​​​​​Enjoy a fantastic day out with your own great company or with family, friends and local groups by exploring the history of Barking and Dagenham!

You could visit Eastbury Manor House, a National Trust site managed by Barking and Dagenham Council. Here you can explore the Visit England accredited ‘Hampton Court of the East’, it is one of London’s last remaining Tudor houses and is open for tours and self-led visits, you can discover its fascinating 460-year history by exploring its exhibitions and displays, or by watching its engaging introductory film (suitable for all ages) or you can just pop in to enjoy a cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake in the beautiful surroundings of the kitchen herb garden.

You could visit the moated Valence House Museum, which dates from medieval times, to find out more about local and family history in their Archives and Local Studies Centre and museum galleries, or view some fine portraits of the Fanshawe family, visit their tranquil gardens or enjoy refreshments in their Oasis tearoom.

Finally, you can visit the ruins of Barking Abbey which was founded in 666 AD. The only surviving building from this religious complex is the Curfew Tower, which is the only remaining building from this period in Barking and Dagenham.