Situated outside the hustle and bustle of central London is this neighbourhood known as Woodford. It boasts expansive green spaces, parks, lakes, and ponds, with many activities for individuals and families alike. The tree-lined streets, filled with picturesque family homes, restaurants, and local pubs give this area a charming vibe. Access and transportation into central London are plenty, despite what the peaceful village atmosphere may lead you to believe.

The beginnings of Woodford can be traced back to a medieval settlement of hamlets, which developed around the river in the area. In the 15th century and onwards, the wooded surroundings made the area attractive to wealthy Londoners interested in hunting and their mansions became a feature of Woodford. The building and expansion of the railway in the 19th century started to change the area from village to a suburb of London. This change was completed in 1965 when Woodford, Wanstead, and Ilford were grouped together to form the London Borough of Redbridge.

James Hilton, a British writer, lived in the neighbourhood area in the early 1900s. He wrote Goodbye Mr. Chips and Lost Horizon, in which he coined the now famous term ‘Shangri La’. Visitors today can see a blue plaque on his old house that commemorates his residence. Sir Winston Churchill is also associated with the area. He served as the MP for Woodford starting in 1945, during his second tenure as Prime Minister, until 1964, when he retired.

Did you know that the Woodford Green Cricket Club is one of country’s oldest clubs? Cricket has been played on the same green since 1735! Did you also know that the original members of the Woodford Golf Club had a membership fee of only £1.05? While this may seem like an amazing deal, that is equivalent to £125 today!

One of the downsides of living on the outskirts of London is that there are limited transportation options. There is only one tube stop in the neighbourhood area. However, there is a national rail service station close by and the occurrence of crime in the area is lower than the average in the rest of London.

Currently a former industrial site is being demolished and, in its place, will be a building filled with residential units and commercial floorspace, giving residents new living options and new options for businesses. Additionally, the new Elizabeth line will have a station in Ilford, very close to the locality. It is planned to open in 2022.