Bedfords Park
The Nature Discovery Centre near Romford offers visitors a warm welcome and the chance to discover the wildlife and natural beauty of the park. A great destination for days out in London, it features mature woodland, species rich wildflower meadows, ponds, and streams, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. With wildlife events, family activities, and beautiful walking routes, it's a great choice if you're looking for things to do in London.
The Nature Discovery Centre is built on the site of the former mansion and commands superb views over much of East London and into Kent. Light refreshments, snacks, and a gift shop are available within the centre, and there is a large patio and decked area with picnic tables to relax on sunny days.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Open all year round open 7 days a week.
Winter opening hours:
10am – 4pm weekdays and 9am-4pm weekends from 3 November – 22 February
Summer opening hours:
10am – 5pm weekdays and 9-5 weekends from 23 February – 3 November
Christmas opening hours:
Christmas Eve 10am – 2pm
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve 10am – 2pm
New Year’s Day 10am – 2pm
Where to find us?
Address:
Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Essex, RM4 1QH
Telephone:
01708 748646
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Directions:
Facilities and access
Car parking and entry
We do not charge for entry or car parking to the Nature Discovery Centre but in order to keep us running, we suggest a donation of £2 per car. Continuous support of the Trust enables us to do amazing work for wildlife here at Bedfords Park and across the county. Our members are incredibly important to us and make a real difference to wildlife in Essex. You can join Essex Wildlife Trust at Bedfords Park or online.
There is a coach drop-off space, if you are planning on bringing a group, please ensure you have pre-booked your visit.
Cafe
At Bedfords Park our café provides a range of snack and lunch items, from tasty traybakes to local sausage rolls there's something for everyone to enjoy during their visit. The Nature Discovery Centre hosts indoor and outdoor seating with picnic tables and stunning open views over much of east London and into Kent. The café stops serving hot food an hour before closing and the indoor seating area is closed too. Hot drinks are served until 15 minutes before closing.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available daily.
Shop
The Nature Discovery Centre has a fantastic gift shop including wildlife books, bird food and feeders, gifts, greetings cards, toys and games, local honey and jams, packaged snacks and ice creams.
Accessibility
Disabled parking. There is a public toilet for disabled visitors which is fully accessible.
Visitors with dogs
Dogs are welcome in our outdoor patio seating area at the Nature Discovery Centre but, other than assistance dogs, they are not allowed inside the cafe and centre.
Please stay on the permitted trails on the nature reserve and keep your dog on a lead where required or near the Nature Discovery Centre and deer pen.
Nature Trails
Various routes around the reserve, please call in to the centre and ask for details.
Site map
Deer at Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre - Photo: Peter Bowden
What to do
Explore
Bedfords Park offers miles of scenic nature trails and stunning viewpoints, making it a fantastic place to visit all year round and one of the best day trips in London. From its hilltop location, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views over London while exploring peaceful woodland paths and open parkland.
It’s also one of the best places in Essex to see deer up close, as you spot and meet the resident deer herd while you explore. Families can enjoy the outdoor play area, making it a great destination for all ages to connect with nature. Bedfords Park is also a great option for wildlife experiences in Romford,
Events and activities
Throughout the year, Bedfords Park hosts a wide range of family outdoor activities, including wildlife events, adult learning courses, children’s activities, school holiday activities, and educational visits for schools and community groups. Whether you’re looking for things to do near Romford, family days out in London, or want to explore its rich woodland and local wildlife up close, Bedfords Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about nature.
What to see
There are many exotic trees originally planted in the mansion gardens, such as Cedar of Lebanon, Holm Oak, Monkey-puzzle, Giant Redwood and Yew. The Park has wonderful wildflower meadows where you will find Cuckoo Flower, Pignut and Ragged Robin in the Spring. There is varied woodland, several ponds and a lake, as well as a captive herd of Red Deer. Bird highlights include all three species of Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Hobby. Wild deer are often seen (Fallow, Roe and Muntjac). The meadows and ponds provide superb habitats for a variety of invertebrates including a really wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Winter sees a large corvid roost, with hundreds of Rooks, Crows and Jackdaws gathering near the deer pen. The upper section of the park offers a more landscaped parkland, while the lower section is managed for wildlife, with hay meadows and some mature woodland and scrub.
Volunteering at Bedfords Park
We are looking for enthusiastic people to help promote the work of Essex Wildlife Trust at Bedfords Park.
Types of volunteering could include: office, shop, cafe, education or work parties.
Birthday parties
We offer a variety of fabulous themed birthday parties set in beautiful outdoor locations at our Nature Discovery Centres.
School and colleges
We believe in nurturing a lifelong love of nature at every age and stage of life. Our Wilder Learning programme offers opportunities for children, educators, adults and families to connect with the natural world. Designed to inspire curiosity and conservation, our programs are suitable for all ages.
Venue hire
Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre offers a flexible venue for meetings, workshops, training sessions, community events, and private functions. With adaptable meeting space, AV facilities, catering options, and convenient on-site parking, it provides a professional and welcoming setting for a wide range of events.
