Out & about

RHS Garden Hyde Hall is open. In order to effectively manage social distancing measures, we're asking all visitors to the garden to pre-book a time slot in advance of their visit.

In line with current Government guidelines, enclosed areas of the garden, including the glasshouse in the Global Growth Vegetable Garden and Bird Hide, remain closed. Play areas are open. Indoor catering venues... Read more

UPDATE: Due to the current pandemic we have had to put a number of restrictions in place for the PYO, which we hope you will understand and support. Other than our farm shop, and a limited takeaway offering, the rest of the farm (including our toilet facilities) remain closed in line with government guidance. In order to enter the PYO, you will need to buy a fruit voucher in advance which has a timed entry slot to enable us to control numbers on site. This will cost £4 per person and the £4 value can be redeemed at the till against the fruit that you have picked. If you do not pick enough fruit to meet the whole value of the £4 voucher, no refunds will be given. Example basket prices will be shown on entrance. There will be no vouchers available to purchase on the door so if you do not have a voucher, please do not travel to the farm for PYO. This fruit voucher charge is non-refundable so please bear this mind before purchasing should you miss your slot or are unable to visit for any reason. We are looking forward, as much as you, to the carefree days of fruit picking, but for now our priority is keeping everyone safe. At the moment our PYO cannot operate as the usual fun family day out but it can still enable you to have access to the freshest fruit available. We hope to be able to relax these restrictions as soon as guidance allows.

A landscape of woods, meadows, ponds and paths. There is a play area for children, Visitors Centre and an onsite café. The site is an ideal spot for cycling. Car parking is £2 for all day.

The Gruffalo Trail is a firm favourite. Paths are buggy friendly and the trail is a pleasant walk through the woodland where all the characters can be found. No booking required. Maps are available at the visitors centre if needed.

Explore over 500 acres of diverse habitats, beautiful colourful woodlands, and the famous Gruffalo trail at Thorndon Country Park.

8am-dusk
The park is open every day.

Gruffalo Trail
Café
Shop
Bike hire
Mountain Bike Trails
Lake
Dogs allowed
Picnics allowed
BBQs not allowed
*Thorndon Countryside Centre... Read more

Each location is unique, with its own identity. We ensure this is reflected in the houses people visit, by designing and decorating it differently - mixing the old with the new. This allows friends and families to have a fun, enjoyable experience as part of their day out.

Visitors capture many memorable and surreal photos and videos they flip upside down which they share on their socials... Read more

RSPB Wallasea Island is a magical landscape of marshland, lagoons, ditches and sea. Walk along the seawalls to see the saltmarsh, mudflats and lagoons, where terns dive into the water in summer and huge flocks of waders and wildfowl arrive in winter. There are a number of nature trails to enjoy. Please refer to the below for the dog friendly trails.

Nature trails

Allfleets... Read more

125 acres of country walks, wildlife spotting, adventure play for kids... and some of the best business and event venues in Essex. Just off the A13 near Basildon, Essex and just 40 minutes by train from the heart of London.

We are now Autumn/Winter Main Gates 9am to 7pm
Visitor Centre daily 10am-4pm

Wat Tyler Café
Basildon Heritage
Essex Field Club... Read more

At Weald Country Park, you can enjoy over 520 acres of woodland, lakes, hay and wildflower meadows, deer park, kid's play, open grassland and spectacular views.

The park is well-loved for its wildlife and deer park. Wildlife includes fallow deer, cattle, herons, mallard ducks and other water birds. There is also have a group of peacocks who come to visit most days.

8am-dusk... Read more

Wheatley Wood occupies the site of old agricultural fields, it has now been planted with semi-natural trees and scrub and incorporates open areas. The site is a haven for wildlife with reptiles, amphibians small mammals, birds, and insects all thriving here. The area provides an excellent nature spotting adventure and is a beautiful place to walk your four legged friends.

Facilities:... Read more