Barking Park and Boating Lake and other Barking Town, United Kingdom Off The Beaten Path Tips

You will find Barking Park east of the Town Centre. Turn left from the station, walk down the hill, passed a roundabout with a modern sculpture called "The Catch" - See separate tip.

Continue for 4 mins & you reach the main gates of Barking Park on your left.

There's lots to see and do, particularly in summer. Ideal for a picnic too. There's 8 tennis courts-grass & hardcourt, a basketball court, skateboarding, an indoor & outdoor bowling green & 4 football pitches with ample parking & changing facilities.

Various festivals & community events are held in the park & Holland's Funfair visits a twice a year. In the centre of the park is a lovely, well-maintained flower garden, in the middle of which is a memorial dedicated to the men and women of Barking Town who fell in World War 2.

At the far side of the park is a long, man-made boating lake that took 2 years to dig by hand. During the summer, both motor & rowing boats can be hired by the hour or ½ hr. To reach it from the main gates just walk straight ahead along the tarmac road - ie do NOT turn to your right across the grass.

At the far side of the lake is a small stream called Loxford Water & you can walk the entire way around the lake with the stream on one side and the lake on the other. It is a very peaceful way to spend an hour or so away from the bustle of busy Barking Town.

The lake itself has little or no aquatic vegetation but its three islands provide good nest sites for common waterfowl, including mallard, tufted duck, moorhen and coot. The mature trees & dense shrubberies in the park provide habitat for common birds, including the declining spotted flycatcher. So if you are interested in birdwatching or wildlife remember to bring your camera & binoculars.

Kids however love the dog-free children's playground, watching the grey squirrels & foxes or feeding bread to the ducks & baby swans.

See my separate tip about Guided walking tours of Barking Park.

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Phone: 020 8215 3006
Website: http://tinyurl.com/2xqy84

These are organised morning / lunchtime walks which have been set up for tourists, locals or indeed anyone wishing to improve their health and fitness and at the same time learn about the history, flora and fauna of Barking Park.

They are completely free and are ideal for families and individuals, both young and old.

You are always on good paths which are suitable for wheelchairs. The tour is led by a trained guide with a backup person making sure no one gets left behind.

The walk is circular so you start and finish at the same point. It starts at 11.00am on Saturdays and is 2.7 miles long. It should take approximately 50 minutes.

You meet by The Lodge ie the entrance to Barking Park in Longbridge Road.

Please remember to call 020 8227 3984 in advance and book your free place(s).

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Phone: 020 8227 3984
Website: http://tinyurl.com/2e6clz

The River Roding rises in Dunmow in Essex and flows through the county until it reaches the River Thames at Barking Town. It forms much of the boundary between Barking and Newham.

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As you stand on the this bridge gazing at, or possibly taking pictures of the River Roding, take 5-10 minutes or so to have a close look at the brige itself.

It was built between 1902-1904 and the parapets are made of cast iron. They are painted in a light matt, sea-green colour and are still in pretty good condition. The centre panels contain both the date (1904) and the coat of arms of Essex County Council.

If crossing the River Roding by car, you are sure to still get a good view. All the traffic from the busy A406 (North Circular Road) is funnelled down to almost single file as it comes around the roundabout and slowly crosses the bridge. This is to ensure that no harm comes to this GRADE II listed "building".

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Other Contact: On London Rd -West of Barking