Barking, a rapidly evolving suburb in East London, is part of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, it stands out as one of Greater London's most dynamic development areas.

Recognized as a promising area for growth, Barking offers attractively priced new residences surrounded by expansive outdoor spaces, reputable schools, and contemporary amenities for leisure and shopping. It boasts exceptional transportation connections to both London and Essex.

Investment opportunities are ripe, with key development projects like Dagenham Dock, Barking Town Centre, Barking Riverside, and areas along Thames and River Roads. The Barking Riverside project is particularly notable, being one of the largest in the borough, as well as in London and the UK.

History

Historically, Barking evolved from a thriving fishing village into a significant Essex parish, known for its agriculture and later as a substantial commuter town with diverse manufacturing industries.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was home to the Short Blue Fleet, England's largest fishing fleet. The town also had numerous workshops related to the shipping and dockyard industry, especially in Woolwich.

Sable, on a pale ermine between two lions rampant combatant, two abbess's crosiers in saltire

The 20th century saw Barking diversify into manufacturing various products, including automobiles at Ford, and various other sectors like chemicals, food, power, and metalwork. 

New Homes & Developments

Barking, located in the designated London Riverside Opportunity Area since 2004, is a key part of the Thames Estuary Growth Corridor. This area is marked for significant redevelopment, with the potential to introduce 35,000 new residences and create 10,000 job opportunities.

Regarding property types in Barking, the area boasts a variety of residential styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, and post-1950s modern homes. However, the majority of the housing stock consists of homes constructed in the 1930s. The prestigious Gallions Place is known for its attractive double-fronted semi-detached houses, with some properties fetching prices over £350,000.

Barking is recognized as one of London’s most budget-friendly areas for purchasing a family home. The area features contemporary apartment complexes, including the acclaimed Abbey Quays.

Transportation 

Located in Zone 4, Barking boasts superb transport links to Central London and Essex, featuring extensive road, rail, and river routes. The primary transit centre, Barking station, offers services from the London Underground, London Overground, and National Rail.

Since July 2022, the newly established Barking Riverside station has been operational. It integrates into the London Overground network, offering a quick 7-minute connection to Barking and a rapid 22-minute journey to central London. Additionally, Barking Riverside Pier, serviced by Thames Clippers, provides a River Bus service, enhancing the area's transport links.

The London Underground lines that serve Barking include the Hammersmith & City and District lines, providing access to various parts of London such as the City, Westminster, King's Cross, Hammersmith, Ealing, Richmond, Wimbledon, and Upminster. 

Entertainment

In terms of lifestyle, Barking presents a vibrant marketplace in its town centre. Located along East Street, Ripple Road, and Short Blue Place, the market operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. While the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre shows signs of age, plans for its redevelopment are underway. 

Shopping & Dining

The town centre houses branches of well-known retailers such as Asda, Lidl, Wilko, Dorothy Perkins, Iceland, Superdrug, Boots, and various independent shops.

For dining, Christina’s on North Street is a notable steakhouse. The prime bar in the area is the Boathouse Café & Bar, located in the Ice House Quarter on Abbey Road, which overlooks the River Roding and is part of Barking's creative district, home to artist studios in former maltings and an ice house.

The Dagenham Sunday Market on River Road, with its 600 stalls, is a magnet for bargain hunters from across London and Essex. 

Open Spaces

Regarding open spaces, Barking Abbey Grounds, located in the town centre, is a site of historical significance, featuring the ruins of Barking Abbey, the curfew tower, and the 13th-century St Margaret’s Church.

Barking Park on Longbridge Road offers various amenities, including a boating lake, children's play areas, wildflower meadows, sports facilities, and The Big Friendly Coffee café. Mayesbrook Park features a nature reserve, lakes, playgrounds, sports fields, and an athletics arena.

Arts & Leisure

For leisure and arts, Barking's Broadway Theatre showcases a diverse array of events, ranging from drama, music, and comedy, to children's and family shows.

There are plans for a two-screen cinema, managed by Arthouse from Crouch End, in a proposed development at the former Abbey Sports Centre site in Axe Street. The Abbey Leisure Centre in Bobby Moore Way offers a municipal swimming pool.

Educational Institutions in Barking

Elementary Education

In Barking, the majority of state primary schools have been rated "good" by Ofsted, with Thames View Infants on Bastable Avenue standing out with an "outstanding" rating. However, its corresponding junior school has been assessed as "requiring improvement."

Secondary Education

Barking hosts several "outstanding" secondary schools, and the neighbouring borough of Redbridge is home to two highly-rated grammar schools.

Notable "outstanding" schools include the following:

• Loxford School (mixed, ages 3-19); 
• Little Ilford School (mixed, ages 11-16);
• Plashet School (girls, ages 11-18);
• Isaac Newton Academy (mixed, ages 4-18).

Rated as "good" are Barking Abbey School (mixed, ages 11-18); Riverside School (mixed, ages 11-18), and Ursuline Academy Ilford RC (girls, ages 11-18).

Private Schools

Lady Aisha Academy (girls, ages 11-16) on Victoria Road is a private Muslim school in the area. Another notable institution in this category is Park School (girls, ages 4-16) located on Park Avenue.

Universities

The universities in the Barking area include:

• Barking & Dagenham College
• University of East London (UEL)
• Barking College