Five Havering parks for Christmas Day and Boxing Day walks

Luckily, Havering has plenty of green spaces which are perfect for a post Christmas dinner walk - whether you choose to squeeze it in between the King's Speech and Gavin and Stacey reruns or wait until Boxing Day.

To save you some time and brain power, the Recorder has rounded up five parks and nature reserves across the borough where you can stretch your legs.

Havering Country Park

The Orange Tree pub, in Havering-atte-Bower (Image: Google)

Covering 165 acres, Havering Country Park is one of the largest parks in the borough and provides links to the countryside via Havering-atte-Bower.

Its size also means it offers a number of specific trails for keen walkers, including two which are among the best walking routes in Havering, according to AllTrails.

If you fancy a pint at the end, the Havering Country Park circular can begin or end at The Orange Tree pub - which is open from 12pm to 5pm on Boxing Day.

Raphael Park

Raphael Park, Romford (Image: Newsquest)

A town centre favourite, Raphael Park is minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Romford but seems miles away.

The ornamental lake, old bandstand and wooden animal carvings make this park a picture-perfect setting for a festive walk - and all within easy reach of the town centre.

Langton Gardens

The lake and manor house at Langton Gardens (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Another town centre green space -this time in Hornchurch - is Langton Gardens, which is home to several Grade-II listed buildings and steeped in history.

While this park doesn't offer longer walking trails, its picturesque lake and gardens make for a peaceful Christmas or Boxing Day stroll.

Ingrebourne Valley Nature Reserve and Hornchurch Country Park

Hornchurch Country Park sits within the Ingrebourne Valley Nature Reserve so a visit to this site provides a huge amount of open space to explore - more than 260 hectares in total.

The reserve is home to London’s largest remaining continuous freshwater reed bed, while the park has a fascinating history as an airfield during both world wars.

For those who fancy a challenge, AllTrails recommends a three-hour route which takes walkers along the River Ingrebourne, through the reserve, Berwick Glades and Woods, Ingrebourne Hill, and Hornchurch Country Park.

It is worth noting that Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre is closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Harold Wood Park

Harold Wood Park provides play areas and circular walking routes (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Harold Wood Park offers open grassland along tennis courts, football pitches and a large play site, making it great for all ages over the festive period.

The footpaths from the car park allow for easy circular walks, while a variety of trees and a meadow provide opportunities to see some wildlife along the way.