St. Andrew's Park

St Andrew's Park is a public park in Hornchurch, in the London Borough of Havering, owned and managed by Havering London Borough Council. It is a quiet green space in the heart of the old village, with a play area, a wildflower meadow and easy paths, and it is well loved by local families.

How did St Andrew's Park come about?

The local Hornchurch Urban District Council bought the land in 1928 from New College, Oxford. It came as two parcels of roughly 2.9 and 4.4 acres, about 7.3 acres in total. Council minutes first called it the Village Recreation Ground. Little changed before the war, and the park stayed a grassy area for general recreation and winter team sports.

Bigger investment followed after the Second World War. By the early 1960s the park had tennis courts, a putting green and a playground. Its name comes from the nearby parish church of St Andrew, which stands across the High Street.

What did the 2010 restoration change?

The park was substantially restored in 2010. New paths and recreational facilities were added, and the planting was designed with nature conservation in mind. Today St Andrew's Park is both a place to play and a small refuge for plants and insects.

What can you do here?

• Walk the hard-surfaced perimeter path, which can be used all year round, even after rain.
• Use the play area, which is split into two sections, and the multi-use games area (MUGA).
• Work out on the outdoor gym.
• Let children ride on the marked cycling roadway laid out on a former tennis court.
• Kick a ball around on the central grassy area, which is marked out for football in winter.
• Explore the wildflower meadow on the eastern side and the conservation area near the ball court.

The park holds Green Flag status, the UK award for well-managed green spaces. In 2019 it also won a Gold Award in the "Park of the Year" category at London in Bloom.

How do you get to St Andrew's Park?

There are two main entrances, on Burnway and Belleview. There is no car park on site, so public transport is the best option. Bus routes 165 and 370 serve the area, and Upminster Bridge and Emerson Park stations are nearby. Check the Havering council website for opening hours, as sources give slightly different information.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for St Andrew's Park? No. It is a public park run by the borough council and is free to enter.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes. It has a two-part play area, a multi-use games area and a cycling roadway for young riders on a former tennis court.

Can I drive there? The park has no car park of its own. Buses 165 and 370, or a walk from Upminster Bridge or Emerson Park stations, are better choices.

Is there wildlife to see? Yes. A wildflower meadow grows on the eastern side, and a conservation area sits near the ball court.

What else is there to see nearby? Across the High Street stands the parish church of St Andrew, which gave the park its name, and the centre of Hornchurch is pleasant for a short stroll.