The surviving remains of a medieval abbey, a manor house with an Elizabethan Tudor exterior and extensive natural areas give Barking And Dagenham a variety of ways to explore. At Barking Abbey, archaeological remains bear witness to a medieval Benedictine nunnery and its historical significance. The parks, meanwhile, show how varied the destination’s landscapes are.

Abbey Remains, Manor Houses and Contemporary Art

Valence House is the only surviving manor house in Dagenham. It dates from the Middle Ages and is still partly surrounded by a moat. The house has a herb garden and a “Dig for Victory” plot. Those interested in local and family history will also find an archive and a dedicated centre there. The Tulip Tree Tea Room adds to what’s on offer, and events for the whole family are held throughout the year.

Eastbury Manor House offers a glimpse of a different historical period: it was built between 1560 and 1573 and has retained its Elizabethan Tudor exterior. During a visit, you can also see the Painted Chamber and the original spiral staircase in the tower. The house’s exterior, as well as specific rooms and architectural features, are all among the things to explore.

In Barking, the Women’s Museum brings a contemporary perspective. It commissions and produces art by women and trans and non-binary artists, highlights local heritage, and focuses on gender identity and equality. Alongside the historic sites, it also brings current cultural topics into focus.

Parks with Distinctive Landscapes

Barking Park covers 30 hectares, opened in 1898 and is the oldest public park in the Borough of Barking and Dagenham. One of its notable features is its 910-metre-long boating lake, which has been a popular attraction since it was introduced. History and landscape come together here in a distinctive park setting.

Eastbrookend Country Park covers more than 84 hectares and is designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Its natural areas include woodland and wildflower meadows; there is also a community orchard, fishing lakes, an outdoor fitness area, and walking and cycling paths. A self-guided circular nature trail starts and ends at the Discovery Centre. The starting point is therefore also the end point of the circular route.

The Chase Local Nature Reserve covers 48 hectares. Its landscape includes low-lying wetlands and reed beds as well as horse-grazed pasture, scrubland, river and woodland areas. Beam Parklands has a different geographical focus: it is located where the River Wantz flows into the River Beam. Its habitats include species-rich reed beds, shallow ponds, marshland and extensive areas of acidic grassland, which are rare in the southeast.

The wider Dagenham Corridor is also worth exploring for its landscape: floodplains, scrubland and grassland are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The Wildlife & Wellbeing Trail is designed for residents and visitors to Barking Riverside. It aims to help people discover the endangered, protected and often hidden wildlife of Barking Riverside.

Paths, Cycle Routes and Connections

For walks and cycle rides, Ripple Greenway offers a 1.3-kilometre route. Car-free cycle routes are available in Eastbrookend Country Park and the wider Dagenham Corridor. As route conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out on a cycle ride. A footbridge connects Beam Valley with Bretons Park, providing informal access on foot or by bicycle.

Most paths in Rippleside Park are level and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The surrounding entrances provide step-free access. These details apply to most paths and the entrances mentioned; you can use them as a guide when planning a visit.

From Barking Riverside Pier, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers services provide direct connections to Woolwich (Royal Arsenal – Elizabeth line), Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Embankment and Westminster. Check the timetable before travelling if you plan to include the boat service in your journey.

Discover more destinations: Barking, Redbridge, Sutton, Bromley, City Of London, Merton, Waltham Forest, Richmond Upon Thames.

For the wider travel overview: Greater London.