Havering Museum
Volunteer-run museum in Romford’s former brewery building telling the story of Havering from prehistory to today.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Havering Museum tells the history of the London Borough of Havering from prehistory to the present day, and celebrates the achievements of local people. The idea came from a small band of local people, including librarians and historians. In 2008 the project, in partnership with the London Borough of Havering, received a Heritage Lottery grant, and the museum opened in May 2010.
The museum is in the ground floor of the old Romford Brewery building in the centre of Romford. It is completely volunteer led and is an Arts Council England accredited museum. A charity runs it, and the income it earns goes to keeping the museum open.
Visitors enter through reception and the shop, and two permanent galleries explore local history through different themes. Everything is on one level, which makes the showcases and graphics easy to view for everyone. A temporary exhibition room and a learning zone are used by schools, community groups and for regular events and talks.
The museum collects and preserves objects that record the history of the borough and offers school sessions, themed loan boxes, talks and volunteering opportunities.
Highlights
- Two permanent galleries on Havering’s history from prehistory to today
- Housed in the old Romford Brewery building
- Entirely on one level and wheelchair accessible
- Themed loan boxes and school visits
Permanent exhibition
- Permanent galleries on the history of Havering – Two galleries explore the story of the borough through different themes, from prehistory to the present day, and celebrate the achievements of local people.
- Founded
- 2010
- Operated by
- Havering Museum Ltd (registered charity no. 1093763)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Children up to 16 are free and must be supervised at all times. |
| Groups (10+ people) | £2 per personGroup visits or guided tours for 10 people or more cost £2 per head; tea, coffee and biscuits can be arranged on request. |
| Annual season ticket – adult | £15 |
| Annual season ticket – senior citizen | £12 |
Adult admission is £3. Annual season tickets are available.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is completely wheelchair accessible. It is all on the ground floor, and the showcases and graphics are designed to be easy to view for everyone.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
|---|
The shop stocks pocket-money toys and books for younger visitors. Children up to 16 enter free when supervised.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Romford station
Romford station is on the Liverpool Street to Southend line, with Shenfield trains most often. From the station turn left along South Street to the Golden Lion pub, then left along the High Street; the museum is about 100 yards on the left. Many bus routes, including 66, 86, 103, 128, 165, 174, 175 and 296, stop at Romford Market.
By car
Parking available
The closest car park is the Brewery car park (postcode RM1 1AU), which has 24-hour access.
By car, leave the M25 at junction 29 and follow the A127 towards London, then the A118 to Romford and the ring road. Check the closing times of car parks before evening events.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop is just inside the entrance and free to browse during opening hours. It sells local history books, souvenir mugs, postcards, maps and toys for younger visitors.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 50 guests.
The Exhibition Hall holds up to 50 people and the Learning Zone up to 20. Both are available for hire between 09:30 and 17:00, with wifi, screens and optional catering.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group visits and guided tours are available for 10 people or more. Schools can book visits on topics such as Romans, Victorians, local history and the Second World War, and themed loan boxes with handling objects can be hired. |
