Forest Road, Barkingside, Ilford IG6 3HN
Fairlop Waters Country Park
Parkland
Source image
5.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.5A large lake and a network of park paths sit alongside an unusual lakeside boulder park: nine shaped concrete boulders designed for solo climbing and traversing.
Fairlop Waters is a lively, activity-led country park rather than a remote escape. The lake, natural walking routes and distinctive boulder park give it more to do than a routine urban green space, though its appeal rests on recreation rather than a strongly evidenced wildlife or heritage story.
Family-buzz · Active
Find your way
Open mapForest Road, Barkingside, Ilford IG6 3HN
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The experience
Combine a walk on the park’s accessible pathways with views of the lake. If available and suitable, add a visit to the lakeside boulder park or check which water-based activities are currently operating. These activities have separate facilities or arrangements; do not assume general access to the water.
Things to do
Walk the park pathways
Take a walk through the country park on the accessible pathways described by the operator, or use the network of natural routes to get closer to wildlife. No specific circuit or distance is verified here.
Explore the lakeside boulder park
See the nine sculpted concrete boulders beside the lake. The operator says they vary in height and shape and are designed for solo climbing and traversing; check current access and any participation requirements.
Look out over the lake
Pause by the large lake, which the operator identifies as a setting for watersports including sailing, rowing and windsurfing. This does not establish permission for independent swimming or paddling.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Quick lake-and-park visit
- 01
Use the park’s pathways for a short walk and take in the lake.
- 02
If open, visit the lakeside boulder park and look over its nine differently shaped concrete climbing boulders.
- 03
Check current parking charges and facility availability before setting out.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it
- 01
Follow a walk through the park using its accessible pathways or natural routes.
- 02
Spend time by the lake and explore the boulder park from the paths and viewing areas.
- 03
Check with the operator whether the bar, restaurant or any activities are open and available on your visit.
Hidden details
Nine boulders by the lake — The boulder park is made up of nine individual sprayed and carved concrete forms, designed for solo climbing and traversing and described by the operator as suitable for a range of standards.
When to go
· No evidence supplied to recommend a particular time of day.
The operator describes pathways for year-round use. No seasonal wildlife or other seasonal highlight is verified in the supplied sources.
Check conditions and current operator information before visiting; no site-specific weather guidance was supplied.
What to look for
- 01
The nine individual concrete boulders beside the lake, which vary in shape and height
- 02
the contrast between the accessible park paths and its more natural routes
- 03
and the lake as the park’s central feature.
Best time to go
Year-round for walking; check current information for activities and facilities.
No particularly favourable time of day is established by the supplied evidence. Check current park and activity information before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Walkers · Groups
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-9pm
- Tuesday: 10am-9pm
- Wednesday: 10am-9pm
- Thursday: 10am-9pm
- Friday: 10am-9pm
- Saturday: 10am-9pm
- Sunday: 10am-9pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The park’s official operator describes accessible pathways and natural routes for visitors. Check current opening and access information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
The operator lists a car park and published charges of £1.80 for up to 1 hour, £3.10 for 1–2 hours and £6.40 all day. Check current prices before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The supplied source information lists a public toilet; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The operator describes an on-site bar and restaurant. Check current opening and service details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current rules with the park operator before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The operator says accessible pathways are available year-round. It also lists wheelchair-accessible facilities; check the operator for specific route and facility details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Fairlop Waters Country Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
