Best Outdoor Activities in Ilford

"Starting just east of Chalkwell Station, this beach is the choice of people who value peace for winter walks or sunbathing hot summer days. Chalkwell Beach is removed from Southend’s bustling arcades and entertainment, and has a vast belt of pebbles and sand tracked by a quiet, residential esplanade. And even if Chalkwell Beach has a more restrained atmosphere, there are shops selling beach paraphernalia and amenities like cafes just behind."

"Out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Southend’s central seaside, Chalkwell beach offers a quieter beach area for relaxation."

"One minute the sea will be there, then at low tide it’s literally completely disappeared. (Hence why the pier needed to be so long back in the day!). The largest beach which is closest to everything is Jubilee Beach."

"Sopwell House Hotel is a grand affair, with more than 100 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and 12 acres of grounds to its name. Among all of that the best place to relax is in the cocktail lounge, where afternoon tea is served. It’s a long, breezy room that begins with a marble-topped bar and stretches all the way to a library, with little alcoves and giant sash windows along the way."

" A combination of hotel, leisure complex & conference centre, the former Georgian country home of Lord Mountbatten is just a 20-minute train ride ..." Read our full review"

"Restaurants Contemporary European Clapton. ‘Easy Rider’ meets east London hipster at Jim’s Café, a greasy spoon reborn with a little help from Hackney-based motorcycle collective Black Skulls. As a drop-in it’s very cool and custom-built for the neighbourhood."

"Clapton , Hackney"

"Restaurants Contemporary European Angel. There’s no denying that Frederick’s lush garden and expertly tended plants are a thing of beauty for those who sit outside at alfresco tables. However, the owners of this Islington classic have also struck gold with a spacious conservatory-style Garden Room that offers the same gorgeous outlook, but with the bonus of a roof that keeps unwelcome rain, excessive sunshine and wind at bay."

"The narrow frontage of this Camden Passage restaurant gives no hint of what's to be found at the back. One of London's great garden restaurant spaces, part of it's laid out in patio but there are also mature gardens too. It's popular as a wedding space though, so check ahead to see if it's booked out."

"Go bananas for Seven Dials Market in Seven Dials, an ex-banana warehouse turned glass-roofed chillout spot full of delicious nosh on every corner. Head downstairs if you're in need of a bite of street food, or upstairs for elegant terrazzo countertop cafes. Shop for artisan goodies at Cucumber Alley."

"This diverse market space can be found in the heart of Covent Garden and comes from the minds behind KERB. Explore their diverse range of vegan market stalls, with everything from plant-based tacos to steamed bao buns in cool and quirky Central London surroundings."

"Why stick to one cool restaurant when you can take your pick from some of London's finest bites?. Located in the hub of Covent Garden, Seven Dials Market is a stylish one-stop-shop of countertop cafes, street food vendors and a basement bar."

"GreenwichOne of the capital’s largest craft breweries, Meantime is also blessed with a supremely stylish taproom – hexagonal floors and mid-century wooden furniture – that begs to be settled into for a tasting session. Because at this award-winning spot, it’s all about the beers: even the burgers come with sauces made from the core house brews (Anytime IPA Hot and Sweet, Yakima Red Ale BBQ, Easytime Lager Marinara). Top tip: take some of the Chocolate Porter home with you – it’s perfect for putting in puddings."

"Located in Greenwich, the Meantime Brewing Company has the mission of demonstrating the full flavour potential that beer has to offer. The commercial brewing house was founded by world-class brewer Alastair Hook, who in 1999 started to invest in it from his flat. The first brew package was made in April 2000, and the first beer brand was called Union, a Vienna-style dark lager."

"According to founder Alistair Hook, “Great beer is at the heart of everything we do.” and we believe them. Having been born in 1999, well before craft beer became trendy, they’ve spent 20 years perfecting their beers and that has most definitely been time well spent. Have we saved the best brewery until last?"

"This two-time CAMRA award-winner just outside Old Street Tube features a list of 20-odd keg and cask beers from some of the best brewers in the country. Dark Star, Tiny Rebel, Siren, Kernel and Redemption are often well-represented on the bar top."