The underrated East London park with woodland, deer and a gorgeous walled garden

The park has plenty of shaded areas, a café and even a gift shop

Us Londoners are fortunate enough to live in one of the greenest cities in the world, with parks and green spaces to be found in every corner of the capital. For those keen to explore some of the city’s lesser-known green spaces, one park in East London could be just the place to start.

Tucked between Collier Row and Harold Hill, Bedfords Park may be one of Havering’s largest green spaces while also being one of its best-kept secrets. Covering 215 acres, this Local Nature Reserve has held a Green Flag award since 2007 and is the perfect day out for families looking for woodland-shaded strolls as well as wildlife enthusiasts.

Visitors to Bedfords Park can explore mature woodland, marshy grassland, and wildflower meadows bursting with colour in spring and summer. There are several ponds, a lake, and no shortage of quiet corners to sit and take it all in.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you walk, as the park is home to a captive herd of red deer, and wild fallow, roe and muntjac deer are often spotted roaming freely. For fans of all creatures great and small, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies are a common sight around the meadows and ponds in warmer months.

At the top of the park, the Nature Discovery Centre sits on the site of the former mansion and offers sweeping views across London as well as a café serving snacks, with the local sausage rolls a particular highlight. There’s also a gift shop stocking all sorts from wildlife books and local honey to toys and ice creams.

Don’t leave without visiting the Walled Garden, one of the park’s most fascinating hidden gems. Dating back to the 1770s, this beautifully sheltered one-and-a-half-acre garden sits on a south-facing slope and was originally the kitchen garden for the Georgian estate of Bedfords. The mansion itself was demolished in 1959, but the Walled Garden and the old stables are still standing.

Today, the garden is managed by the council with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers. Seasonal produce grown here is sold in the garden shop, with all profits going back into the site, and anything unsold is donated to Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-Atte-Bower.

Visitors to the park and walled garden have shard their experiences online. One Google review said: “Wonderful feeling of tranquility walking around the walled garden. So many different types of vegetables being grown and all organic. A real feel of love for nature visiting here and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.”

Another review said: “A beautiful and peaceful park, perfect for a family visit. The views are stunning and it really feels like a countryside escape despite being in London. The open fields, woodland paths, and fresh air made it a very relaxing walk for us.”

The visitor added: “The kids enjoyed running around and exploring nature, and it’s a great place to spot wildlife and birds. There are plenty of walking trails and photo opportunities, especially on a clear day. A lovely spot for a calm day out, picnics, and letting children enjoy nature away from busy playgrounds. We’ll definitely be visiting again.”

Getting there

The park’s full address is: Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Essex, RM4 1QH.

The nearest station to the park is Romford. If you are arriving via public transport, begin at Romford station and follow the route through Lodge Farm Park and Raphael Park before heading out to Rise Park and into Bedfords Park itself. Allow two and a half to three hours for the full walk.

Entry and parking are both free, though Essex Wildlife Trust asks for a suggested donation of £2 per car to help keep the Nature Discovery Centre running.

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