An historic hotel situated on the Thames riverside just a few minutes’ walk from the RSPB Rainham Marshes reserve and the Purfleet Heritage and Military centre. The bar and terraces overlook the river across to Long Reach, Dartford. Framed model ships and nautical-themed pictures adorn the walls, and there is a large model ship in the restaurant area. Since being built in the 18th century, the hotel has had several names, one of which was the “Bricklayer’s Arms”, named after the workers from the nearby chalk quarries who were regular customers. They were eventually replaced by London actors, actresses and politicians who came to Purfleet for weekends. The name “Royal Hotel” is thought to date back to the 1870s from an alleged visit by Edward Prince of Wales to sample the famous whitebait suppers. The hotel is open for breakfasts from 07:00 to 09:00 Mon to Fri & 08:00 to 10:00 Sat & Sun.