As you’d expect from a town on the outskirts of London, this place boasts a great selection of shops, restaurants and things to do.
Hire a car in Romford to head further afield, exploring all that East London and the surrounding areas of Essex have to offer.
Get back to nature or sunbathe by the sea
Bedfords Park, just north of the town centre, boasts hundreds of acres of historic parkland and a nature reserve, home to red deer and other wildlife. Follow one of the walking trails to try and spot them in their habitat, or cycle round for a flying visit.
There’s a large free car park and the site is open all year round, so it’s a great place to visit in your hire car, especially in the spring when the woodland is covered in bluebells. The visitor centre also offers excellent views over the surrounding areas of London and Kent.
If you’re craving a beach, however, take a trip beyond the M25 and explore the coast for a fantastic family day out. The popular resort of Southend-on-Sea, less than 50 kilometres away, is home to wonderful sandy shores and family-friendly attractions, with panoramic views of the coastline from its pier. Grab an ice cream and relax in a deckchair, or go for a paddle in the sea on a warm sunny day.
Enjoy the cultural highlights
Housed within the historic Romford War Memorial Building, the Brookside Theatre hosts live music, comedy and drama all year round. Just a short drive away is the Queen’s Theatre, in Hornchurch, which boasts an impressive schedule of local and touring productions – be sure to check the listings before visiting.
Havering boasts two museums, one of which is in Romford town centre. The Havering Museum is a small but fascinating attraction that tells the story of the borough, from prehistoric times to the present day. Run by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, there are two permanent galleries and a temporary exhibition room.
Look out for East London landmarks
Hire a car in Romford and you’re well-placed to visit East London’s top attractions, with the district of Stratford just a short distance away. This area was regenerated for the London 2012 Olympics, and today it’s a thriving hub for shopping and days out.
Many attractions centre around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the London Stadium, Aquatics Centre, VeloPark and other venues built to host events in 2012. Walking tours are available, and if you’re visiting in the spring or summer you can even take a boat out onto the water, providing a great view of all the landmarks.
If you’ve got a head for heights, take a trip to see the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, a distinctive structure made from twisted red metals overlooking the park. It boasts two observation platforms at the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of London from 80 metres high.
You can also undertake some retail therapy at Westfield Stratford City, one of the biggest shopping centres in London. It’s packed with department stores and high street names, along with a cinema and dozens of restaurants – ideal for relaxing at the end of a busy day.
With car hire in Romford, all this and much more is within your reach.