Barking Park
Coronavirus update
We understand that the borough’s parks are vitally important for both physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, our green spaces will remain open at this time.
However, the government’s social distancing guidelines now apply. This is a priority and not a choice. While you can currently still go for a walk or exercise outdoors, you must stay more than 2 metres (6 feet) from each other and not use children’s playgrounds or outdoor gym equipment.
We have taken the difficult decision to close Barking Park visitor centre and the Discovery Centre at Eastbrookend Country Park. Similarly, to support social distancing guidelines, Barking Park café is takeaway only and Splash Park facilities must be booked in advance.
For the latest information on changes to our park facilities and services, including opening times and social distancing, please check our updates page:
Latest changes to our park services and facilities
Barking Park covers nearly 30 hectares and is the second oldest park in the borough (opened in 1898).
The park is at Longbridge Road, Barking IG11 8UD.
- Facilities
- Cafe in the park
- Events
- Boat and pedalo hire
- Access for disabled users
- Opening hours
- Barking and District Indoor Bowls Club
- Cycling clubs
- School visits
- Room hire at Barking Park Centre
- Community activities and involvement
Facilities
- visitor centre
- children's play area
- 910 metre long lake with boat and pedalo hire
- wildlife areas including ornamental shrubberies and wildflower meadows
- community orchard
- playing field
- free tennis, basketball and 5-a-side football courts
- indoor bowls club - call 020 8594 9250 for more information
- football pitches for hire
- sports pavilion
- skate park
- bicycle racks and cycle ways
- splash park (open from April to September)
- a cafe
- public toilets
- an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities (radar key operated, please see on site staff for access)
- allotments
- War memorial - see the list of all the names on the war memorial (PDF, 146KB)
Cafe in the park
The Big friendly Coffee offers great coffee, delicious food, amazing selection of freshly baked pastries and ice creams. Family friendly with play area for children.
For more information, their menu and opening hours please visit The Big friendly Coffee website.
Events
There is an interesting and exciting annual programme of events and activities including:
- a park open day
- play sessions
- educational walks and talks
The park also hosts an increasing number of community events each year, such as:
- an annual firework display
- fun fairs
- a circus
Boat and pedalo hire
Boat and pedalo hire is available at all weekends and public and school holidays (from 10am to 6pm) between April and October.
You can find the boating jetty half way down the lake, outside the cafe.
Dogs are not allowed.
Smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the boating lake.
The boat hire concession is operated independently.
For more information and current prices please check the Boathouse Barking website or contact them directly on 07834 030 415.
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
Opening hours
Park gates are opened at 6.30am each day and locked at these times:
- Spring and Summer (1 April to 30 September) - 10pm
- Autumn and Winter (1 October to 31 March) - 7pm
Barking and District Indoor Bowls Club
Barking and District Indoor Bowls Club was founded in 1965.
The present club premises in Barking Park opened in 1970 and is the only purpose built indoor bowls facility in the borough.
Facilities:
- six national standard rinks for play
- changing rooms
- licensed bar
- catering facilities
The club welcomes new members and membership is open to all.
The club also organises ‘have a go’ sessions for anyone who has not played bowls before but is interested in taking up the sport.
Fees and charges
Pay and play:
Rink fee of approximately:
- £3 for 2 hours for members
- £6 for 2 hours for non members
Cost of social or club membership are available on enquiry.
Coaching available by arrangement.
Opening times
Club open from 1 October to 30 April.
9.30am to 8.30pm (subject to demand)
How to join
Anyone interested in joining the club and playing bowls in a relaxed and friendly environment should contact the Club Secretary:
Barking and District Indoor Bowls Club
Bowls Centre, Barking Park, Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8TA
020 8594 9250
Cycling clubs
Go Ride
There are a number of lead bike rides organised by British Cycling which leave from the park across the year.
School visits
We offer a year-round programme of outdoor learning at Eastbrookend with our Outdoor Classroom environmental education and outdoor learning sessions.
Room hire at Barking Park Centre
There are two rooms at Barking Park Centre that are available for hire by community groups and members of the public for meetings, celebrations and talks.
The Classroom is the largest room with sliding doors into the courtyard and has a capacity of:
- 40 people standing
- 30 people sitting theatre-style
- 20 people boardroom style (sitting around a table)
Hire costs for the Classroom are £22.90 per hour. There is a minimum booking of 1.5 hours.
The Seminar Room is the smaller room with sliding doors onto the grassed area of the courtyard and has a capacity of:
- 20 people standing
- 20 people sitting theatre-style
- 12 people boardroom style (sitting around a table)
Hire costs for the Seminar Room are £15.70 per hour. There is a minimum booking of 1.5 hours.
For information on room hire, please call 020 8227 2332.
Community activities and involvement
We’re keen to involve park users and the local community in our decision making.
You can:
- attend events and activities organised by the Ranger service
- join the Barking Park Friends group
- volunteer and becoming involved in nature conservation work
For those who want to broaden their experience volunteering at Barking Park can assist with obtaining further work in:
- horticulture
- nature conservation
- park management