Car Hire Ilford - Mini guide to Ilford

Despite growing in size, modern East London retains a sense of community; close to the Thames River corridor, between the bustling metropolis and a quieter world of neighbouring towns and Essex countryside.

Valentines Mansion was designed in the 17th Century by James Chadwick and altered in the 18th Century by Sir Charles Raymond. It is popular with film-makers and its traditional garden is open to visitors.

Located on High Road, St Mary’s is the oldest Parish Church in llford. The Redbridge Museum, opened in 2000, contains permanent displays and hosts events and changing exhibitions. It also has a video wall, a specially designed children's trail and an object touch trail with braille and large print labels.

Ilford caters for all tastes and ages, with the many restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars dotted around the city. Ilford High Road is about a mile long and has a vast number of shops. Barkingside High Street has Fullwell Cross Swimming Pool and Recreation centre. Ilford Retail Park, opposite the police station, has a Fitness First centre and Farm foods. The Exchange shopping centre has something for everyone with over 100 shops. People in Ilford seem to have very busy feet with Latin American and Ballroom Dancing evenings regularly presented at the Town Hall on High Road.

Between the patchwork of East London streets and houses, there are many large green open spaces to discover gardens, tennis courts, bowling greens, lakes or even wildlife. Victoria Park in Hackney is exceptional. The other main parks include Goodmayes Park, Mayesbrook Park, Valentines Park and Barking Park.

Just four miles north is Hainault Forest, where you can tread through 600 acres of leafy woodland and there's also the historic Epping Forest close by. The Essex Sunshine Coast also provides a variety of great seaside resorts with miles of clean, safe, sandy beaches to choose from.

London Southend Airport and Stansted Airport are the closest to Iflord. Trains depart for London Liverpool Street every 15 minutes, the journey lasting roughly 13 minutes. Ilford is also easily accessible by road taking the southbound M1 and getting off at the M25 clockwise, then 24 miles later join the M11 at junction 27, and 7 miles later get off at the junction with the A406.