Best Attractions near Bedfords Park

Bedfords Park is a 215-acre historic country park and Local Nature Reserve located in Havering-atte-Bower near Romford. Managed by the London Borough of Havering and the Essex Wildlife Trust, it features mature woodlands, wildflower meadows, ponds, and a captive herd of red deer. The park offers panoramic views over East London and Kent, an Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre with refreshments, and a variety of walking routes through diverse habitats.

Old MacDonald's Farm & Fun Park in Brentwood, Essex, is a vibrant family-friendly attraction combining a traditional farm experience with exciting rides and indoor play areas. Home to over 30 species including meerkats, wallabies, and the famous Annie the European Eagle Owl, it offers hands-on animal encounters, thrilling rides like the Doggy Dog Roller Coaster, and educational activities. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it provides fun and learning for all ages in a safe, welcoming environment.

Havering Museum, located in the historic former Romford Brewery building, offers an engaging exploration of the London Borough of Havering’s rich history. Open Wednesday to Friday, this volunteer-led museum showcases local achievements, artifacts, and stories from Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, and more. With accessible exhibits and community-focused events, it provides a concise yet informative experience of Havering’s cultural heritage.

Rollerbowl is a big indoor bowling and leisure venue in Collier Row, east London, with 34 lanes, arcade games, a bar and diner under one roof. It is built for easy, activity-led visits rather than lingering: arrive, bowl, eat, play a few games, then leave. Expect a casual, noisy, social atmosphere that suits families, friends, parties and rainy-day plans.

UnHenged is a striking modern concrete replica of Stonehenge located in Meadow View, Murthering Lane, Romford. This unique tourist attraction offers an intriguing blend of prehistoric inspiration and contemporary art, set in a tranquil outdoor environment. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, it provides visitors with a captivating experience that looks especially impressive at night.

Hainault Forest Country Park is a vast and historic green space on the outskirts of London, offering tranquil woodlands, a large boating lake, family-friendly activities including a petting farm and adventure playground, and an interactive visitor centre. Spanning nearly 300 acres, it is a protected nature reserve with diverse habitats, walking trails, and artisan workshops, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and families alike.

Weald Country Park is a sprawling 520-acre natural haven in Brentwood, Essex, featuring ancient woodland, meadows, lakes, and a historic deer park. With roots dating back over 700 years, the park offers scenic walking and cycling trails, children’s play areas including the Stick Man trail, picnic spots, and opportunities to spot and feed fallow deer. Facilities include a visitor centre with a café, toilets, and baby-changing amenities, making it a perfect day out for families and nature lovers.

Warley Place Nature Reserve, located in Great Warley near Brentwood, Essex, is a 25-acre site once home to renowned horticulturalist Ellen Willmott’s Edwardian gardens. Now managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, it offers visitors a unique blend of historic garden remnants and diverse wildlife habitats, featuring spring blooms, mature trees, and a variety of bird and butterfly species. Open daily during daylight hours, it provides a tranquil escape with scenic walking paths and rich natural heritage.

Powerleague Fairlop is a purpose-built football complex on Fairlop Oaks Playing Fields in Ilford, geared to pitch hire, leagues, kids’ camps, parties, and function bookings. It is a practical, active venue rather than a sightseeing stop: floodlit artificial pitches, changing rooms, parking, and a bar/function space shape the visit. Expect a steady flow of teams, families, and evening league players.

Fairlop Waters Country Park is Redbridge’s largest green-and-leisure site, built around a broad lake, open parkland and a cluster of active pursuits. It feels more like a local recreation base than a wilderness escape: walkers circle the water, families head for the play areas, and others come for sailing, canoeing, cycling, fishing, golf practice or a café stop. The setting is flat, spacious and practical, with the busiest periods arriving on warm weekends and school holidays.