Romford and Essex days out with a skate

An hour on the ice fits neatly into a bigger day out. Here are some easy pairings around Romford and Essex, and where to stay if you are coming for a weekend of hockey or a skating competition.

In and around Romford

Romford town centre: the rink sits among the shopping centres, the Market Place, home to a market since the 13th century, and plenty of places to eat.
Raphael Park and Lodge Farm Park: green space within walking distance of the town centre, with a lake, play areas and a café.
Havering Country Park and Bedfords Park: woodland walks a short drive north, with views back over London from Bedfords.
The Ingrebourne Valley and Hornchurch Country Park: wetland walks and wildlife on the old RAF Hornchurch airfield.

Further into Essex

Lakeside, West Thurrock: shopping, a lakeside boardwalk and restaurants, about 20–30 minutes by car.
Thorndon Country Park, Brentwood: ancient woodland and a big lake with a café.
Chelmsford: combine a skate at the Riverside rink with the city centre and Hylands Park. See the Riverside guide.
Southend-on-Sea: the pier and seafront, about 40 minutes by car, or by train changing at Shenfield.

Into London

The Elizabeth line from Romford reaches Stratford in about 15 minutes and central London in about half an hour, so a skate in Romford can sit alongside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City or a West End show. In winter, look out for London's seasonal outdoor rinks too.

Where to stay

Most visitors come for the day, but hockey supporters following an away team and families at skating competitions often stay overnight. Romford has chain hotels in and near the town centre, and Brentwood, Chelmsford and Stratford are all a short train ride away.

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