If you have 24 hours to spend in Barking and Dagenham, here are some suggestions:
Learn about the history of the area by visiting Valence House Museum. It has free entry and exhibits that showcase the history of Barking and Dagenham. It would take around 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire museum.
If you want to take a break from the city life, head to the Eastbrookend Country Park. It's a beautiful park that offers walking trails, horse riding, fishing, and much more. You can enjoy the park for as little as a few hours or spend the entire day there.
If you love shopping, the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre is the place to be. It has numerous stores, ranging from clothing to home decor. It would take around 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire mall.
Explore the ruins of the Barking Abbey, which is said to be founded in the 7th century. You can explore the ruins and the abbey gardens to get a feel of the place. It would only take around an hour or two to fully explore.
Spend an afternoon in the beautiful Barking Park. It has a boating lake, playgrounds, and sports facilities that are perfect for families and individuals. You can spend as little or as long as you want, depending on how much you want to explore the park.