Thorndon country Park, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ Tel and Fax: 01277 211250

Thorndon country park and Hartswood, linked with the treasures of lesser-known sites, provide a large area of countryside for you to enjoy. Walk in precious woods, historic parkland and timeless commons. Experience atmospheric places charged with a sense of history and filled with the scent of wildflowers and the call of birds. Whether on foot, bicycle or horseback you can enjoy the peace and wildlife of the Brentwood countryside.

How to find us:

Map

By car: Thorndon Countryside Centre, Thorndon North, is situated off The Avenue (off A128).

To plan your journey to the park visit the Traveline website www.traveline.info.

Opening Times:

8am until dusk daily. Countryside Centre open: summer; 10am to 5pm, winter; 10am to dusk. Pavilion Cafe open: April to September, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun – 11am to 5pm. July and August also open Friday.  October to March: Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 4pm. Open Bank Holiday Mondays.

Parking:

Pay and display; Cars: full day ticket £2; Tax exempt vehicles - no charge; motorcycles - no charge; coaches - £15.

Excess charge for failure to display a valid ticket - £60 (reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days).

Season tickets are available.

Facilities:

Countryside Centre at Thorndon North jointly owned and managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. Gift shop and display area with lots of information and interactive exhibits about the park and wildlife. Light refreshments available at the Countryside Centre and the Pavilion Cafe. Toilets at Thorndon North and South Pavilion. Orienteering. Fishing in season – day tickets available (Adults: £5.00, Concessions: £2.50). Picnic areas.  Barbecue area set-aside at Thorndon South for summer season (charges payable – Groups up to 10 people £10.00; 11-20 people £20.00; 21-30 people and so on.

Access:

Four-wheel battery-powered scooter available through Parkmobility scheme from Thorndon North Countryside centre (pre booking through Essex Wildlife Trust on 01277 232944), and from King George’s park (pre booking on 01277 264690). Disabled toilets at Thorndon North Countryside Centre and South Pavilion.

Events:

An extensive range of guided walks, activities and events run throughout the year including seasonal walks for mums and toddlers, Fairies and Wizards Academy Trail, Pirates and Princesses Treasures Trails as well as seasonal and wildlife events.

Cycle Hire:
The Cycle Centre offers you the chance to hire bikes, tandems, trailers, child seats and tagalongs for exploring Thorndon Country Park. There are also facilities to service and repairs  bikes. Opening times vary by season and weather conditions so please call the Park for more details.

Education:

The Education Team offers early years to Key Stage 4 curriculum-linked education programmes. For more information call 01245 435869.

Discovery days run by Essex Wildlife Trust during school holidays.

Contact:

The Essex Ranger Service on 01277 211250. Essex Wildlife Trust on 01277 232944.