Hornchurch Country Park lies on the southern edge of Hornchurch, on the site of the First World War RFC airfield at Suttons Farm and the Second World War RAF Hornchurch airfield. Ingrebourne Marshes lie within the park. They are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and form the largest freshwater reed bed in the London area. This part of Hornchurch therefore brings together the history of two airfields and a protected landscape.
Nature and paths
The Ingrebourne Valley Greenway is 4 km long, paved and suitable for bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs. It runs from Hornchurch Stadium, north of Hacton Lane, to Albyns Farm in Hornchurch Country Park. Its length, surface and named endpoints give you specific details to help plan your route.
Langtons Gardens offers a different focus: this historic garden has a serpentine lake and a network of paths; its grounds were originally designed by Sir Humphry Repton. While the Greenway is a 4 km route with clearly named endpoints, the garden and its paths are the focus at Langtons Gardens. This lets you choose between a clearly defined route and a historic garden without combining the two places into a single route.
Langtons Gardens is open from 8 a.m. until dusk and is currently not locked. Check the latest opening hours before your visit.
Church, remembrance and airfield history
A church has stood at the site of St Andrew’s in Hornchurch for more than 800 years. The Hornchurch War Memorial commemorates the men from Hornchurch who were killed in the First World War; Sir Charles Nicholson designed the memorial in 1921. Together, these places reflect different historical timeframes: a church site with a history spanning more than 800 years and a specific memorial to Hornchurch’s war dead.
The RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre is dedicated to the history of the airfield. It is a permanent home for artefacts, photographs and personal accounts. It adds personal testimonies and collection items to the airfield history that also shapes the site of the country park.
Theatre, arts and exercise
The Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch opened in 1975 and is Grade II listed. The theatre presents its own productions, guest events featuring live entertainment and inspiring community projects. Hornchurch Underground station on the District line is a 15-minute walk from the theatre. If you’re planning to attend an event, you can factor this walk into your journey.
Fairkytes Arts Centre in the heart of Hornchurch offers a wide range of activities for adults and children. It complements the theatre with an arts centre offering a broad programme for different age groups. If you’re looking for cultural activities as well as landscapes and local history, you’ll find more options in Hornchurch.
At Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, three exercise studios offer a wide choice of group fitness classes for people of all ages. The sports hall can be used for activities including badminton, table tennis, football and basketball. Check the class and hall schedules before travelling if you’re planning to take part in any of these activities.
Discover more destinations: Romford, Rainham.
Go to the main travel overview: Havering.
