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Upside Down House – Lakeside: The UK's First Inverted Experience

Experience the UK's first upside-down house where gravity is flipped and fun is guaranteed in a vibrant, family-friendly setting at Lakeside.

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Located in West Thurrock near Grays, the Upside Down House at Lakeside is the UK’s first inverted house attraction. This unique, two-storey red wine-coloured house offers a playful, gravity-defying experience where visitors walk on the ceiling and interact with creatively themed interiors flipped upside down. It’s a popular spot for families and social media enthusiasts seeking fun, quirky photo opportunities in a lively amusement park setting.

A brief summary to Upside Down House – Lakeside

  • W Thurrock Way, Grays, West Thurrock, RM20 2ZP, GB
  • +441375374725
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays or early afternoons to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Bring a camera or smartphone for unique photo opportunities that play with perspective and gravity.
  • Check the house’s theming updates online before your visit for special seasonal or creative designs.
  • Combine your visit with shopping or dining at Lakeside Shopping Centre for a full day out.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking and exploring different levels inside the house.
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Getting There

  • Train and Shuttle Bus

    Take a train to Chafford Hundred Lakeside station, approximately 10-15 minutes from central London. From the station, a short 10-minute walk or shuttle bus ride brings you to the Upside Down House. Train tickets cost around £5-£10 one way depending on your starting point.

  • Car

    Driving to Lakeside Shopping Centre offers convenient access with ample parking nearby. Travel times vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour from London depending on traffic. Parking fees typically range from £5 to £15 for the day.

  • Bus

    Several local bus routes serve the Lakeside area, including services from Grays and nearby towns. Bus journeys take 20-40 minutes depending on starting location. Tickets cost approximately £2-£5 one way. Check local timetables for service frequency.

Upside Down House – Lakeside location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Upside Down House – Lakeside

An Unforgettable Gravity-Defying Attraction

The Upside Down House at Lakeside is a distinctive amusement park feature that captivates visitors with its surreal, inverted design. This two-storey house appears to have been turned on its head, with furniture and household items fixed to the ceiling, creating an illusion of walking upside down. The attraction invites guests to explore and physically engage with the space, touching objects within reach and experiencing a playful disorientation that challenges everyday perceptions of gravity and space.

Creative Design and Theming

Painted in a striking red wine colour, the house is situated in the external amphitheatre area of the Lakeside Shopping Centre car park. Its interior is thoughtfully themed to enhance the upside-down illusion, featuring everyday household scenes turned topsy-turvy. Each visit promises a fresh experience as the house’s theming changes periodically, reflecting a bold and creative ethos. This dynamic approach ensures the attraction remains vibrant and engaging for repeat visitors.

Social Media and Family Appeal

The Upside Down House is a magnet for families, children, and social media users who relish the opportunity to capture quirky, gravity-defying photos and videos. The attraction’s interactive nature encourages playful silliness and creativity, making it a memorable outing for all ages. Visitors often share their best shots on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where the house’s unique visuals create viral moments and aesthetic content.

Location and Atmosphere

Nestled in West Thurrock, the house benefits from its proximity to the bustling Lakeside Shopping Centre, adding to its lively and fun-filled atmosphere. The surrounding amphitheatre setting offers a spacious environment that complements the attraction’s quirky character. Friendly staff and well-maintained facilities contribute to a welcoming experience, making it a favored spot for casual visits and family outings.

Visitor Experience and Practical Details

Open daily with extended hours during weekdays and weekends, the Upside Down House offers accessibility to a broad audience. While the attraction is designed for easy access, its playful disorientation provides a unique sensory experience. It is suitable for visitors of all ages, including children, seniors, and solo travelers. The house’s size is compact yet immersive, allowing for an intimate encounter with its inverted world.

Innovative Entertainment in Essex

As a pioneering attraction in the UK, the Upside Down House adds a creative dimension to Essex’s entertainment landscape. It stands out not only for its architectural novelty but also for its ability to engage visitors in an interactive and imaginative way. The attraction’s success has inspired similar installations internationally, underscoring its role as a trendsetter in experiential amusement.

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