One of Havering's largest parks has flown a Green Flag for almost two decades.
Bedfords Park has achieved Green Flag status every year since 2007, recognising its high standards of management, facilities, and natural beauty.
The Green Flag Award, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is the benchmark standard for parks and green spaces in the UK and internationally.
It recognises parks that are well maintained, environmentally sustainable, welcoming, safe for visitors, and offering excellent facilities.
Bedfords is one of 16 Havering parks to secure the award for 2026, marking the sixth consecutive year the borough has kept all 16.
The 215-acre site in Havering-atte-Bower is one of the borough’s largest green spaces and a designated Local Nature Reserve.
It includes wide meadows, mature woodlands, and panoramic views across east London.
Visitors can enjoy walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a herd of captive red deer that have been part of the park since the 1930s.
The Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, which opened in 2003, offers refreshments and educational resources in a setting overlooking the park.
What do you love about Bedfords Park? Let us know in the comments below 👇
The park’s history dates to at least the 14th century when it was part of the Gidea Hall estate.
In 1659, the land became a separate property and passed through the hands of several wealthy London merchants, though none are believed to have lived there.
In 1771, the estate was purchased by lawyer John Heaton, a lawyer and legal advisor to the Duke of Devonshire, who made significant improvements.
He rebuilt the house into a two-storey mansion, planted ornamental gardens, and constructed additional buildings.
Following Heaton’s death in 1818, the property was inherited by his grandson, Charles Heaton Ellis.
The estate remained in private hands until it was divided and sold at auction in 1853.
Exactly 80 years later, Romford Urban District Council purchased Bedfords Park for £9,000 and opened it to the public the following year.
The mansion house, which was then used as a museum and art gallery, fell into disrepair after being occupied by military forces during the Second World War.
It was demolished in 1958 after sustained damage from vandalism - and was eventually replaced by the visitor centre.
Only the red-brick walls of the estate’s walled garden remain today.
The historic walled garden was rejuvenated by volunteers in the 2000s and 2010s, with the driving force behind the works, retired horticultural lecturer Lois Amos, recognised with a King's Award for Voluntary Service in 2025.
Share