Abbey Green Park
Abbey Green is a peaceful space in the centre of Barking. It is home to the historic ruins of Barking Abbey, first built in AD 666. The remains sit beside St Margaret’s Church and offer a calm green space for everyone to enjoy.
Abbey Green is open to everyone and close to Barking Town Centre. Nearby parking includes North Street Shoppers Car Park and St Margaret’s Church and the closest station is Barking.
Key Information
Getting There
Location
Barking Abbey (Abbey Green), Abbey Road, Barking, Essex IG11 8AS
Contact
Email parksandenvironment@lbbd.gov.uk
Parking
North Street, Barking (Charges apply)
Accessibility
The park is accessible with well-maintained paths and stoned seating areas.
Abbey Ruins
Old stone walls and foundations showing where the abbey once stood.
Open Green Space
A quiet place to relax, walk or enjoy nature
Local History
Simple signs and features that share the story of Barking’s past.
Community Events
The Green is sometimes used for local activities and heritage events.
Pop‑Up Amenities
During community events and festivals, temporary stalls and facilities may be available.
Do's
Be kind to wildlife – Enjoy watching animals and birds, but don’t disturb them.
Walking your dog? Keep them under control and always keep them on a lead near:
- Playgrounds, play areas
- Lakes (to protect nesting birds)
- Public buildings
- Always clean up after your dog using the bins provided
Picnics are welcome! Just remember to take all your rubbish home with you.
Countryside byelaws
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, like other councils, has wide powers to make byelaws in relation to a range of areas under its control. Generally, byelaws seek to uphold good order, government and public health
Report to us
Please help the Ranger Service by reporting any problems you see or ideas that you have that will improve your enjoyment of the parks and nature reserves in the borough.
Don'ts
Don’t harm or disturb wildlife – It’s against the law to hurt or scare wild animals or birds.
Don’t damage or disturb animal homes like nests or burrows, especially during breeding season.
No hunting or capturing. No traps, nets, or snares – These can harm protected animals.
Birds of prey can only be brought in with permission. Please see the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
No fishing, except at Eastbrookend Country Park (with a valid rod licence). Check fishing rules here.
No swimming in lakes or walking on them when they are frozen.
No model boats.
Fires, and barbecues are strictly forbidden.
Camping is not allowed.
No setting up tents, gazebos, or marquees without permission.
Don’t climb on:
- Fences, walls, or railings
- Trees or park structures (enclosures, posts…etc)
- No motorbikes in the park
- No model aircrafts or drones
- No selling or trading in the park
Café at St Margaret’s Church
Next to the ruins. It serves light lunches and drinks, especially on Thursdays.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming events
Abbey Green hosts a variety of community events and activities throughout the year. Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming events.
Wild and Free in LBBD
Each year the Barking & Dagenham Park Ranger Service invites local residents to share their experiences of LBBD’s parks through the Wild & Free Photo Competition.
Friends of the parks
Are you interested in making a positive contribution to the management and development of your local park? Then please join the Friends group to help make a difference.
Community groups
Read more about some of the brilliant local organisations (that we sometimes partner with) who support the local community and help make our borough a better place to live.
Things to do -
Click on the icons to find out more!
More Information
