Community
Upminster is a town located in the London Borough of Havering. Although Cranham was originally a village, it has been incorporated into Upminster over the past few years, especially for local government purposes. However, the two areas still have their own separate identities. 

There is a strong community spirit locally and several events are hosted throughout the year, such as Upminster Farmers' Market and We Are FSTVL. The town also has a variety of local community groups and clubs, including sports clubs, gardening clubs, and historical societies.

Education
Upminster has an excellent range of good primary and secondary schools. The town is home to the top two secondary schools in the borough for GCSE Results (2022), The Coopers' Company and Coborn School and Sacred Heart of Mary Girls' School. 

Upminster is also home to Corbets Tey School which is a SEN school for children with complex learning needs. 

Property
Upminster has a variety of properties, including period homes, semi-detached and detached houses, bungalows and modern apartments. 

The average house price in Upminster is higher than the national average, but it is a desirable area for families and commuters due to its good transport links and excellent schools.

The area to the north of the station has the highest proportion of detached houses including some beautiful period properties. Property values vary between £1m - £2m, although some may be higher value.

The Springfield estate (Springfield Gardens and surrounding roads) has some beautiful examples of 1930s properties, albeit many have been extended and altered. 

There are still some examples of period properties in Upminster, varying from Victorian cottages to larger Edwardian homes. 

For those looking for a bungalow, Cranham has a wide array of bungalows in varying styles. Cranham is also home to several unique houses which were originally built as self-builds.

There really is something for everyone in Upminster. 

History
Upminster has a rich history, with evidence of Roman settlement in the area. The town was mentioned in the Domesday Book as Upmynstre, and its name comes from the Saxon word for a church on high ground. 

Upminster was once famed for its brick and tile making, with the earliest record of brick-making dating back to 1576. Brickmaking continued in the area until the 1930s. At its peak, the Potkilns Works (located north of Bird Lane) were the largest employer in the area with over 20 men employed. Many of the workforce would have lived in Plain Tile and Pantile Cottages in Bird Lane. 

In the 19th century, the arrival of the railway made Upminster a popular residential area for commuters to London. 

The 1930s saw a large increase in housebuilding in the area as many of the estates were sold off for development. 

During World War II, Upminster was bombed several times, and a V-1 flying bomb hit the town in 1944.

Some excellent examples of Upminster’s historic heritage still exist, the most famous of which would be Upminster Windmill which was constructed in 1803. The windmill is one of the best-remaining smock mills in the country and has recently undergone an extensive restoration to bring the mill back into working order.

Places of interest

  • Clockhouse Gardens: ornamental garden in the middle of Upminster, occupying the site of the former garden of New Place and includes the old moat. It takes its name from the stable block or Clockhouse, which is still standing and is a Grade II listed building.
  • Cranham Marsh Nature Reserve: A beautiful place to explore. It features a range of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, and is home to a variety of wildlife.
  • Upminster Windmill: One of the most iconic landmarks in the area, the Upminster Windmill is a restored 19th-century windmill that offers a glimpse into the area's agricultural past.
  • Upminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia: The Upminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia is a unique museum that showcases local history and culture. It features exhibits on everything from farming and transport to fashion and entertainment.
  • Upminster Golf Club: If you're a golf enthusiast, the Upminster Golf Club is a great place to spend an afternoon. It features an 18-hole course, as well as a clubhouse and restaurant.

For more information on why you should consider Upminster as a place to live, contact our team. We all either live in the area or have grown up here. We’re not just property experts, we’re local experts.  

Our Lettings & Property Management branch

Our general office opening times are as follows:

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:30
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:30
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:30
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:30
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:30
  • Saturday 09:00 - 15:00

Other nearby areas

We're not just estate agents in Upminster & Cranham, we also cover:

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