Living in Tilbury

Tilbury is recognised for its strong community spirit, shaped by its industrial past and a tradition of close-knit neighbourhoods. Community & local life in Tilbury revolves around family ties, longstanding friendships, and shared civic pride. Local events, such as Tilbury Carnival and cultural celebrations at the Tilbury Community Centre, are integral to the town's social calendar.

The town has a number of parks and open spaces, such as Anchor Fields and Daisy Field, which bring people together for sports, dog-walking, and informal meetups. Local churches and faith centres, alongside schools and youth clubs, further support communal ties. The Tilbury Riverside Project and local heritage associations often organise history walks and public art projects, connecting residents with their town's unique story.

Residents frequently describe a welcoming neighbourhood feel and strong sense of place, with active efforts from the council and local groups to improve services and address community needs.

The safety and crime rates in Tilbury are typical of a town with a busy port and industrial history. While some parts of Tilbury have experienced higher than average crime rates compared to suburban Essex, recent years have seen increased investment in security measures and visible policing, particularly in high-traffic areas near the docks and town centre.

Community safety is enhanced through the work of local neighbourhood policing teams, with priorities set by consultation with residents. CCTV coverage and youth engagement projects have contributed to reductions in anti-social behaviour and minor crime. Regeneration projects continue to improve public areas, with safer street lighting and open spaces around parks and the riverside.

Residents often highlight the strong sense of neighbourhood watch and the community’s resilience, with particular praise for local initiatives that involve young people in sports, volunteering, and after-school clubs. Tilbury is widely considered safe for families and those seeking the security of a close-knit community while being aware of the usual urban challenges.

Parking in Tilbury is generally regarded as manageable for both residents and visitors. The town offers a mix of on-street parking and local authority-operated car parks, particularly near the town centre, railway station, and the port. Residential areas typically have adequate spaces, with residents’ permits available in some zones where parking is in higher demand.

Congestion is moderate, with busy periods typically coinciding with shift changes around the port and industrial estates. The town benefits from direct access to the A1089 which joins the A13, ensuring convenient connections to London (approx. 45 minutes via A13/M25), Basildon (approx. 25 minutes by the A13), and Southend (approx. 35 minutes). The proximity to the M25 also supports easy journeys north and south, linking Tilbury to the wider road network of Essex and Kent.

Here are key nearby towns and cities and approximate travel times by road:
London (City) – approx. 45 minutes via A13/M25
Basildon – approx. 25 minutes via A13 (17 miles)
Southend-on-Sea – approx. 35 minutes via A13 (25 miles)
Grays – approx. 10 minutes (5 miles)

Tilbury’s food and drink scene reflects its diverse and working-class heritage, offering a selection of traditional pubs, local cafés, chip shops and takeaway outlets. Classic establishments include The World’s End and The Anchor, which are known for serving community pub lunches and hosting pub quizzes. There are also several social clubs and bars catering to dockworkers and locals alike, often with live music or sports screenings.

The town features a range of ethnic takeaways, from Indian and Chinese to Caribbean and Turkish grills, reflecting the area’s multicultural mix. While Tilbury does not have a major nightlife scene like larger nearby towns, social life centres on the pubs and local clubs, with options such as the Tilbury Community Centre and occasional events at local venues.

For broader dining options and a more active nightlife, residents typically look to neighbouring Grays or head into Basildon and Southend, where restaurants, bars, and clubs offer more variety. However, Tilbury maintains a close, community-oriented social atmosphere with affordable, down-to-earth food and drink options.

School quality: Tilbury offers access to several primary and secondary schools graded Good by Ofsted, including Lansdowne Primary Academy and The Gateway Academy, supporting quality educational outcomes for local children.

Parks and green space: There is a range of parks and play areas, such as Anchor Fields and Daisy Field, ensuring children have spaces for outdoor recreation.

Childcare: Tilbury hosts a selection of nurseries and preschools, with accessible wraparound care to support working families. Many schools also offer after-school clubs and activities.

Safety: Residents cite improvements in safety, with active neighbourhood policing and a community-watch ethos. Public spaces and playgrounds are well maintained, contributing to a secure environment for families.

Family activities: The town hosts regular family-friendly events, sports clubs, and is within reach of the Essex countryside and riverside walks, making it suitable for those with young children or teenagers.

Tilbury is a pet-friendly town with access to green spaces like Anchor Fields, Daisy Field, and riverside walks along the Thames Path, providing ample opportunity for dog walking and outdoor exercise. The local countryside and parks offer off-lead areas and scenic trails suitable for pets of all sizes.

Within the town, several veterinary surgeries cater to pet owners, along with pet supply shops for daily needs. Many cafés and pubs are dog-friendly, especially during daytime hours, reflecting a broadly welcoming attitude toward pets in public spaces.

Most rental properties in Tilbury are open to residents with pets, though individual landlords may apply restrictions. Overall, the community’s open spaces, facilities, and inclusive approach make Tilbury convenient for those with furry companions.

Tilbury benefits from strong transport connections that make it accessible both locally and for commuters traveling further afield. The town is serviced by Tilbury Town railway station, which is on the c2c line offering regular direct services to London Fenchurch Street and Southend. Trains run frequently, with commuting into central London taking around 45 minutes.

Local bus routes connect Tilbury to nearby towns such as Grays, Basildon, and Stanford-le-Hope. National Express and Thameside bus services also serve the area. A distinctive feature is the Tilbury Ferry, which provides quick access across the Thames to Gravesend in Kent, ideal for both work and leisure.

Main roads including the A1089 link Tilbury directly to the A13 and M25, enabling road access to key destinations such as London (approx. 45 minutes), Basildon (approx. 25 minutes), and Southend-on-Sea (around 35 minutes).

• London Fenchurch Street – approx. 45 minutes by train (direct)
• Basildon – approx. 25 minutes by car or bus
• Southend – approx. 35 minutes by train or road
• London City Airport – approx. 35 minutes via A13
• Gravesend – 10 minutes by ferry

Tilbury’s location also gives easy access to major international ports and shipping routes, making it an important transport hub in the Essex region.

Tilbury offers a selection of primary and secondary schools serving its local community with a range of educational provision. Schools in Tilbury are generally close to residential areas, providing easy access for families.

Primary Schools in Tilbury
- Lansdowne Primary Academy: Part of the Gateway Learning Community, this modern primary has a focus on inclusive learning and community engagement. Last Ofsted was in 2018 (Good).
- Tilbury Pioneer Academy: Recognised for its robust approach to inclusive education, also rated Good by Ofsted in 2022.
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School: A faith-based school known for its nurturing environment and high standards, Ofsted rating Good (2019).

Secondary Schools in Tilbury
- The Gateway Academy: Located nearby in Grays, this co-educational secondary draws pupils from Tilbury and surrounding areas, offering a broad curriculum and strong extra-curricular programmes. Ofsted rating Good (2022).
- Ormiston Park Academy: Situated just outside Tilbury, this academy offers high-quality education and strong pastoral care, Ofsted rating Good (2021).

Colleges and Further Education
- South Essex College: With a campus at Thurrock, easily accessible from Tilbury, South Essex College offers a wide choice of A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships.

Universities
There are no universities directly in Tilbury, but the University of East London and London South Bank University are both accessible by public transport to London, as well as Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford within 40 minutes by train or car.