Car Hire Upminster

Tucked along the eastern edge of Greater London, Upminster, housing around 25,000 residents, offers a refreshing contrast to the capital’s bustle — a town where leafy parks, calm footpaths and community charm dominate the landscape. With easy access via the A127 and A13, it’s ideal for those seeking space to unwind without heading far. The weather tends to be mild, though it’s wise to bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes if you’re planning to explore on foot. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the greenery feels especially vibrant and the skies are more forgiving.

While much of Upminster centres on open-air recreation, its links to places like Wanstead help root the area in a wider cultural setting, blending countryside ease with historical curiosity. Whether it’s a walk in the woods or an afternoon tucked inside a museum, this part of London offers just enough variety to make each visit feel complete.

Attractions In Upminster

Spend a little time here and you’ll quickly see how the town balances well-loved destinations with a few unexpected highlights that make the day feel just a bit longer, in the best way.

Harrow Lodge Park

This is easily one of the most popular green spaces near Upminster, drawing families, dog walkers and anyone in search of a laid-back afternoon out. The park features a scenic pond with swans and ducks, boat rides on calm waters and two small iron bridges that lend the space its quiet charm. With a café on-site, free parking and a generously sized playground, it’s the sort of spot that welcomes repeat visits. Whether it’s for a stroll or a few hours of outdoor play, Harrow Lodge Park — open daily from Noon to 9 PM — delivers a relaxed atmosphere without losing its vibrancy.

Hylands Park

Hylands Park may be smaller than some of the other nearby green spaces but its neat layout and range of facilities make it a great place to unwind. Families with dogs and young children make good use of the open lawns and dedicated play areas, while the tennis and basketball courts often stay busy during the day. It’s a beautifully maintained park that feels welcoming at any hour between 8 AM and 8 PM — clean, open and just right for an hour or two of downtime.

Upminster Park

A favourite with locals for good reason, Upminster Park offers something for just about everyone. The well-kept grounds feature a children’s play area with equipment for all age groups, an outdoor gym, tennis and football pitches, a flower meadow and even a pavilion with a small kiosk. With public toilets near the Corbets Tey Road entrance by the library and 24/7 access, it’s easy to see why this park sits at the heart of so many community routines, especially given the thoughtful inclusion of accessible facilities and parking.

Clockhouse Gardens

Clockhouse Gardens feels like a secret shared among locals — a quiet, tucked-away space nestled behind residential flats. Its charm lies in its simplicity: a peaceful lake, wandering ducks and a genuine community feel. Children often come here with a bit of bird feed (though thankfully, one friendly local keeps a stash on hand for anyone who forgets) and it’s a great spot to slow down for a while. Open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM, it’s a gentle retreat that offers just enough to make the detour worthwhile.

Eastbrookend Country Park

A sprawling and beautifully maintained reserve, Eastbrookend Country Park offers that rare mix of open space and detailed features that appeal to outdoor lovers. From lakes teeming with ducks and birds to designated fishing ponds, a café and even an outdoor gym, it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon here without retracing your steps. The whole park feels especially popular with families and dog walkers from Romford, who come not only for the nature but for the wide variety of things to do on site. With free parking and always-open access, it’s one of the easiest spots to recommend.

Thames Chase Forest Centre

Just outside the town, Thames Chase Forest Centre provides an excellent base for walks and cycles through the local countryside. The visitor centre itself has a café, toilets and a bit of local history to explore, with friendly staff always on hand to help guide your route. With a modest £2 parking fee and open access every day from 10 AM to 4 PM, it’s an ideal starting point for an unhurried day among the trees.

Belhus Woods Country Park Visitor Centre

This well-maintained visitor centre serves as a welcoming entry point to one of the area’s most versatile parks. It’s the kind of place where kids can splash through brooklets in wellies, while adults stroll along winding paths shaded by trees and punctuated with bird calls. There’s a lake to explore at the end of the trail and the playground is always buzzing with families, especially those from Harold Hill who often praise its accessibility. With facilities like a small shop, hot drinks, on-site toilets and a car park (a bit pricey but worth it), it’s built for all-day exploring. Open daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, it’s a space that adapts beautifully to the weather, whether you’re in boots or sunhats.

Essex Wildlife Trust Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre

For those with a love of wildlife, the Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre is a peaceful yet expansive destination. The open space stretches from Hornchurch to Rainham, with well-marked trails, a lake and even a river crossing through. Families particularly enjoy the children’s play area and the sense of freedom the space offers, all supported by free parking and daily opening hours from 10 AM to 5 PM. Whether you’re stopping for a quiet walk or a longer visit, it’s a gentle but rewarding way to connect with nature.

Stubbers Adventure Centre

Stubbers is where things get exciting. While you can take a calm walk around the lake or relax near the small beach, the main draw is the wide array of outdoor activities — from rifle shooting and pedalos to wall climbing and more. Many families from Barking come here for its fun, supportive environment, especially given how attentive and enthusiastic the staff are with children. Open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, it’s an energetic option that adds a shot of adrenaline to an otherwise tranquil itinerary.

SMASH Camps

SMASH Camps offers a fantastic way for kids to enjoy the outdoors while building confidence through gentle, supervised activity. What makes it stand out is how flexible the programme is — children are encouraged to try new things but never pushed beyond their comfort zones. With full-day sessions running from 9 AM to 5 PM, it’s a well-organised and affordable choice for families looking to get their children active in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside

For families in the mood for something more vibrant, Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside packs a lot into a single visit. This immersive attraction features life-size Paw Patrol structures kids can slide on, meet-and-greets with characters, soft play zones, unlimited rides and even a 4D mini cinema. A favourite among parents travelling from Barkingside, it’s not only more affordable than many larger theme parks but also more interactive and manageable for younger children. Open weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 6 PM, it’s a spot that consistently delivers memorable family moments.

Upminster Court

Elegant and quietly imposing, Upminster Court stands as one of the area’s most graceful historical buildings. With its ornate exterior and richly preserved interior, the structure reflects a period of English architecture that’s becoming harder to find so close to the capital. Whether you admire it from the outside or get a glimpse inside during local events, it’s one of those landmarks that subtly anchors the town in its past.

Upminster Windmill

This beautifully restored windmill is without doubt the most iconic historical site in town, offering a rare look into the area’s industrial past. Volunteers stationed across the different levels bring their story to life, explaining the intricate workings of the mill and sharing how it once served the local community. Tucked just beyond the gardens and visitor centre, it’s a peaceful place to lose track of time — something that makes it especially popular with heritage buffs from Beckton and beyond. If the weather’s good, it’s an ideal stop for a couple of unhurried hours — just check in advance if you need to book tickets.

Pill Box

Hidden within Hornchurch Country Park, this set of Second World War pill boxes offers a striking change of pace from the town’s green lawns and family parks. Two of the three structures are open for visitors to step inside, with clear information boards explaining their function and historical context. With paved paths running throughout the area, it’s easy to explore on foot, by bike or even with a pram or wheelchair, making this a surprisingly accessible pocket of wartime history.

Upminster Tithe Barn Museum Of Nostalgia

Set inside a barn that’s over 500 years old, this museum is less about grand historical moments and more about the everyday stories that shaped the 20th century. The displays are an eclectic mix — old radios, household tools, toys, signs — all sparking warm recognition for visitors from Manor Park and other nearby communities. Run by passionate volunteers, free to enter and with plenty of parking, it’s one of those rare places that manages to be both personal and quietly moving.

Essex borders meet Greater London in this outer suburban area, where country lanes exist alongside Underground stations. Neighbouring Hornchurch provides shopping and leisure facilities if you’re in need for different kind of groove.