Essex

Family walking in the garden at Paycocke's

Walk amongst an ancient forest or discover old age traditions in a number of quaint, quiet villages.

Places to visit

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Boys with their dad sitting on a tree stump next to the lake

Places to visit in Essex 

There's more to Essex than first meets the eye. Tucked away you'll find lots of hidden gems, from an ancient royal hunting forest to a stunning Tudor merchant's house. Where will you discover on your next visit?

Discover places to visit in Essex

Playful summer days

Children climbing a tree in the grounds of Mottisfont, Hampshire.

Essex 

Where better to climb a tree than Hatfield Forest in Essex? During the school holidays we'll also be creating art inspired by the Forest, finding out what creatures lurk in the pond and putting your bushcraft skills to the test! Why not bring the kids, so they can burn off some energy!

Actors on stage outdoors in Shakespearean costume

Summer nights out 

Make the most of the long summer days with some alfresco entertainment at our places. Pack a picnic hamper and bring along your family and friends to one of our 'summer nights' of film, theatre and music.

A group of red poll cattle amongst the buttercups of Takeley Hill

Summer days out on your doorstep 

From where to ride your bike to the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic, summer gardens worth exploring and beaches worth discovering. We've got lots more inspiration to help you plan your next day out this summer.

Plan your visit

Outdoor activities

A couple sit on a bench between two trees while their dog runs about

Walking in Essex 

There's more to Essex (and Hertfordshire) than you think. Why not explore the village of Coggeshall or some of our hidden gems like Blake's Wood and Danbury Common on foot?

Visitor running in woodland

Hatfield parkrun 

Why not join us at Hatfield Forest parkrun, a free and friendly 5K run that takes place every Saturday at 9am? Open to everyone, male, female, young or old, this timed weekly run will enable you to pursue your love of running in beautiful surroundings.

Coming soon...

The Kings Driscolls band playing live at Woodfest in Hatfield Forest

WoodFest 

Join us for WoodFest in September and experience Hatfield Forest as it comes alive with music, crafts and much, much more...

A boat sits alone next to Northey Island causeway as the tide comes in

Castaway at Northey Island 

Become a 'Castaway' when you get cut off by the tide on Northey Island. Join us for our annual camp out, keep an eye out for tickets going on sale next year. Enjoy live music, beer and getting back to nature.

Help support our work
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Hatfield Forest - Every Step Counts

Wet weather presents a particular challenge at Hatfield Forest. The ground becomes very easily waterlogged and the paths very muddy, especially in the coppices. The drier weather is helping with our car parking capacity, but we may need to close the grass car parks if we have a prolonged bout of rain. This means our ability to cope with lots of people is varied, so we ask you to bear with us, especially on fine weekends and holiday periods.

Find out more
Traditional wood craft in Hatfield Forest Play Video
Silhouettes of the geese coming in to land with an orange Play Video
Video

Our work on the coast

Northey Island on the Blackwater Estuary might have been the site of the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain, but today it's also an internationally important haven for birds. As we face challenges ahead with sea-level rise, your support is helping us plan for the future.

Find out how you can support our coast
Places to stay
Exterior of Thorington Hall

Places to stay 

You can now stay in Thorington Hall on the Essex/Suffolk border. A beautiful rambling farmhouse, this holiday cottage will sleep large groups and is an ideal base to explore nearby Constable Country.

Places to stay

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Thank you

We couldn't do it without you

Thanks to you, your support helps us care for special places like this, for ever, for everyone.