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Published: 01 December 2023

10 free things to do in Redbridge

Looking to find fun things to do with the family? Well, you don’t need to spend money to have a good time. Discover ten free activities to do in and around Redbridge with your family.

No.1 Walk the Wanstead Park loop 

The Wanstead Park loop is 3.4km and takes you through the park’s river and ponds.

This is a popular area, so for those of you seeking some solace, it’s best to go at less typically busy times.

The AllTrails website shows the exact route, as well as reviews of the walk. You can also view other nearby walks on their website. 

The starting point of the walk is at the following address: 

52 Northumberland Avenue 
Aldersbrook 
London 
E12 5HA 

No. 2 Work out at one of Redbridge’s outdoor gyms 

Outdoor gyms are free and accessible to everyone. You get all the benefits of an indoor gym such as cardio and strength training to support health and wellbeing, plus you’re getting an extra dose of vitamin D. 

There are eleven outdoor gyms across Redbridge. All are free and don't need to be booked.  

No.3 Visit Valentines Mansion 

Valentines Mansion was built in the seventeenth century for Elizabeth Tillostson, following the death of her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The mansion and gardens were restored in 2009, and you can visit the garden (and the Mansion’s rooms) for free between 10.30am to 4pm on Mondays and Sundays.  

Find out more on the Valentines mansion website 

No.4 Learn about the local history 

Redbridge Museum is the best way to learn about this Essex borough, that was created in 1965 by the London Government Act 1863. 

The museum includes exhibits on the area’s rural past, examples of typical homes over the years, and home videos and newsreels from World War II up to the present.

Redbridge Museum’s brand new, permanent exhibition has now re-opened following an exciting redevelopment.

More information is provided on the Vision website. 

No.5 Explore on wheels  

Whether you’ve got a bike, scooter, wheelchair or skateboard – you’ll explore further and faster on your wheels, and it’s also a fun way to exercise.

Feel the wind on your face and chase your shadow through the trees.

Find out more on the cycling pages.

No.6 Visit our libraries

Redbridge libraries offer a haven for book enthusiasts  and other people in search of a peaceful and eventful environment.

Our libraries offer an enormous array of books, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.

Visit our libraries page to find out more

No.7 Discover Redbridge’s Skate Parks 

Seven Kings Park and Forest Road Playing Fields in Hainault Recreation Ground offer purpose-built skate parks. With features like half-pipes, grind rails, and ramps, both parks provide the ideal space for skateboarding and rollerblading. 

No.8 Rainy day, welly day

When it's pouring with rain, what could be better than throwing on your wellies and waterproofs and splashing around in the puddles?

You just need rain, some waterproof clothing, wellies and yourself.

If you're running around, you could jump in puddles, squelch in mud, splash through paths and bounce across pavements around the park.

No. 9 Picnic in one of Redbridge’s Green Flag Award Parks 

Enjoy a relaxing day outdoors by picnicking in one of Redbridge’s Green Flag Award parks. These award-winning green spaces offer beautifully maintained grounds, perfect for a leisurely meal with family and friends. 

No.10 Fly a kite

When there's a bit of wind in the air it's the perfect time to enjoy kite flying.

Flying a kite is probably one of those things you think about doing when you're on holiday. But you can fly a kite anywhere if there's a bit of wind and an open space.