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Bedfords Park London

4.7
·2k reviews·Havering-atte-Bower, United Kingdom

A 215-acre nature reserve on London's edge, famed for its deer herd, panoramic city views, and peaceful walking trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Best for sunset views

CrowdMedium
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Deer

Bedfords Park London

Best Time

Late afternoon

Best for sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 215-acre nature reserve on London's edge, famed for its deer herd, panoramic city views, and peaceful walking trails.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Amazing place for a walk and to see the deers, a beautiful hidden gem with amazing sunset views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥕 Bring Carrots for Deer

Carrots are a hit with the deer! Bring some along for a memorable feeding experience. :rabbit2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking to do! Explore the trails and enjoy the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Deer Feeding

Deer Feeding

Deer enclosure

Interact with and feed the park's resident deer herd. A magical experience for all ages!

London Skyline Views

London Skyline Views

Higher ground areas

Enjoy panoramic vistas of the London skyline, especially stunning during sunset.

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Throughout the park

Explore 215 acres of diverse landscapes, perfect for leisurely walks and nature observation.

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Planning Your Visit

Feed the Deer!

Bedfords Park is famous for its resident deer herd. Visitors can often feed them carrots, making it a delightful experience for families and nature lovers. Remember to check feeding times and guidelines.

Views and Nature

This 215-acre nature reserve offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views of the London skyline. It's a great spot for walks, picnics, and enjoying the tranquility away from the city bustle.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Best for sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Family fun & deer feeding
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful nature escape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

WELCOME TO BEDFORD PARK HAVERING ATTA BOWER LONDON BOROUGH
@afro.unique
8 likes • 292 views

🥕 Bring Carrots for Deer

Carrots are a hit with the deer! Bring some along for a memorable feeding experience. :rabbit2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking to do! Explore the trails and enjoy the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:

Avril Lavigne performs at Bedford Festival at Bedford Park, Foster Hill Road, UK, June 29, 2024. #avrillavigne #avrillavignefan #avrillavignefans #avrillavignesong #avril #lavigne #avrilramonalavigne #littleblackstar #littleblackstars #lbs #avrilforever #avrilislife #headabovewater #avrillavignetour #letgo #undermyskin #thebestdamnthing #goodbyelullaby #avrillavignealbum #lovesux #lovesuxtour ...
@avrillavignetribe
784 likes • 12.5K views
Bedfords Park: true Nature on the edge of the city 📹🎥 video by @myworldinthecamera 🌳Tucked away on the easternmost edge of London, Bedford’s Park is a historic and ecological gem, now carefully managed by the @essexwildlifetrust Steeped in history, this former medieval deer park was once part of a grand estate, and today it stands as a testament to the harmony between nature and conservation. 🏞...
london_parks_
75 likes • 1.5K views

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Picnic facilities are available. :sandwich:

🐶 Leash Your Dogs

Keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them to maintain the park's beauty. :dog:

Tips

from all over the internet

🥕 Bring Carrots for Deer

Carrots are a hit with the deer! Bring some along for a memorable feeding experience. :rabbit2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking to do! Explore the trails and enjoy the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Picnic facilities are available. :sandwich:

🐶 Leash Your Dogs

Keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them to maintain the park's beauty. :dog:

📸 Capture the Sunset

The views of the London skyline at sunset are breathtaking. Don't miss it! :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Bedfords Park as a beautiful hidden gem, particularly for its deer and stunning London skyline views. It's a great spot for family outings, walks, and picnics, offering a peaceful natural escape. Some note that the playground could be improved and express concern about dog waste.

"Amazing place to go to for a nice walk, and also if you or your kids love deers. You can feed the deers some carrots. Very beautiful hidden gem near Harold wood. You can even see the London skyline, and the sunset is amazing."

swastika kasaju (Swassi)

"Nice place for kids. You can feed deers, ducks and park also there. Kids will enjoy."

Zabeeullah Shaik

"Very nice and good place for walk and if you aant to go at calm nature place this is the best choice also there are deers or others u can enjoy with it"

Jaspreet Deswal

What People Like

Deer feeding experience
London skyline views
Peaceful nature walks

What People Dislike

Playground could be better
Dog mess concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bedfords Park is accessible by car, with parking available. It's also reachable via public transport, with bus routes serving the area. Check local transport websites for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at Bedfords Park, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

For a day trip, driving is often the most convenient if you plan to bring a picnic or have young children. Public transport is also an option, but factor in travel time. Reddit

Cycling is a great way to reach Bedfords Park, especially if you're coming from nearby areas. There are often cycle paths that can lead you to the park. TikTok

While Bedfords Park is on the edge of London, it can be reached from central London via a combination of public transport (trains and buses) or by car. It's a bit of a journey but worth it for the nature escape. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Bedfords Park is generally free. There are no admission fees to enter the park itself. Reddit

Bedfords Park is typically open daily from dawn till dusk. The visitor centre and cafe may have specific operating hours. TikTok

There is no specific fee to enter the deer enclosure area. The park is free to access for everyone. Reddit

While official guided tours might not always be advertised, you can often find information about park events or volunteer-led activities through the Essex Wildlife Trust. TikTok

Picnic facilities are usually free to use, but it's always a good idea to check for any local regulations or specific park rules. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, picnicking, wildlife spotting (especially deer), and visiting the playground. The views of the London skyline are also a major draw. TikTokReddit

Yes, Bedfords Park is very family-friendly. There's a playground, and children love feeding the deer. It's a great place for a relaxed family outing. Reddit

Dogs are welcome in Bedfords Park, but they must be kept on a lead at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Reddit

The park is known for its herd of fallow deer. You might also spot various bird species and other small wildlife. TikTok

Yes, Bedfords Park has a visitor centre which includes a cafe and gift shop, and usually has toilet facilities available. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a visitor centre with a cafe where you can purchase refreshments and snacks. TikTok

Absolutely! Bedfords Park is a fantastic spot for picnics, with plenty of open space and designated picnic areas. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. TikTok

While the park has its own cafe, there are likely local eateries and restaurants in the nearby Harold Wood or Romford areas if you're looking for more dining options. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park, especially for picnics. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The areas with views of the London skyline, especially during sunset, are prime photography spots. The deer enclosure also offers great opportunities. InstagramReddit

Yes, the rolling hills and open spaces provide lovely landscape photography opportunities, particularly with the city backdrop. Instagram

You can certainly photograph the deer, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Feeding them can also lead to great photo moments. Reddit

Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon leading up to sunset, offers the best light for photography. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in public parks and nature reserves to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the park's specific regulations or contact the management. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bedfords Park is a fantastic destination for families. The deer feeding is a guaranteed hit with children, offering an interactive and memorable experience. The park also features a playground, providing a space for kids to burn off energy. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the spacious lawns, and let the little ones explore the open areas. It's a safe and engaging environment for a family day out, offering a blend of nature, wildlife, and play. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Picnickers

For those seeking a peaceful walk or a scenic spot for a picnic, Bedfords Park is ideal. The 215 acres of varied terrain offer ample opportunities for exploration, from gentle strolls to more invigorating hikes. Find a quiet spot on the hills to lay out your blanket and enjoy a meal with a view of the London skyline. It’s a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature without venturing too far from the city. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Deer of Bedfords Park

Bedfords Park is renowned for its resident herd of fallow deer. These graceful animals are a major attraction, and visitors often bring carrots to feed them. It's a unique opportunity to get up close with wildlife in a semi-natural setting. Remember that while the deer are accustomed to people, they are still wild animals. Always approach them calmly and follow any guidelines provided by the park staff or signage. Feeding them carrots is a popular activity, but it's important to ensure you're using appropriate food and not overfeeding them. TikTokReddit

The deer are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, making these times ideal for both viewing and feeding. Seeing the deer grazing peacefully against the backdrop of the London skyline is a truly special sight. The park is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, which works to maintain the health and well-being of the deer population and their habitat. TikTok

Panoramic Views and Nature Escape

Beyond the deer, Bedfords Park offers a significant natural escape with stunning panoramic views of the London skyline. This 215-acre nature reserve provides a welcome respite from urban life, featuring rolling hills, woodlands, and open grasslands. It's an ideal location for leisurely walks, picnics, and simply enjoying the tranquility. The park's elevated position makes it a prime spot to appreciate the vastness of the city stretching out before you. InstagramReddit

The best time to experience these views is during the golden hours, just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the landscape and the city. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers and those who appreciate local flora. Its status as a former medieval deer park adds a layer of historical charm to its natural beauty. TikTok

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