Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre is perfect for a day out, whether you are walking, cycling, bird watching or just enjoying the wildlife. The Centre built on the former R.A.F. Hornchurch aerodrome provides a focal point and information resource, fantastic views of the river, marsh and reed beds of the living landscape of Ingrebourne Valley .

The Centre is open to visitors seven days a week, 9am - 5pm with a café offering Barrista coffee, teas, cakes, sandwiches and hot food. There is a shop selling various items including; Wild Bird care products, books, food gifts and wide selection of toys, games and military items to take home or use in the park, including everything you need to discover the local wildlife and local history.

The Centre has an education space offering regular events and walks for adults and children, including weekly sessions for toddlers and birdwatchers. The room is also available to hire for parties, talks and meetings. We have a Yoga Class, and regular Historical talks, Bat Walks and Astronomy Evenings.

Hornchurch Country Park was awarded the Gold Medal again this year for the Best Country Park for London in Bloom and is a designated Local Nature Reserve.The Park and Centre are located in the Ingrebourne Valley which comprises 261 hectares of unique interconnecting habitats; including river, open water, marsh, grassland, reedbed, secondary and ancient woodlands with rides, scrub, hedgerows and important arable farmland and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The park is well connected to other green spaces in the borough including Ingrebourne Hill and Rainham Marshes and is listed as part of the National Cycle Network.

This varied and unique landscape in turn attracts a diverse selection of wildlife with birds such as; Cuckoo, Kingfisher, Warblers, Wildfowl, Waders and nesting Owls which are clearly visible from the Centre Cafe. Plovers and Buntings inhabit the arable land and mammals including Weasel, Stoat and Fox can sometimes be seen on the paths and woodland.

The park and surrounding area is a former R.A.F. Base and was used during both World Wars. Squadrons of Spitfires based here played an important role protecting London during the Battle of Britain. Various artefacts and relics of the site's history are still visible including E-Pens, aircraft dispersal bay, pillboxes and Tett turrets and there is a children's play area including a climb on aeroplane. You can pick up a map in the centre that will guide you around the park.

The Centre supports excellent information technology, including a river camera and 'live' nest box cameras.

Our newly opened 'Memory Booth' enables Visitors to upload their memories and read stories of this historical site.

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