' myself! Area itself is perfectly pleasant and I am quite happy for DD to go off to the park on her own when we are there. I have never seen anything disturbing. Quiet and sleepy is more the type of words I would use but I like that type of thing. You might not. It's not posh Essex but it is not grotty Basildon either. Middle - Older demographics, parade of shops including hairdressers, gift shops, fruit & veg stalls, large supermarket, cafes, pubs, restaurants and take-outs. For a small place to my mind it seems rather well served. Also has its own primary school.
Lovely large park with great green panoramic views over surrounding area when standing just by the park (it's my fave view by far).
Teenagers often hang around the cafe in 'town' but this is no issue to me as they are just doing what teens do. Great cafe by the way. Huge portions and nice milkshakes, stays open late. As I have said I have been going up there since 2006 and I have never seen nor been told of any trouble. I can ask my friend some questions on your behalf if there is anything you would like to know.
Before I started driving I would get the train in from London (Fenchurch St/Tower Hill) to Stanford-Le-Hope (did you know Russel Brand grew up there? Neither did I till I got chatting to a random woman who turned out to be his LOVELY mom in the queue at Nationwide Building Society in Stanford one day!). Never had no problems with trains, though Sunday service like anywhere outside of London kinda sucks. As mentioned line serves Lakeside which is kind of half way from Stanford and London. Stanford seems to have a younger family demographic and new builds are here and less so in Corringham (older established families). These are just my observations and are not to be taken as official or anything. There is another big supermarket in Stanford. All the cab stations are here too. More pubs, working men's club, petrol garage and seafood bar plus other things I am sure I have not noticed. 3 mins drive from Stanford to Corringham or a 15-20min relaxed walk. Buses are regular and arrive on time.
Places to see? That I don't know but I guess living so close to country side you could get a NT membership and plan days out. Southend is on the train line also.
It always struck me as being a clever little affordable spot that could most definitely work if you worked in central London because the connection is jammily good.
HTH, and as I said if you have any specific questions just note them in here. We leave to see darling friend around 11ish! Hate the thought of the dartford tunnel to deal with but she is worth it. Oooh that is another positive, Essex to Kent from there is easy peasy. If you drive you can choose Bluewater over Lakeside without losing breath. Okay, might make more sense of course to go Lakeside but the tunnel makes the side I am on (SE London/Kent/Bromley/Sevenoaks et al) so easily accessible.
So random to see this thread btw 