Out & about

A great place for a family day out. There is so much wildlife to see and experience, both in the woodland and water. There is a café and gift shop, lots of nature walks and route to choose and for the kids, The Wind In The Willows trail with 5 wooden carved characters to discover.

UPDATE: THE PARK AND CAFE ARE OPEN. Harrow Lodge is one of the largest parks in the borough and also one of the most popular due to the facilities provided. The River Ravensbourne cuts a path through the park before entering the first of two large mature lakes, one of which is used for boating. Other facilities include a cafe, 2 playsites with inclusive play equipment and multi-use ball courts (at either end of the park) and tennis courts.

We are excited to welcome back visitors to the Park & Gardens and the Old Palace. All tickets must be purchased in advance of arrival and either printed or viewable on a smart device. Visit the website for full details of whats available.

Home Farm Glamping is a boutique glamping site nestled into the village of Elstree. Our long-grass meadow is perfect for families looking to relax in nature and enjoy a night under canvas. Throughout our glamping season (which runs from April to October) we run activities, workshops and events which place a focus on wellbeing and connecting our guests with wildlife.

There is so much to explore at Hylands House & Park. The house is open on certain days of the year free of charge (see website for details). You can explore the parkland and the stables area where there is also a monthly farmers market. There is a fabulous adventure playground which can be accessed via the park entrance (use sat nav CM2 8FS for the park car park)
Note car parks are no longer... Read more

The centre offers a shop, café, toilets, education/community room, displays and a wide range of events to engage the whole community with the fascinating wildlife and heritage of the park and the surrounding Ingrebourne Valley landscape. Hornchurch Country Park is owned and managed by Havering Council and comprises of 97 hectares of green open space, of great wildlife importance and hugely valued by the local community, who use it for walking, running, cycling, dog walking, playing, family visits and much more.

King George's Playing Fields is a large centrally located park offering the following facilities: formal gardens; exquisite in spring time and beautiful all year round children's play area a unique garden for the blind with many flowering and non-flowering plants which appeal to senses other than sight playing fields for football, cricket, rugby and kick about areas bowling greens with 12 rinks crazy golf skate park cafe excellent facilities for the disabled and able-bodied alike.

Our 250 acres offer a quiet refuge for country picnics and dog walking (visitors are asked to use leads in the park and not to take pets into the gardens). You might catch a glimpse of Red and Sika deer. Children can run loose at the Adventure Playground, search for Geoffrey the Gorilla, hiding at the centre of the Victorian Maze, and enjoy a dinosaur safari with 72 pre-historic creatures grazing amongst the redwoods. Closed during the winter.

Lake Meadows park features a fishing lake, swimming pool, play area, cafe, skate park, bowls green, tennis courts, crazy golf and regular events through the year including Billericay Fireworks and Park Run.

Set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. There are beautiful wildlife gardens and a museum of Plotland Life. Regular wildlife themed and family events are organised throughout the year. Home of The Peter Rabbit Woodland Trail!