Car Hire Harold Hill

Harold Hill sits just beyond the bustle of Romford, where the A12 opens out into housing estates, woodlands and community parks. It’s a town with space to breathe, where local life revolves around green spaces and everyday routines rather than fast-moving crowds which you won’t find in abudance among its 15,000 residents. While driving in from Hornchurch, we noticed how quickly the landscape softened—a shift from dense streets to scattered trees and open fields. Spring and summer bring the best weather for outdoor visits, especially during local festivals or weekend park events.

Attractions In Harold Hill

Whether you’re passing through or planning a local stop, Harold Hill makes room for slow, easy exploration.

Oxygen Romford

We took our niece and nephew to Oxygen on a rainy Saturday and barely saw them for two hours—they vanished into a whirlwind of trampolines, foam pits and climbing frames. Meanwhile, we relaxed upstairs with coffee and watched the action through the glass panels above the play zone.

The space is spotless and well managed. Sessions run from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am on weekends. It’s the kind of place you can book last-minute and still count on a full day of worn-out children.

Central Park

There’s a rhythm to Central Park that you fall into quickly. We wandered in without a plan and found ourselves following the curved paths past football pitches, trees and benches scattered across wide lawns.

By the café kiosk, the scent of hot chips was hard to resist—we grabbed a quick bite and settled in for a laid-back people-watch. Teenagers zipped by on scooters, toddlers chased pigeons and dogs sniffed their way through the hedges. It’s a park that feels lived-in, in the best way.

A short trip from Barkingside makes this an easy afternoon option.

Raphael Park

Raphael Park felt like a step up in formality. The grounds are beautifully kept, with a lake that draws in dog walkers and families alike. We found a quiet bench by the edge and stayed longer than planned, watching the swans and catching a bit of sun between the clouds.

It’s open 24 hours—a rare feature that makes it great for early jogs or twilight strolls. It’s also a popular pick for families based in Upminster, thanks to its lakeside paths and accessible layout.

Old MacDonald’s Farm & Fun Park

This one’s a full-on family outing. We visited on a Sunday and squeezed in pig races, tractor rides, a soft play zone and more goats than we could count. The staff were cheerful and the farm was clean despite the muddy patches. That said, the café is expensive. Definitely bring snacks or a packed lunch if you’re staying long.

Open weekends from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We made this stop during a visit to Manor Park and were glad we did.

Lodge Farm Park

Tucked off Lodge Avenue, this park is calm, tidy and a little under the radar.

We spotted ducks circling the pond and just beyond that, a family kicking a football around near the war memorial. There’s a small van doing toasties and coffee and a few shaded benches that make it perfect for quiet mornings. It’s open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and never feels overcrowded.

Bedfords Park

This one deserves time. We arrived before lunch and watched the mist roll over the fields at the top of the park. The landscape feels wild in places, especially near the woods where deer sometimes graze just out of reach.

The visitor centre is a bonus, run by friendly volunteers who handed us a local wildlife guide and pointed out nearby walking trails. The park is open all day, while the centre itself runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you’re driving toward Wanstead, it’s well worth making the stop.

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre

Inside the same grounds, this compact centre holds more than you’d expect. We browsed insect displays, peered through birdwatching scopes and watched kids gravitate to the bee exhibit and bug hotel. It’s simple, informative and perfect if you’ve got half an hour to spare. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Manor

We nearly missed the entrance and had to double back—The Manor doesn’t announce itself. But once inside, we found a narrow space brimming with wildflowers, little wooden bridges and quiet benches tucked into greenery.

There’s something timeless about it. You get the sense this park hasn’t changed much in years and that’s part of its charm. Open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, it’s easy to visit between errands or after school runs.

Havering Country Park

We brought our dog here for a walk and ended up staying most of the day. Pinewood Road leads to open meadows, woodland paths and picnic-ready clearings. Even at midday, it didn’t feel crowded.

A great spot if you just want open space and fresh air. Bring a flask, good shoes and let the rest of your plans slide a little. It’s open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and offers free parking. Perfect if you’re making your way from Barking.

Humphrey’s Happy Hounds

This enclosed dog field in Harold Wood might be one of the best-kept secrets around. We booked an hour slot and had the place to ourselves—benches under trees, open grass to run and not a single distraction for our anxious rescue.

You can reserve it online and turn up stress-free. Open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm every day, which works well around lunch stops or morning walks.

A peaceful reset while driving in from Leytonstone.

Local Food, Coffee Stops And A Place To Stay

Harold Hill offers a handful of reliable spots for food, coffee and a comfortable night’s rest. The Windmill Café on Gooshays Drive remains a go-to for locals—a no-fuss place serving strong coffee, hearty breakfasts and homemade cakes. For something more substantial, Capriccio Restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes in a cosy setting. It’s not right on the doorstep but still within comfortable driving distance if you’re after a sit-down evening meal.

When it comes to staying over, the Premier Inn London Romford West on Whalebone Lane North is a dependable option. It’s close enough to Harold Hill for quick access while offering secure parking and quiet rooms after a day exploring the parks.