Starting at Valentines Mansion and Gardens, a 5–minute walk from Gants Hill tube station, or short bus journey from Ilford Station (routes 128, 296, 150, 396, 167 stopping at Valentines Mansion and Park), take some time to explore the extensive grounds which feature Rococo Grottoes. The gardens include the Old English Garden, a Victorian Rose Garden and a Walled Kitchen Garden. Use the opportunity to enjoy refreshments at the Gardeners Cottage Café which is open daily.

Upon leaving Valentines Mansion and Gardens, take a bus back to Ilford Train Station. Head towards Chadwell Heath, it should take under 10 minutes. From Chadwell Heath, take the 62 bus and alight at Becontree Avenue. From here is it a short walk to Valence House. Discover the history of this elegant home and the owners’ changing fortunes. You can explore the house using fantastic family resources such as the Explorer Back Pack, and enjoy the Museum looking at the more recent history of the area. You will then be able to relax in the glorious grounds around the house and visit the Dig For Victory garden.

Come and see how the well-to-do in society built their homes in the 16th and 17th centuries. Starting at Eastbury Manor House, take in this breathtaking Elizabethan gentry house. Inside, visit the beautiful rooms and displays, explaining the history and survival of this unique treasure in Barking. You can also enjoy their tranquil walled garden with bee-boles.

After leaving Eastbury Manor, take a short car journey to Valentines Mansion and Gardens. This delightful 17th-century home has a stunning Victorian kitchen, as well as manicured gardens and the delightful Gardeners Cottage Café.

Morning

Havering Museum in Romford is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am-5pm, why not pay a visit to learn about Upminster and other the towns in Havering before coming to the Old Chapel and the Windmill? The 248 and 370 buses go from Romford Station and stop at Upminster Windmill. There is also a train service between Romford and Upminster that operates every half an hour on Saturdays.

Afternoon
The Old Chapel was built in 1800 by local Protestant Dissenters. It retains the original gallery from 1800, a pulpit designed by a congregation member in 1873 and a full immersion Baptistry Pool. As well as learning about the history of the building, there are regular event days at the Old Chapel. You can combine a visit to Upminster Windmill opposite. The Windmill was built in 1803 by James Noakes, who also funded the building of the Old Chapel. The millers of the Windmilll worshipped at the Old Chapel throughout Victorian times, linking the history of the two buildings. The Mill has much of its original machinery and offers free tours to learn about how it works.

The Old Chapel is open on the first and third Sunday of the month, April–October from 2pm-5pm. The Windmill is currently closed for restoration; a new Visitor Centre will be open in 2020.