Description
Westwood Recreation Ground is a rolling parkland bisected by the canalised Kings Water, dammed at the centre of the park to form a small pond, with a bridge over the channel. Dating from c.1930s, the park is almost entirely surrounded by houses, with access from east and north through Gothic style gates and the area is surrounded by bare 2m high concrete slatted walls. There are notable C19th limes and planes in the north corner and scattered trees include holly, lime and ash. The children's playground is large and has landscaped mounds and a red metal bridge.
Practical Information
| Site location | Meads Lane, Westwood Road, Ilford |
|---|---|
| Postcode | IG3 |
| What3Words | ///fact.lease.scales |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Redbridge |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Public Transport | Rail: Goodmayes, Seven Kings, Ilford then bus. Bus: 364. |
| Research Updated | 1 September 2006 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ459877 |
|---|---|
| Site Ownership | LB Redbridge |
| Site Management | Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure Ltd |
| Dates | c.1930s |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Redbridge |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes - Local Importance |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Local Open Space |
Gallery
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
The Seven Kings area had developed rapidly after the Great Eastern Railway opened the station here. Originally called Seven Kings and Goodmayes Recreation Ground, the park was opened in 1902, laid out on land donated to the borough in 1900 by A. Cameron Corbett, who developed much of Ilford and later became Lord Rowallan. The house of Downshall Farm was demolished to make way for the park and the surrounding estate was developed c.1914. Among facilities provided in Seven Kings Park were an ornate bandstand and bowling green, both of which remain, together with formal planting in a symmetrical layout of beds, largely roses, some trees and shrubs.
Barley Lane Recreation Ground dates from the 1950s, and is home to Barley Bowls Club, which was established in 1957. The 1:2500 Ordnance Survey map of 1961 records the park laid out with a bowling green and pavilion, tennis courts, paths and planting, and provided with facilities such as public toilets. To the north of the recreation ground is Barley Lane Primary School, built in 1952 as part of the education facilities provided by the County Council.
Seven Kings (United) Methodist Church originated in 1903 as a Society of the United Methodist Free church, services first being held in the Central Hall. The red brick church designed by George Baines & Son, has a circular spire. It opened in 1905 and was later enlarged in 1923. One of the leading members of this church was A E Williams, secretary and biographer of Dr Barnardo. The church stands in a triangular landscaped site on sloping ground surrounded by iron railings and hedging separating it from the roads or footpath at the back. The side door to the church on Seven Kings Road is reached by a cantilevered path over the steep slope of the garden.The church garden has an avenue of trees flanking the path from the gate at the apex of the triangle to the main entrance at the junction of Balmoral Gardens and Seven Kings Road. Planting includes silver birch, holly and pine trees, and shrubs including yucca at the side slopes.