Cottons Park and Raphael Park in Romford 'not to be missed'

I went to Romford for the first time not expecting much - a few shops, maybe a coffee, then back on the train.

But what I found - especially in its parks - was something far better: real green space, genuine calm, and a few geese I’m pretty sure now know me by face.

After picking up a few bits in the Liberty shopping centre, I grabbed a meal deal and wandered over to Cottons Park, just a short walk from the bustle of the high street.

Cottons Park (Image: Poppy Huggett)

It’s one of those spaces that feels immediately local - kids on scooters, couples sunbathing, and a quiet hum of relaxed conversation.

I took my lunch to the sculpture circle, a shaded spot ringed with stone carvings that look part art installation, part secret meeting point.

The skate ramps in Cottons Park (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Tucked just far enough from the busier play areas and skate ramps, it made the perfect little picnic corner.

• READ MORE: 'I went to Romford for the first time and found great parks and even better people'

But the real highlight of my Romford day came later: Raphael Park.

Raphael Park (Image: Poppy Huggett)

A longer walk from the centre - about 30 minutes - it’s the kind of place you don’t expect to find tucked between suburbia and traffic.

The park is bigger than you'd guess, shaped around Black’s Lake, with Black’s Brook running gently alongside.

Wildlife at Raphael Park (Image: Poppy Huggett)

It's all part of what used to be the Gidea Hall Estate, gifted to the people of Havering and opened to the public in 1904.

There’s something almost storybook about Raphael Park.

The band stand (Image: Poppy Huggett)

You’ve got the bandstand - originally built in 1904 and still used for summer performances - the sweeping lawns, and families scattered on picnic blankets.

I sat and watched people feed the ducks, surprised by how calm and friendly the birds were.

Locals feeding the geese (Image: Poppy Huggett)

The geese were out in force, including a very protective mother goose with a line of fluffy baby goslings waddling close behind her.

The lake stole the show, but just nearby was a lovely surprise - CREM Kitchen, the park’s lakeside café.

CREM Kitchen (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Set on a wooden deck with views across the water, the café had a quiet buzz about it.

 A group of ladies were sat out on the decking, raising glasses and celebrating a 50th birthday, while couples relaxed with their coffees, soaking up the afternoon sun.

Path that leads you to CREM Kitchen (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Run by chef Megha Arora, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and worked in Michelin-starred kitchens across the globe, CREM offers a refreshing twist on the usual park café with clean, healthy dishes inspired by world cuisines.

Romford might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of London’s loveliest parks, but I think that’s why I liked it so much.

Raphael Park is genuinely stunning (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Cottons Park offers a real slice of everyday local life - all skateboards, shaded benches, and space to breathe – and the magic was in Raphael Park.

Managed by Havering Council, both parks are part of a wider green network that’s earned multiple Green Flag awards.

Black's Lake (Image: Poppy Huggett)

Everything from the water management in the lake to the landscaping and play areas feels cared for - not overly polished, just looked after.

I didn’t make it to Bedfords Park this time, but now I know it's there, it’s on the list.

Because if Romford has more parks like these, I’ll be back. Sun out, meal deal in hand, and ready to say hello again to the geese.