Bedfords Park is a beautiful cherished
Nature Reserve of Southeastern England, situated in the County of Essex at just 45 minutes
driving from Central London in the Borough of Havering, and part
of the Municipality of Romford, a centre of extreme relevance since medieval
times for the presence of a historic market with over seven centuries of history which
continues nowadays to be very active and famous. (If you are interested I wrote a post
about that site)
That site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation is a stunning public open space of 215 acres and since 2007 it achieved the Green Flag status, a superb award more than deserved for the magnificent preservation of that huge green lung which with Pyrgo Park and Havering Country Park is one of the largest natural attractions of the entire county and apart that prestigious title it is a place boasting a very important history.
Its superb strategic geographic location can be a perfect stage during a route stopping and admiring a jewel of nature in a land which was since the 6th century an important stronghold of the Saxons who developed in that territory their Eastern Kingdom and the current park in that time corresponded to an important point along a historic route traced by those ancient Germanic settlers to link the territory of the former Royal Epping Forest to London.
All that is historically confirmed because in its immediate proximity at just five minutes walking lies a very pleasant and captivating village called Havering-atte-Bower founded by that population, a place of extreme importance called in that period Haueringas which gave the borough and district the current Anglicised name "Havering".
It is a very attractive small centre with scenic cottages, a superb Neo-Gothic Church and an immaculate environment representing the most genuine, true, fascinating old England in all its essence.
In addition that place is historically well known because it was favourite destination of an iconic Monarch as Edward the Confessor, last Anglo-Saxon King who ruled England from 1042 to 1066 who established in that site his hunting lodge.
Later Bedfords Parks was also an usual place frequented by the British Royalty since the first Anglo-Norman dynasties who chose that tranquil haven to spend pleasant times including elevating some mansions in its immediate vicinity.
Not far from Stratford, the famous site in which were celebrated the summer Olympic Games in 2012, Chelmsford, a centre of extreme importance since the Middle Ages is at approximately 20 minutes driving and the proximity of those places is certainly a notable inviting incentive.
In addition the superb Colchester, one of the most relevant Roman and Norman settlements of the old Anglia is located at less than one hour by car while the lively seaside town of Southend-on-Sea is approximately 40 minutes away.
If you are planning to visit England and its capital all that is undoubtedly a great idea during a stupendous Fly & Drive enjoying a beautiful corner of the United Kingdom in which the wonderful and fascinating English countryside is a further protagonist next to a significant itinerary will delight you discovering a land rich of history, culture, traditions boasting a marvellous natural environment and visiting a very special site like that very attractive parkland.
That is of course something to take in high consideration and you will be extremely enchanted to discover that verdant marvel, an ideal destination to enjoy all year for all people who love a complete tourism mixing art, historic places with other different attractions, filling days with something of alternative and relaxing.
That nature reserve is furthermore a great option for all those who are flora and fauna lovers thanks to a rich presence of different species of flowers and animals you can see in an enchanting environment encircled by beautiful forests.
As further detail particularly captivating for the most passionate photographers is that Bedfords Park offers from different points of its area stunning panoramic views overlooking the Capital of Great Britain and part of the County of Kent, something simply impressive and fascinating.
You can immediately enjoy the first image at the entrance from a scenic green hilly plateau next to the visitor centre with a marvellous panoramic post card of that great city called London to immortalise in several pictures something of extremely fascinating and suggestive with the views of a large part of that beautiful metropolis with fantastic images of Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Canary Wharf skyline, Docklands and the Thames basin.
You can have a stunning second view from another perspective walking just some metres down along an undulated stretch in proximity of a group of secular oaks before to enter in a fairytale forest.
That site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation is a stunning public open space of 215 acres and since 2007 it achieved the Green Flag status, a superb award more than deserved for the magnificent preservation of that huge green lung which with Pyrgo Park and Havering Country Park is one of the largest natural attractions of the entire county and apart that prestigious title it is a place boasting a very important history.
Its superb strategic geographic location can be a perfect stage during a route stopping and admiring a jewel of nature in a land which was since the 6th century an important stronghold of the Saxons who developed in that territory their Eastern Kingdom and the current park in that time corresponded to an important point along a historic route traced by those ancient Germanic settlers to link the territory of the former Royal Epping Forest to London.
All that is historically confirmed because in its immediate proximity at just five minutes walking lies a very pleasant and captivating village called Havering-atte-Bower founded by that population, a place of extreme importance called in that period Haueringas which gave the borough and district the current Anglicised name "Havering".
It is a very attractive small centre with scenic cottages, a superb Neo-Gothic Church and an immaculate environment representing the most genuine, true, fascinating old England in all its essence.
In addition that place is historically well known because it was favourite destination of an iconic Monarch as Edward the Confessor, last Anglo-Saxon King who ruled England from 1042 to 1066 who established in that site his hunting lodge.
Later Bedfords Parks was also an usual place frequented by the British Royalty since the first Anglo-Norman dynasties who chose that tranquil haven to spend pleasant times including elevating some mansions in its immediate vicinity.
Not far from Stratford, the famous site in which were celebrated the summer Olympic Games in 2012, Chelmsford, a centre of extreme importance since the Middle Ages is at approximately 20 minutes driving and the proximity of those places is certainly a notable inviting incentive.
In addition the superb Colchester, one of the most relevant Roman and Norman settlements of the old Anglia is located at less than one hour by car while the lively seaside town of Southend-on-Sea is approximately 40 minutes away.
If you are planning to visit England and its capital all that is undoubtedly a great idea during a stupendous Fly & Drive enjoying a beautiful corner of the United Kingdom in which the wonderful and fascinating English countryside is a further protagonist next to a significant itinerary will delight you discovering a land rich of history, culture, traditions boasting a marvellous natural environment and visiting a very special site like that very attractive parkland.
That is of course something to take in high consideration and you will be extremely enchanted to discover that verdant marvel, an ideal destination to enjoy all year for all people who love a complete tourism mixing art, historic places with other different attractions, filling days with something of alternative and relaxing.
That nature reserve is furthermore a great option for all those who are flora and fauna lovers thanks to a rich presence of different species of flowers and animals you can see in an enchanting environment encircled by beautiful forests.
As further detail particularly captivating for the most passionate photographers is that Bedfords Park offers from different points of its area stunning panoramic views overlooking the Capital of Great Britain and part of the County of Kent, something simply impressive and fascinating.
You can immediately enjoy the first image at the entrance from a scenic green hilly plateau next to the visitor centre with a marvellous panoramic post card of that great city called London to immortalise in several pictures something of extremely fascinating and suggestive with the views of a large part of that beautiful metropolis with fantastic images of Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Canary Wharf skyline, Docklands and the Thames basin.
You can have a stunning second view from another perspective walking just some metres down along an undulated stretch in proximity of a group of secular oaks before to enter in a fairytale forest.
Very relevant are the historic stages of Bedfords Park starting from the Middle Ages when since 1212 it was owned since 1212 by King John of England, emblematic Royal figure linked to the famous Magna Carta, a charter dated 1215 agreed by that Monarch in Runnemyde a water-meadow in the County of Surrey not far from Windsor, a famed document which was in its kind the first step about the evolution of the Constitution in Great Britain.
That Sovereign also well known as John Lackland, former Duke of Normandy frequently visited that domain totally falling in love with it which become later a property of William D´Aubigny 1st Earl of Lincoln and Arundel, a famed Baron very famous to have been the leader of the rebellion and revolt against that King.
That Sovereign also well known as John Lackland, former Duke of Normandy frequently visited that domain totally falling in love with it which become later a property of William D´Aubigny 1st Earl of Lincoln and Arundel, a famed Baron very famous to have been the leader of the rebellion and revolt against that King.
The denomination "Bedfords" has a
medieval origin deriving from a John Bedford who held that area since 1362
and after those prestigious and noble owners it became a property of Gidea Hall Estate belonging to Sir Thomas Cooke, Lord Mayor of London in 1452.
After that character there was a pretty long succession of other owners, among them John Heaton who built there a big manor house in the 18th century and that land already rich of forests and woodland was later enriched by exotic trees such as Cedars of Lebanon, Wellingtonia, Monkey Puzzle and Giant Sequoias planted by John Barber, a brilliant operation which increased the charming appeal of that stupendous environment.
In 1932 the park was bought by Romford Council and it opened its doors to the public two years later for the joy of many visitors who discovered in that place a corner of Paradise far from noise, traffic and stress.
After that character there was a pretty long succession of other owners, among them John Heaton who built there a big manor house in the 18th century and that land already rich of forests and woodland was later enriched by exotic trees such as Cedars of Lebanon, Wellingtonia, Monkey Puzzle and Giant Sequoias planted by John Barber, a brilliant operation which increased the charming appeal of that stupendous environment.
In 1932 the park was bought by Romford Council and it opened its doors to the public two years later for the joy of many visitors who discovered in that place a corner of Paradise far from noise, traffic and stress.
Thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and scenic image the interest of more and more people increased and the the local Institutions managed new plans of natural embellishment adding new plants and starting several arrangements.
The first tourists who visited that vast land were especially attracted to admire something which had always been a domain of the highest British aristocracy and social class with the impossibility to visit it previously.
In a very short time it also became a sort of peaceful heaven for many people from London looking for relaxation, a great option to admire stupendous natural attractions enjoying fantastic walks in a virgin environment.
The mentioned manor house during the Second World War was used by the AFS, Auxiliary Fire Service,it also hosted a council archive but sadly it was demolished in 1959 due to it fell in disrepair.
In a very short time it also became a sort of peaceful heaven for many people from London looking for relaxation, a great option to admire stupendous natural attractions enjoying fantastic walks in a virgin environment.
The mentioned manor house during the Second World War was used by the AFS, Auxiliary Fire Service,it also hosted a council archive but sadly it was demolished in 1959 due to it fell in disrepair.
During its stages of preservation but also development related to to the organisation of several corners arranged as start points for different itineraries with paths and trails permitting to follow interesting
routes for many practically unknown also that was something of extremely positive.
Since then those operations were a winning key to have much more incoming flows with a tourism which started from different counties to visit a sort of Eden of Southeastern England knowing in addition its historic part.
In the 60's until the 70's a former Cafe-Bar built on the rests of that historic building became a very lovely and cherished meeting point for locals, usual visitors from Greater London but also from Kent, Suffolk and Hertfordshire who numerous continued to return there with immense pleasure.
Those huge marvellous and unique verdant territory during the weekends were for many people was a great reason for a lovely escapade finding peace and serenity reaching that uncontaminated Eden.
Specific spaces were established for the joy of many visitors fond of jogging, footing with also areas devoted for picnics ideal for families with children, couples, group of friends, a great invitation to plan during weekends full day excursions discovering the beauty of Bedfords Park.
Afterwards were established other facilities with the indications of special and strategic points for ornithologists and bird watching lovers.
All that called more visitors extremely attracted to enjoy those new proposals and with large networks of other trails crossing picturesque and wild forests inviting to discover places of immense beauty as that leading to a small fairytale lake.
Not long time ago in 2003 Havering Council had the
brilliant idea to manage a plan focused to develop further activities in the
parkland giving an additional impulse to motivate a major affluence detecting that kind of tourism visiting parks was still extremely rooted, alive and loved by the British population according to statistics indicating increasing peaks and thanks to that was decided to open a Visitor Centre.
That Institution is hosted in an ample building with a high facade beneath a
huge gable roof completed by stylish wooden details, an architectural design of clear Nordic inspiration offering different kinds of services
and information.
In its interior you will enjoy a brilliant Educational introduction consisting in large documentation with recommendations and suggestions of planned
sightseeing routes and an extensive illustration of the notable local patrimony
in terms of flora and fauna Bedfords Park boasts.
Very considerable is the presence of a very comfortable and welcoming
hall offering a brilliant network of modern computers which can be used by the visitors with the opportunity to have a previous virtual contact with the nature reserve before to start the
visit.
That special presentation will show you all the
features of that splendid parkland with complete archives explaining theme by theme all what you can admire all around its boundaries in the smallest details with extensive information subdivided in sections.
In addition you will have the chance to check virtual maps indicating all the major highlights and different start points choosing depending of your specific interests diverse itineraries.
In addition you will have the chance to check virtual maps indicating all the major highlights and different start points choosing depending of your specific interests diverse itineraries.
Apart all those relevant and very useful advices there is also a
very complete classification regarding all the species of animals, trees,
plants and flowers you can see all around the park and certainly all that is very appreciated supporting planned visit since the beginning.
Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust every year in June the Centre’s birthday is an event celebrated with presence of several children to transmit them the great patrimony they have, scouts, young and adults and that Organisation also organises different kinds of activities such as guided walks, wildlife discovery day, family nature day, handcrafts expositions, events and live music in that magnificent nature reserve.
The complex also provides a Cafe-Bar with the chance to enjoy a cool drink or a warm coffee before or after the visit, a Shop in which it is possible to buy local homemade products such as honey, jams, some crafts, souvenirs, posters, pictures, toys, gifts, binoculars, telescopes and many other items closely linked to the park and nature.
Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust every year in June the Centre’s birthday is an event celebrated with presence of several children to transmit them the great patrimony they have, scouts, young and adults and that Organisation also organises different kinds of activities such as guided walks, wildlife discovery day, family nature day, handcrafts expositions, events and live music in that magnificent nature reserve.
The complex also provides a Cafe-Bar with the chance to enjoy a cool drink or a warm coffee before or after the visit, a Shop in which it is possible to buy local homemade products such as honey, jams, some crafts, souvenirs, posters, pictures, toys, gifts, binoculars, telescopes and many other items closely linked to the park and nature.
With a considerable local fauna you will see in Bedfords Park several animals such as foxes, squirrels, badgers, fallow, roe, muntjac and one of the main highlights is the
presence of a splendid species of red
deer, some of them immediately visible just in front the building in a
fenced area.
Considered a place with a more than notable geological
interest, that cherished nature reserve is becoming one of the most important
sites in that corner of Southeasterrn England as a considerable bird watching base
attracting several ornithologists to study the attitude,
movements, landings and survival of those animals in that parkland.
You can see there pheasants, buzzards, woodpeckers, blackbirds, nuthatches, jackdaws, woodcocks, rooks, crows but also peregrine falcons, sparrows, Hobby and other migratory species for the joy of people fond of all that in a marvellous heaven.
In addition you can also find an ample variety of
invertebrate species such as crickets,
grasshoppers an ample variety of butterflies, dragonflies and furthermore red-eyed damselflies present in Great Britain since 1999.
Also flora plays an important scenic role in that stunning environment especially highlighted in spring season with marvellous examples of anemones, sneezeworth, yellow archangels, bluebells, pepper-saxifredge, cuckoo flower, pignut, ragged Robin, which with many others will delight your view.
Also flora plays an important scenic role in that stunning environment especially highlighted in spring season with marvellous examples of anemones, sneezeworth, yellow archangels, bluebells, pepper-saxifredge, cuckoo flower, pignut, ragged Robin, which with many others will delight your view.
Along a path leading to a lovely forest crossing a
large green undulated meadow you can reach a small lake and also there you can see a good presence of fauna with ducks, Canadian geese, mallards and also some amphibians.
Crossing a captivating area populated by sequoia trees close to a stunning woodland in proximity of another lovely trail, that image seems a bit a corner of Canada but in Great Britain and also that is very captivating in its kind.
Crossing a captivating area populated by sequoia trees close to a stunning woodland in proximity of another lovely trail, that image seems a bit a corner of Canada but in Great Britain and also that is very captivating in its kind.
For those who love suggestive images there is in addition the chance to admire many secular oak trees with imposing trunks and picturesque ramifications, some of them boasting an aspect extremely picturesque and suggestive as sculpted or painted.
Also that is great, inspiring, aesthetically highly attractive and in addition you will also notice a magnificent presence of Yew, Holm Oak and a planted horse chestnut avenue very attractive.
Also that is great, inspiring, aesthetically highly attractive and in addition you will also notice a magnificent presence of Yew, Holm Oak and a planted horse chestnut avenue very attractive.
The park access is off Broxhill Road
opposite the White water tower while the main footpath to start the visit is situated in
the southwestern corner at Lower Bedfords Road.
Bedfords Park is open daily except Mondays,
Christmas Day and Boxing Day and no entry fees. Current opening hours
are 9am to 4pm, 6 days a week and it is also open Mondays during
school holidays and throughout the summer.
Not far if you want to enjoy a great meal I suggest
you a great Gastropub, The Orange Tree offering
a wide menu with excellent plates, a large variety of delectable English specialities as very recommended pies, lamb shank, pork ribs, roast beef but also serving delicious international plates, a wide selection of excellent beers and fine wines.
I added below a list of Hotels in the case you want to spend some days not far from that enchanting site and you are planning a tour in the South of Great Britain.
I added below a list of Hotels in the case you want to spend some days not far from that enchanting site and you are planning a tour in the South of Great Britain.
If you are in the British Capital you can easily reach
Bedfords Park by car taking the A12 Motorway leading to Havering in direction Colchester or by train from London
Liverpool Street and Stratford Station to Romford railway Station. The journey endures about 25 minutes and once there you have to take the Bus
number 103 directed to Chase Cross stopping there.
From that concrete point you can enjoy a pleasant walk
of about 10/15 minutes and you will have the chance to spend a wonderful and
peaceful day discovering the beauty of that cherished nature reserve in an
enchanting corner of Southeastern England.
As further information that fabulous site is not far
from Stansted Airport which is just 30 minutes away by M11 motorway. That is certainly a convenient option
in the case you are enjoying a Fly & Drive looking for special stages
along a planned itinerary, excellent also in terms of a comfortable drop off
of the car stopping in proximity of that stunning parkland in your last stage before of your flight departure.
Bedfords Park is definitely something special in its
kind, a brilliant chance to discover an attractive and historic area of Essex, enjoying tourism in a stupendous corner of the United Kingdom which
will delight you very much.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in the area of Romford in the case
you are planning a tailor made tour and you want to spend an overnight there.
Premier Inn Romford Central Hotel
Premier Inn Romford West Hotel
Gidea Park Hotel
Distances
Central London - 28, 0 kilometres
East London / West Ham - 22, 0 kilometres
East
London / Stratford - 17,0 kilometres
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Thanks a lot to read and note.