Places of interest in Redbridge

Ilford

During the 17 th Century Ilford consisted of just sixty houses but the arrival of the Great Eastern Railway in 1839 saw the population figures rise and by the late 19 th Century the area was home to around 10,000 people. The early part of the 20 th Century saw the population rise again to around 78,000 and by 1938 it reached the 167,000 mark.

To accommodate the growing population many new houses were built and Peter Griggs, a well respected gentleman, was central in the development of this. He was elected as Ilford's first MP in 1918.

A prominent event for Ilford was when it received a visit from Queen Elizabeth to commemorate the completion of the 1000 th council house since the end of the 2 nd World War.

John Logie Baird famous for inventing the television moved to Ilford in the 1920's to work on his new invention! 

If you are interested in learning more about Ilford's history why not pay a visit to Redbridge Museum with its free entry it offers a journey back in time and some exciting temporary exhibitions?

A perfect day out for all the family is a visit to Valentines Mansion a delightfully restored 300 year old country house in the grounds of Valentines Park . The park itself has stunning gardens, activities and discovery trails so definitely worth a visit.

Wanstead

Situated in the south west of Redbridge, Wanstead borders the boroughs of Waltham Forest and Newham.

Wanstead dates back to the 11 th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Waenstade which when translated means the site of a farm or settlement on a hill. However, since the unearthing of roman artefacts in Wanstead Park it is thought that the area may have been inhabited by a settlement that pre-dates even that.

The High Street in Wanstead is unique with its independent retailers which in turn attracts a diverse mix of shoppers.

The famous Winston Churchill was Wanstead's Member of Parliament for over forty years.

Goodmayes

Goodmayes is located roughly two miles to the east of Ilford town centre.

Goodmayes Park offers the visitor a whole host of activities to keep all ages amused from children's play areas to cricket and bowls. It is the only park in the borough to have a Trim Trail offering an exercise course not only for children but for the whole community. Opened in 1905 it is steeped in local history with its ornate gates and fencing. The park is open throughout the year from 8am to dusk.

The actor Cardew Robinson was born in Goodmayes on the 14 th of August 1917. He is probably best known for being the fakir in the comedy film Carry-On Up the Khyber''.

Seven Kings

Seven Kings forms part of the Ilford post town and is close to the districts of Ilford and Goodmayes.

Hainault

Hainault is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt with Hainault Forest Country Park to the east, open land to the north.

Hainault Forest Country Park is truly a wonderful place to visit with more than 300 acres of open space to explore. What better way to spend a day with its fishing lake, zoo, adventure play areas to name but a few. It certainly has something to offer everyone.