Havering offers a variety of things to discover side by side: at Rainham Marshes, visitors can watch birds in a wetland habitat, while Upminster is home to a listed windmill. Parks bring together open grassland and woodland, or reveal traces of history in the landscape. This makes it possible to get to know the area from different perspectives—through nature, architectural history and trails, each with its own distinctive character.
Wetlands and parkland
Rainham Marshes is a wetland where visitors can watch wading birds, waterfowl, warblers and owls. The birds you see vary by season. The flat gravel paths and boardwalks are suitable for pushchairs. The reserve holds events throughout the year, including guided walks; check current dates before visiting.
Bedfords Park also brings together nature and orientation in its own way. The park is designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre there offers panoramic views across East London; the park is also home to a captive herd of red deer. The designation, the views and the animals kept there are distinct aspects of this place.
At Havering Country Park, paths and bridleways lead from open grassland into dense woodland. The park was once part of the estate of the medieval Royal Palace of Havering and offers connections to the surrounding countryside. Hornchurch Country Park is home to the Essex Wildlife Trust's Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, Ingrebourne Marshes, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and Second World War defence structures. Nature and history therefore feature at different points within the same park.
Dagnam Park is part of The Manor Nature Reserve, which includes almost 20 hectares of wildflower meadows. Visitors can walk around the footprint of the original house using its exposed foundations. Cockerell's moated site, a protected ancient monument, is also located at Dagnam Park Farm. The meadows, foundations and monument designation each offer a different way to experience the landscape and its history.
Windmill, gardens and historic buildings
Upminster Windmill is a Grade II* listed building. It is a tall, octagonal post mill with a timber frame on a brick base. Its form and the different building materials make it a tangible example of historic construction in Havering.
Upminster Tithe Barn dates from 1450. The Upminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia houses an extensive collection of household items from the past century. As visitor and opening arrangements may vary, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information in advance.
Rainham Hall is an elegant Georgian house built in 1729. The community garden in Rainham Village includes woodland, lawns, an orchard and vegetable beds. Paths to Rainham Hall form part of the London Loop and are connected to public transport; specific transport connections may change. A historic walking tour of Rainham highlights the village's architectural and historical features.
At Langtons Gardens, a curved lake and a network of paths form the garden. Langtons House, a Georgian red-brick mansion, rises above it. Visitors who want to enjoy gardens and architecture together will find both in one place.
Museums, theatre and trails
Havering Museum collects and preserves objects that document Havering's history. It makes its collections accessible through exhibitions, events, activities and educational programmes. Its offer thus combines the preservation of historic objects with different ways of sharing their stories.
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch is a producing theatre for Outer East London and South Essex. Its offer includes bookable backstage tours lasting one hour. As the programme and availability may change, check the latest dates before making plans.
For walks, sections 20 to 24 of the London Loop can be explored in the London Borough of Havering. A different way to get around is the Ingrebourne Valley by Bicycle route, which passes through Hornchurch Country Park and the Ingrebourne Valley. The two routes therefore differ both in mode of travel and in the route described.
Discover more destinations: Rainham, Romford, Hornchurch, Haringey, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Hackney, Bromley.
For the broader travel overview: Greater London.
