Activities at Hatfield Forest

Cycling in Hatfield Forest

Explore the further reaches of the Forests on your bike - you might get lucky and see a herd of deer

Activities for all at Hatfield Forest

The forest trails are ideal for walking, running or riding. Try the lake for boating or fishing.

Doggie do's and don'ts at Hatfield Forest

Hatfield Forest is a perfect place for walking your dog, with miles of paths to explore, trees to sniff and grass to roll about in.

Forest walk at Hatfield Forest, Takeley, Essex

Discover the sights that make the forest a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with wildlife and wildflowers to spot in summer.

• Easy
• 1 hour 30 mins
• 1.7 miles (2.7km)

Hatfield Forest tree walk Takeley Essex

On this gentle circular walk around the central area of Hatfield Forest look out for a variety of interesting trees that make it a site of great historical and ecological importance. Buggy-friendly, along board-walks and mostly hard surfaces.

• Easy
• 1 hour 30 mins
• 1.75 miles (2.8km)

Hatfield Forest Capability Brown Trail, Takeley, Essex

Discover some of the sites associated with the development of the central area of the forest as a pleasure ground in the 18th century, including the Brownian legacy.

• Easy
• 1 hour
• 1.9 miles (3.05km)

Hatfield Forest Golden Boots walk, Takeley, Essex

In May and June, the plains at Hatfield Forest turned into a sea of gold by over 300 million buttercups - an extra special time to enjoy this walk.

• Easy
• 1 hour 30 mins
• 3.4 miles (5.45km)

Hatfield Forest Flitch Way and Forest walk, Takeley, Essex

A circular family walk through the Forest and on the Flitch Way, where the ancient trees are like magnificent living sculptures, peaceful giants worn and fragile from centuries of seasons and use.

• Easy
• 2 hours 30 mins
• 3.5 miles (5.6km)

Hatfield Forest, Takeley to Wall Wood walk, Essex

No other forest on Earth evokes the atmosphere of a medieval hunting forest so completely. The ancient trees are like magnificent living sculptures, peaceful giants worn and fragile from centuries of seasons and use.

• Easy
• 4 hours 30 mins
• 9.5 miles (15.25km)

Summer Activities

Join one of our special summer runs, walks and talks, and share our love and knowledge of the forest. Alternatively, reconnect with nature through our mindful practice sessions.

Fun for Families at Hatfield Forest

Bring your family to the forest and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, whether it be just letting off steam running around under the trees, building a den or exploring the further reaches on foot or by bike