Things To Do
in Romford

Vibrant street scenes, colourful stalls and local characters make the market a lively place for candid urban photography, especially in the morning.

A leafy Victorian park with a boating lake, ornamental gardens and a rose garden — great for nature, portrait and golden-hour shots.

Riverside paths and coastal marshland provide striking landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities, especially for birds and sunsets.

Town-centre architecture, pedestrianised shopping streets and the clock tower area capture everyday London suburb life and street-portrait opportunities.

A hearty plate of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast — easily found in local cafés and breakfast spots across the town centre.

Must-Try!

A classic British dish available at takeaway shops and pubs; look for freshly fried fish with chunky chips and mushy peas.

Roast beef, lamb or chicken with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy — best enjoyed at a traditional pub on a Sunday afternoon.

Romford’s South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants offer robust curries, biryanis and grilled meats — widely available around the high street.

A long-established market running most days with stalls selling fresh produce, hot street food, pies, pastries and multicultural snacks — ideal for casual tasting and bargains.

Scattered street vendors and small takeaway shops offer quick eats like kebabs, falafel, Asian noodles and British pastries.

Forming orderly queues is the norm — join the end and wait your turn, especially at bus stops, ticket counters and checkouts.

A polite, reserved manner is appreciated; say please and thank you, and use light small talk in social settings or when asking for help.

Maintain personal space on public transport and in queues and avoid loud, intrusive behaviour in public places.

Smoking is prohibited inside most public buildings and many covered public areas; public drinking rules vary but pubs and licensed venues are the norm for alcohol consumption.

Tipping is discretionary; in restaurants 10–15% is common if service charge is not included. For cafés and takeaways tipping is optional (many people round up or leave small change). Taxi drivers are usually tipped by rounding up or adding 10%.

Contactless cards, Chip & PIN and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is still used but less common; some market stalls may prefer cash, so keep small notes and coins handy.

Warmest months bring park activity, market bustle, and outdoor events; expect comfortable daytime temperatures but occasional rain — perfect for park picnics and open-air photography.

Crisp air and colourful foliage in local parks make for good walking and photography; temperatures cool and layers are recommended for variable weather.

Colder, short daylight hours and occasional frost or snow; indoor attractions, cafés and pubs become more appealing. Pack a warm coat and waterproof shoes.

Blossom and new growth in parks and gardens, milder temperatures and increasing outdoor activity — a great time for walks and birdwatching in reserves.

A scenic riverside trail following the River Ingrebourne with wetlands, meadows and birdlife — relatively flat and accessible for most walkers.

Historic parkland with woodlands, ponds and formal landscapes offering well-marked trails, good for family walks and seasonal photography.

Ancient woodland and heathland with varied paths, cycling routes and nature trails — popular for longer country walks not far from Romford.

Coastal marshland reserve with hides and boardwalks for birdwatching and flat walking routes, excellent for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Closest airport for business and short-haul flights; reachable by car or public transport via central London connections in around 30–60 minutes depending on route and time of day.

Major hub for many European and low-cost carriers, located to the north-east; accessible by train from central London or by road in roughly 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Smaller regional airport serving some European routes; reachable by rail/road connections in under an hour depending on service and traffic.

The largest London airport with global connections; typically a 45–90 minute drive depending on traffic or longer by public transport using cross-London links.

Historically the largest demographic group in the area, contributing to local cultural traditions and community life.

Significant communities with vibrant contributions to the local culinary scene and independent businesses; many restaurants and shops reflect these cultures.

Active in local commerce and community organisations, adding to the multicultural character of the town.

A visible presence in shops, market stalls and small enterprises, further diversifying local services and food options.