The fine line that differentiates London from the Home Counties has always been a tad blurry. But the way I see it (although admittedly my opinion means next to nothing, considering that I deem everywhere above London as ‘the North’) is that if it’s inside the M25 and within a London borough; you can get away with calling it London.
One spot that makes that line particularly fuzzy, however, is North Ockendon. The charming village is nestled in the furthermost corner of the capitaland despite being surrounded by spots that are in Essex; it’s technically in London. The only inhabited place in London that’s outside of the M25in fact.
Credit: @essex.pilgrim via Instagram
Perched on the very edge of the London Borough of HaveringNorth Ockendon certainly doesn’t resemble what springs to mind when you think of London. Surrounded by tranquil countryside and dotted with pretty cottages that date back to the 1700s; the village oozes charm – and feels a world away from the chaos of the capital.
The historic parish became part of the district of Hornchurch back in 1935. And although its neighbouring sibling (South Ockendon) is considered as part of the Thurrock borough in EssexNorth Ockendon has managed to maintain its London title throughout the years. Home to only a handful of residents, no train station, and just one pub (can you even imagine?!), the village may be small but it’s also pretty mighty. North Ockendon boasts a host of historic landmarks. The flint-faced church of St Mary Magdalene, for example, dates all the way back to 1175, and St Cedd’s Well and its surrounding gardens are well worth a visit, too.
If you fancy paying a visit to this teeny-tiny London village, you can head to Upminster on the District Line and jump on the 370 or the 347 bus from there.
