After visiting Barking & Dagenham’s country parks, why not explore the borough further by visiting one of the amazing heritage venues? Or even take a trip to the only Community Farm in the borough!
There’s Valence House Museum, the only surviving medieval manor house in Dagenham, Eastbury Manor House, a striking Elizabethan brick-built gentry house set in tranquil gardens and The White House, a public space for art and social activity!
Valence House Museum
Following extensive refurbishment in 2010, exciting galleries at Valence House Museum tell the story of Barking and Dagenham and its people throughout the ages. As well as exploring the museum, you can discover the tranquil herb garden and Dig for Victory plot, or research local and family history in the Archives and Local Studies Centre. Round off your visit by browsing in the shop or enjoying light refreshments in the Tulip Tree Tearoom. Valence House also offers a year-round programme of events for all the family.
Eastbury Manor House
Eastbury Manor House is an unexpected treasure in the heart of Barking! This Grade I listed Elizabethan house spans more than six centuries of history and it is open for tours and self-led visits and also hosts a wide range of family-friendly activities and events, including Cadbury’s Easter egg hunt, Eid at Eastbury, musical Shakespearian theatre with the Three Inch Fools and GLOW (a winter lights festival by Creative Barking and Dagenham).
The White House
The White House invite artists to live and work in the house, exploring new ways to collaborate with the local community, by becoming their neighbours. They host a public programme led by residents that ranges from poetry to painting to gardening. Our programme acts as a tool to address social, political and culturally relevant issues to our site and community, adopting approaches that challenge traditional hierarchies and aim to democratise decision-making across programming and how we run the house.
Wellgate Community Farm
Wellgate Farm is a focus for the community, creating an opportunity for people to grow, make a positive contribution and promote social cohesion. Home to a wide range of animals (including chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits and much more!) the farm offers a wide range of activities appealing to different parts of the community irrespective of age, ability, or background – including Farmer for a Day, Spinners and Knitters group and ‘Herbies’ gardening-based activities for children.