THE internet may be changing the way we spend our money, but people still enjoy spending their free time looking around shopping centres.

South Essex has a good mix of centres spread out across the region, with Lakeside in Thurrock often the go-to place for many.

Reviewers on TripAdvisor have been giving their thoughts on the shopping centres in south Essex, giving them a ranking out of five.

A five-star ranking, known as excellent, is the best rating, while a one-star ranking, known as terrible, is the lowest.

Here is how each centre in our region is ranked, according to TripAdvisor reviewers:

1. Lakeside

  • Four-star rating after 822 reviews
  • 343 excellent reviews
  • 43 terrible reviews

What did people like the most? Free parking was understandably top of reviewer’s list, while the choice of shops and food outlets was also key to many happy customers.

2. The Victoria Shopping Centre

  • Four-star rating after 46 reviews
  • 15 excellent reviews
  • 2 terrible reviews

What did people like the most? Along with the variety of shops at the centre, reviewers were impressed at the entertainment put on for youngsters, as well as the overall cleanliness.

3. Eastgate

  • 3.5-star rating after 143 reviews
  • 22 excellent reviews
  • 11 terrible reviews

What did people like the most? The variety of shops and cafes was a popular comment among reviewers, who also enjoyed the market and priority given to pedestrians.

4. The Royals Shopping Centre

  • 3.5-star rating after 40 reviews
  • 10 excellent reviews
  • 2 terrible reviews

What did people like the most? Reviewers were keen to point out the centre is ‘clean and bright’, while it also has a number of well-known chains and brands on offer.