The London Borough of Redbridge is known as one of the greenest in the city for good reason. The area has an impressive selection of award-winning parks, balancing a small-town feel with city centre accessibility.
The Borough is served by the Central Line Underground. As a result, Redbridge is an increasingly popular location for regular commuters to the city. For many professionals, the region’s local high streets, forests and lakes are a welcome change of pace from the urban environment.
Why Buy in Redbridge?
Green Spaces
There are 35 parks throughout Redbridge hosting different activities throughout the year.
Hainault Forest
Hainault Forest is one of the UK’s Top Ten parks in the People’s Choice Awards 2024. The area covers 300 acres of countryside and has a boating lake, a café and a small farm.
Valentines Park
Valentines Park is a recent winner of the Green Flag Award and a local favourite. Visitors are welcome to walk around Valentines Mansion, enjoy the gardens and use the bowling green.
Roding Valley Park
Roding Valley Park is a wildlife sanctuary with a river that flows through the area. On a walk through the woodland, you’ll find insects, plants and the occasional family of ducks. The weekly Roding Valley parkrun is a dynamic way to enjoy the riverside views.
Food and Drink
Why not spend Saturday mornings eating brunch and sipping speciality coffee? Covering areas such as Wanstead and South Woodford, Redbridge is a hub for independent cafés like Bare Brew, Artful Blend and Fresh as a Daisy. These neighbourhoods are also home to various indie restaurants specialising in authentic cuisine. In South Woodford, you can tuck into Greek food at Bread and Oregano, Italian at Nino’s or Hungarian at Lakehouse. Meanwhile, Wanstead is home to Spanish restaurant Dama de Elche, Italian bistro Albra Trattoria and Greek eatery Filika.
Trips and Entertainment
History lovers can explore the origins of the Borough and its communities at the Redbridge Museum and Heritage Centre. Meanwhile, the Kenneth More Theatre on Oakfield Road has been open since 1975 and runs live events including comedy nights, pantomimes and musicals.
The Wanstead Curtain is an event space which is home to the Wanstead Fringe, the area’s year-round arts and culture programme. Here, you can enjoy theatre performances, film screenings and more. Movie lovers can also catch the latest blockbusters at the ODEON South Woodford.
Retail
Exchange Ilford shopping centre is a popular location for retail therapy, with high street shops like Primark, Next and H&M all in one place. Alternatively, markets and shopping centres in neighbouring boroughs are only a tube ride away.
Health and Fitness
Activities
Fairlop Waters is the largest country park and leisure facility in Redbridge. The park has facilities for bouldering, orienteering, sailing and much more.
Gyms
Residents can sign up for Vision membership, which provides access to Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre, Mayfield Leisure Centre, South Woodford Library & Gym, Wanstead Leisure Centre, and Woodford Green Library & Gym. Redbridge Council has also invested in 11 free-to-use outdoor gyms across the Borough.
Travel
Bicycles and Storage
Cycle routes run across Redbridge, as far out as Hainault Recreational Facilities. Residents without access to private bike storage can hire a local hangar space for an annual fee.
Additionally, locals have access to free cycle training provided by the council. Several cycling groups support the campaign and provide guided rides for novices to gain confidence on the roads.
Underground and Overground
Redbridge has 12 underground stations on the Central line, including stops at South Woodford, Newbury Park and Hainault. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) also has stops across the Borough in Ilford, Seven Kings and Goodmayes.
Night Travel
Redbridge features 12 tube stations on the Central Line, ensuring underground users will have access to late-night travel on Friday and Saturday nights.
Shared Ownership in Redbridge with Newlon Living
Newlon Living develops Shared Ownership properties in the London Borough of Redbridge. Browse our new-build and resale homes, and learn more about how to apply for the scheme today.