Five Havering parks to enjoy in the sun this summer

As we enjoy warmer weekends and more sunshine, there’s nothing better than a picnic in the park.

Whether you take the kids out for some family-friendly fun or you bring some wine to enjoy a gossip or catch-up with friends, here are five gardens in Havering to head to this summer.

Raphael Park, Romford

Raphael Park is one of the borough’s flagship parks (Image: Havering Council)

First, is Raphael Park in Romford which, at 44 acres, is one of the larger flagship parks in the borough.

Its roaming grassy areas and lakes make it the perfect spot for a walk, a game of football or a spot of sunbathing.

In terms of activities, the park offers the opportunity for formal and informal recreation, including sports pitches, tennis courts, ornamental gardens, an ornamental lake and a cafe/ restaurant.

A kiosk with public toilets is also available next to the children’s play area.

The park is rated highest of things to do in Romford on TripAdvisor as well.

READ MORE: Hornchurch’s top-5 places to eat, according to TripAdvisor

Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch

Harrow Lodge Park is Havering’s largest urban park, which hosts a cafe and lake.

It is located within the residential area of Hornchurch and has 130 acres which are used for informal recreation events to large-scale events.

In the south of the park there is a children’s play area and a games area with skate equipment and tennis courts.

Another children’s play area is situated in the north, alongside a parkour area.

Spring Farm Park, Rainham

This expanse of grassland is a great choice for anyone looking to get stuck into a game of tennis or football.

It has a number of formal features on the southern and western sides, including a play area, multi-use games area, outdoor gym and tennis courts.

The two main entrances are on Maclennan Avenue and on Lambs Lane, with a minor entrance on Acer Avenue.

While in the winters, the central grassland is marked out for football, during the summer it will be marked out for cricket.

Upminster Park, Upminster

Upminster Park contains a children’s play area (Image: Archant)

According to the council, this park is very well-used by the surrounding community

Middle of the road in terms of comparative size, Upminster Park boasts tennis courts, a multi-use games area and a cricket table.

During the summer period, an area is marked out as a running track and softball area for use by the local primary and secondary schools.

In addition to a children’s play area and an outdoor gym, the park is conveniently served by its own small car park.

Bedfords Park

Another one of Havering’s largest parks, this landscape is situated between Collier Row and Harold Hill.

Bedfords Park is home to a herd of captive deer (Image: Havering Council)

It achieved Green Flag status since 2007 and is a designated Local Nature Reserve, home to a herd of captive red deer.

It is optimal for relaxing walks and to take in panoramic views and a variety of different environments.

The landscape area even won the gold award for ‘Country Park of the Year’ London in Bloom 2019.