Romantic walks less than an hour outside of Havering

Whether you are the gifting type or not, these walks provide the perfect chance to bundle up and take a leisurely stroll with your valentine.

1. Hockley Woods

Just a 35-minute drive outside Havering lies Hockley Woods, owned by Rochford District Council. 

According to the council, the area is the largest remaining patch of what were once the wild woods covering Essex after the Ice Age. 

There are a number of different tree species, a valley and a stream to see (Image: Google Maps) Hockley Woods spans 130 hectares and offer visitors two routes for their walking - a Valley stroll or a Boundary walk. 

Features on these walks include a stream, Cherry tree and Crab Apple tree. 

2. Paper Mill Lock

Over in Little Baddow, Chelmsford lies a charming walk route surrounded by tea rooms and tow paths. 

The Paper Mill Lock is just a 33-minute journey by car from the centre of Havering, and forms the halfway point of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. 

The river travels a total of fourteen miles from Chelmsford to the sea, with a tea room located at the seven mile mark and associated parking. 

Walkers can stroll along the towpaths of the river, passing colourful canal boats and wildlife. 

With a tea room at the halfway point, there is plenty to be explored at Paper Mill Lock (Image: Google Maps) Start your walk at the lock, going over the bridge and through the gate before following the towpath to the footbridge. 

After following the river and crossing some more footbridges, you can continue your walk by following signs. 

Using the footpath signage can lead you to stumble upon a kissing gate after passing Botters Farm. 

You can read about the history of the lock and walking routes at the site. 

3. Hadleigh Castle 

The 13th century ruins of this castle can be explored after a 39 minute drive outside of Havering. 

Visitors can enjoy overlooking the Thames Estuary from the town as well as views over the Essex Marshes. 

The castle was once a grand fortification built in 1215 at the time of Henry III. 

It has a fascinating history, being used as a defence base against the French due its strategic placement in the countryside, overlooking the nearby estuary during the Hundred Years War. 

Hadleigh Park is also a great place for a stroll after you have finished exploring the castle ruins (Image: Google Maps) READ MORE: Five 'romantic' restaurants in Romford for Valentine's Day

According to Historic England, the castle was once the favoured haunt of Edward III. 

However, his revere for the grounds was not continued by his successors and it was later demolished and sold as building materials. 

Visitors can walk over the rolling hills and read more about the history on nearby information boards.