Location & History
With its rich history, excellent Elizabeth Line transport links and diverse community, Ilford has something for everyone. Locals love its green spaces such as the 150 Acre Valentines Park and the hidden gem which is Ilford Golf Club.
Independent shops, bars and restaurants are plentiful. The housing stock incudes a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s houses, along with converted flats and modern build apartments.
Hot spots are The Garden City Estate, The Cathedral Estate, North Ilford and The Commonwealth Estate. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to schooling, with both independent and state-run primary and secondary schools within the local area.
Why Ilford
Locals love its green spaces such as the 150 Acre Valentines Park and the hidden gem which is Ilford Golf Club. Independent shops, bars and restaurants are plentiful. The housing stock incudes a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s houses, along with converted flats and modern build apartments.
Hot spots are The Garden City Estate, The Cathedral Estate, North Ilford and The Commonwealth Estate. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to schooling, with both independent and state-run primary and secondary schools within the local area. Contact Senior Manager Mark Sinclair and his team to find your perfect property.
Transport Links
Ilford is an exceptionally well connected with Elizabeth Line and Central line stations that travel through the centre of London, road links to the M25 and M11 motorways and close proximity to one of Londons’ international airports.
- Ilford Station (Elizabeth Line) – Ilford Station is situated on the Elizabeth Line, providing excellent access into the city. It takes an average of 19 minutes to travel from Ilford to London Liverpool Street by train; a distance of around 7 miles (11 km).
- A12, A406 and M11 – The Eastern Avenue (A12) connects on to the M11 motorway and North Circular (A406) at Redbridge Roundabout, giving access to key locations such as Stratford (via the A406), Canary Wharf (via the A13 from Beckton Roundabout) as well as access to the M11 motorway. The M11 connects to the M25 and provides a speedy route (depending on traffic) to Stansted Airport.
- Stansted Airport – Easily accessible via the M11 motorway, Stansted Airport serves over 160 destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa. It is located near Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, northeast of London.
Education
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to schooling, with both independent and state run primary and secondary schools within the IG1 postcode.
Primary Schools include:
Christchurch, Cleveland Road, Cranbrook, Highlands, Isaac Newton Academy and Woodlands.
Secondary schools include:
Isaac Newton Academy, Loxford School and The Ursuline Academy.
Outdoor Space
- Valentines Park – An award winning park securing the prestigious Green Flag, that stretches over 150 acres. Within the park are two children’s play areas, two cafes (each with a selection of food and beverages), a boating lake, cricket grounds, tennis courts and cycle routes. The park was originally the parkland to Valentines Mansion and Gardens, built in around 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson and her family after the death of her husband, the Archbishop of Canterbury. At that time the new brick house stood in open countryside, several miles from the edge of London. The park has a diverse tree collection. This includes a 300-year-old field maple, ornamental gardens, flowering meadows and a network of accessible paths for locals to enjoy. Perfect for a day out with the family or friends (or even by yourself!).
- Fairlop Waters Country Park – The largest country park and leisure facility in the London Borough of Redbridge with accessible pathways for all, everyone can enjoy a walk through the country park all year round, as well as a through a network of natural routes. The country park is also equipped with a large lake, providing a location for water sports such as sailing, rowing and windsurfing. It is situated in a fine area of outstanding natural beauty, allowing us to experience the Essex countryside.
- Clayhall Park – A mature well landscaped park set in one of Ilford’s premier residential areas, as well as boasting a Green Flag Award. Within the park is a formal rose garden, pagoda and an impressive avenue of mature horse chestnut trees. Complete with a small maze with wheelchair access, the Rose Garden provides beautiful scenery and a relaxing escape from the rest of the park. The park has two play areas, one for younger children and one for older children. More facilities include: tennis courts, an outdoor gym, a bowling green, cricket and football pitches for hire and outdoor table tennis.
- Wanstead Park – Once a formal landscape surrounding the great Wanstead Manor, Wanstead Park is a is Grade II* listed park. Though the house is gone, the Park remains and provides a perfect venue for relaxing and escaping the urban sprawl. The park covers an expansive area of about 140 acres. Locals can explore the Park using the circular Chestnut Trail, ride their bike and enjoy a leisurely ride on the Park’s main paths or even enjoy a picnic at the water’s edge – on the grass or under the trees.
- Ilford Golf Course – Ilford Golf Club, founded in 1907, is a traditional members club which offers a warm welcome to both members and visitors alike. The course is located just off Wanstead Park Road and readily accessible from the A12 and A406. The club contains a clubhouse facility with both male and female changing rooms, toilets and disabled facilities. Furthermore, it offers a member’s bar, dining and main bar lounge, where you can order hot and cold refreshments when kicking back and enjoying those long summer evenings.
Eating Out
Ilford offers a diverse culinary scene and a range of restaurants.
Cranbrook Road is lined with a mix of chain restaurants, cafes and local eateries. Some of our favourites include:
- Sultan Turkish Restaurant – a delicious Turkish restaurant and take-away, offering mezze dishes ranging from hot to cold, vegetarian to meat-based and often eaten with delicious bread.
- German Doner Kebab – grabbing a doner box from German Doner Kebab, known locally as “GDK”, is a mouth-watering experience. The boxes contain lean succulent beef and pure chicken fillets, combined with cheese and salad depending on your preference.
The town centre is filled with eating out options and chains, including:
- Nando’s – the popular South African multinational fast food chain that specialises in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken.
- Big Moe’s Diner & Smokehouse – A 1950s style popular dining establishment that offers a unique combination of American-style diner classics and flavorful smokehouse dishes. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its welcoming ambiance, generous portions and delicious food.
Ilford Lane (just south of Ilford Station and the town centre) is known for its multicultural dining options and variety of cuisines. Popular cuisines include Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi food. Popular options include:
- Franzos – Known by locals for its flame-grilled chicken served with a variety of their Piri Piri sauces, their menu is all about creating flavour from the vibrant street markets of East Africa and Asia.
- Manjaros – A cuisine based on a blend of African and Caribbean flavours, their dishes have been prepared to create spices commonly used throughout different generations in Africa and the Caribbean islands.
Entertainment
Ilford offers a range of events and entertainment options for its residents and visitors. These include:
- The Kenneth Moore Theatre – Officially opened on the 3rd of January 1975, The Kenneth Moore Theatre features an auditorium which seats 350 people and a small studio theatre. The venue hosts a range of productions such as plays, musicals and comedy shows.
- Redbridge Central Library and Museum – The library offers a range of services, study spaces and children’s library, as well as computer and internet access. Redbridge Museum can be found on the second floor of the library where visitors can explore 200,000 years of local history.
- Ilford Exchange Shopping Centre – Located at the heart of Ilford, The Exchange is the main retail shopping mall of Ilford and has everything you need. From gadgets to fashion or even a quick bite to eat. It is located on Ilford High Road in the town centre and opened on the 6th of September 1991.
- Cineworld – Cinema lovers will benefit from a Cineworld Multiplex in the town centre, providing a great way to enjoy the latest films.
